Nordstjernan 2218

The

Christmas stalks, market day and beer: In the old days Tomas Day, December 21, was an important way station on the route to the Christmas holiday itself. Tomas Day, named after the apostle that had the hardest time to believe in the resurrection. Tomas is the skeptic in the religious cultural tradition, sometimes referred to as Tomas the skeptic or Doubting Tomas (Tomas tvivlaren in Swedish). Historically this day was significant for people in all of the Nordic countries in different ways. It was the day to cancel contracts with day croppers and tenants, according to law. It was a traditional market day and the day when all preparations for Christmas should be ready. Indeed, in many places people really considered that day the real beginning of the holidays. Up until 1776 the day was also a general holiday. December 21, Tomas Day was also the time to put up the Christmas stalks. In large sections of the country, gateposts and porticos were decorated with evergreen trees whose twigs were taken off so only the top tufts remained. A regular day for markets, Tomas Day was also the day the beer was ready.

December 15 | Sunrise & Sunset

New York 7.12 am 4.29 pm

Chicago 7.11 am 4.20 pm

Stockholm 8.38 am 2.46 pm

Kiruna below horizon

Lund 8.30 am 3.34 pm

Los Angeles 6.51 am 4.45 pm

SCANDINAVIAN QUIZ

1Viktor Rydberg (1828–1895) was a Swedish novelist and religious philosopher who is best remembered for what? A) his Nobel Prize acceptance speech B) his glögg recipe C) introducing psychoanalysis to Sweden D) the poem Tomten

2 Who can we thank for Google Maps as we travel this holiday season? A) Tomten of course B) Volvo C) Danish developers D) Norwegian flight attendants

3 King Sverker I the Elder, who was killed by his coachman on Christmas Day in 1156, had what nickname? A) Clubfoot B) Redhead C) St. Nick D) Farfar (Grandpa)

4 What did it mean to be the first farmer to return home after Julotta on Christmas Day? A) summer would bring a bountiful harvest B) Tomten would leave the best gift C) he’d win the lottery D) a stranger will visit

5 What is Finland’s Avantouinti Society? A) magicians’ club B) ice swimming club C) sauna concert group D) death cleaning business

CULTURE

6 If you saw the Norse god Odin flying through the sky on Christmas Eve, what would be leading him? A) his 8-legged horse Sleipner B) his wife Frigg C) two ravens D) Pegasus

7 What is hidden in every Nordic family’s rice pudding during the December holidays? A) silver ring B) almond C) fig D) Baby Jesus

8 Over 100 years after Carl Larsson’s death, what can we still find at his home in Sundborn, Sweden? A) his Model T collection B) greatgrandchildren C) art D) giant straw julbock

9 Why is a tomte’s face usually depicted without eyes and only his nose sticking out from under his hat? A) to distinguish it from a gnome B) his keenest sense is smelling glögg C) the original artist had limited materials D) the tomte is shy

10 What are most Swedes likely to wrap their Christmas gifts with? A) hand-made gift tags B) recycled ribbon C) clever hints to what’s inside D) Nordstjernan newspaper

Namnsdagar December

Assar - December 16

Assar is a male name of Nordic origin with the meaning “he who gives answers” (originally Andswarur). The name dates back to at least the year 1000. Today a majority of people with the name Assar were born in the 1930s and 1940s. Since the beginning of the 1990s, however, the name has seen a certain rise in popularity, but overall the name is still unusual as a first name. There are a total of 2,362 people in Sweden with the name.

Stefan - December 26

Stefan is a man’s name originating in the Greek name Stefanos, which means “crowned.”

Sylvester - December 31

Sylvester (or Silvester) is a masculine name with Latin origin and means “wooded” or “wild.” It’s an unusual name in Sweden, though the trend since the 1990s is going up.

founded in new york city in september 1872

Nordstjernan (ISSN 1059-7670), founded in New York City in September 1872, is published by Swedish News, 570 Lexington Ave, new York, nY 10022 • Readers services and editorial submissions: P.O. Box 680, Minneola, FL 34755

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Photo: Skansen/Marie Andersson

December TO DO

12.18 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT: FJÄRDE ADVENT / Advent, from the Latin word “adventus” which means arrival, is celebrated during the month before Christmas. Swedish families light the fourth candle of the Advent wreath on this day.

12.21 PUT UP THE JULKÄRVE: TOMASDAGEN / Traditionally a market day and time to put up the julkärve (Christmas stalks), also the day the beer was ready, and named after the apostle who voiced his disbelief in the resurrected Jesus.

12.21 GET YOUR VITAMIN D: VINTERSOLSTÅNDET / Winter Solstice: It doesn’t get any darker than today but from now on the days get longer and lighter. Soon spring.

12.24 WATCH DISNEY CARTOONS / JULAFTON: It’s Christmas Eve, the big event with a festive meal and Christmas gifts. And at 3 p.m. all of Sweden watches the traditional “Kalle Ankas Jul” (Donald Duck’s Christmas).

12.25 GET UP REALLY EARLY (OR JUST STAY UP ALL NIGHT): JUL / It’s Christmas! Many Swedes get up very early to go to church for the special Julotta service. A bell used to toll at 5 a.m. to awaken the people for the 6 a.m. service but today the service may start as late as 7 a.m.

