Sweden's National Day - 6th June

For a country with such a long and colorful history, we were pretty late into the playing field when it came to claiming our own national day.

It wasn't until 1983 that Sweden officially declared 6th June as it's national day. Even now, we don't celebrate with the blaze of glory that, say, the USA do on 4th July. (I wonder if we can introduce the concept of tailgate parties and a Swedish tune equivalent to the popularity of "Yankee Doodle" to the reserved Swedes?) Up until now, June 6th in Sweden has always been a working day. Most of the ceremonies, parades and royal flag presentations took place in the evening because of this.

June 6th a is significant day in history for the Swedes as this was the day that Gustav Vasa was crowned King of Sweden in 1523. He's the chap who liberated Sweden from it's union with Denmark. To this day, the present King of Sweden presents flags to various organizations and people in a lavish ceremony to mark the day.

It must be noted, that never before have I been to a country where the flying of the national flag is done with such enthusiasm in one's own private back yard. Flag poles are a standard feature in any garden and the hoisting of the blue and yellow flag the minute Spring arrives is as normal as taking the dog for a walk. House after house displaying the colors of Sweden is quite a site to be seen on any residential street.

So good for you Sweden, you have finally rolled over and given us the day off on our national day. All-be-it at the expense of our annual "Annandags Pingst" holiday. So let's celebrate national day in style like the country deserves - without, for the first time ever, having to get up early for the morning rush.