12.31 IT’S NEW YEAR’S EVE: NYÅRSAFTON / Skål to an even happier and healthier new year in 2023! (Need ideas on how to keep your New Year’s resolutions, turn to page 4)

A big year ...

… a significant year. 2023 will be upon us soon, bringing several major anniversaries in and for Sweden. In addition to Nordstjernan celebrating 151 years of continuous publishing, it’s been 500 years since Gustav Eriksson Vasa was elected king after two years of ruthless war with the Danes. History dictates he was elected on June 6 that year and rode into a liberated Stockholm less than two weeks later. The events marked Sweden’s secession from the Kalmar Union and Vasa became the de facto creator of the realm of modern Sweden. The year 2023 also marks 50 years on the throne for our present king, H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf who ascended the throne after the death of his grandfather on September 15, 1973. And Stockholm celebrates an anniversary in 2023: It’ll be 100 years since the imposing, iconic Stockholm City Hall, Stadshuset, was built and inaugurated in the city center. Its designer Ragnar Östberg saw the inauguration on Midsummer, June 23 in 1923 as a phase in the completion of the whole building. These are all big events for sure but our perspectives have changed a bit over these last two or three years. We take fewer things for granted. It feels good to belong. Every moment we spend together or sharing, even from a distance, is an important part of life.

This time of year the fellowship of friends and family is experienced in parties and preparations. For most it is the high point of any year, a time which many look forward to for months. Yet if it were only a time of joviality there would be something irrevocably lost. The spirit of Christmas is derived from something deeper and more significant, even for those who are not actively observing the Christian faith. Whether reflecting on the image of the baby born and lying in a manger in Jerusalem or spending time with family decorating a Christmas tree, this season can be profound. Love is expressed in many ways at this time of year and the hope symbolized by Lucia bringing light in the darkness reaches its height on Christmas morning.

The holidays are also a time to reflect on what you’re thankful for. For us, it’s you. As I counted my blessings this Thanksgiving, I want you to know that you were among them. Thank you for spending time with us every other week or in winter and the peak of summer, every month. Thank you for the time you take to send us your comments. Thank you for the honest feedback and your willingness to share opposing points of view. Thank you for your thoughtful criticisms; they help us get better, and they are a gift we never take for granted.

It is the season to be jolly, to enjoy the hectic activities which all in some way reflect the Christmas spirit. To all our readers, friends, and all of you out there contributing to the content and continued success of Swedish-America’s oldest, largest, proudest and fastest growing publication, the staff of Nordstjernan wishes you a Merry Christmas—God Jul 2022.

Ulf Barslund Mårtensson Editor & Publisher

Dashboard, p4-5

This is what he does when not working, but is he here - page 21 - as some say, or there - page 10.

A visit to Björk, p22

We visit the Nordic café and bistro that recently opened on the ground floor of Scandinavia House, New York City.

Our Julbord classics p25

Sweet treats from Sweden, p29

Photo: Plattform/Scandinav

Photo: Ulf Lundin/Imagebank.sweden

Christmas market in Swedish America /p17

Swedish food prices continue up / Sentinel over art and humanity awarded / How to succeed with this year’s resolutions / Årets julklapp / A lifetime of smörgåsbord.

Swedish food prices continue to increase

Lower global prices for cereal and energy have not yet helped to reduce prices in Sweden, where prices are also increasing faster than in neighboring countries. Swedish food prices rose 17.2 percent compared to the level in October 2021. In Denmark, Finland and Norway, food price inflation in October was lower than in Sweden. If you compare the entire 2000s, Swedish food prices have risen 2.2 percent per year, Danish and German by 2.1 percent, Norwegian by 1.7 percent and Finnish by 1.6 percent.

The stories, the traditions, the people behind the news.

founded in new york city in september 1872

executive editor & publisher:

Ulf Barslund Mårtensson (editor@nordstjernan.com)

copy editor: Amanda Olson Robison (editor@nordstjernan.com)

managing editor & production: Everett Martin graphic design: Nadia Wojcik (design@nordstjernan.com)

contributors: Ted Olsson - Leif Rosqvist - Martha Swanson Kitty Hughes - Ulf Kirchdorfer - Valorie Arrowsmith Bo Zaunders - Göran Rygert - James Kaplan - Gunilla Blixt publications director: Mette Barslund Mårtensson (mette@nordstjernan.com; 800.827.9333, ext 12)

nordstjernan p.o. box 680 minneola fl 34755 contact us at 1.800.827.9333 ext 10 for reader services, email: subs@nordstjernan.com; ext 12 for advertising, email: advertising@nordstjernan.com www.nordstjernan.com

Covering three worlds: Sweden, America and Swedish America. Order your own copy, $59.00 for a year (18 issues) Choose ‘subscribe’ at www.nordstjernan.com or call 1.800.827.9333, ext 10

Sentinel over art, humanity awarded

Subscriber and University of Kentucky art alumna Helene Steene, in collaboration with the University of Kentucky, was awarded the 2022 Collaboration of Design + Art (CODA) award in the education category for her piece “Moon Sentinel.” CODA recognizes outstanding projects that integrate commissioned art into interior, architectural or public spaces. The 10th annual international design competition announced winners across 10 categories as well as two People’s Choice Award winners.

“To receive the CODAaward is a great honor, as artists from around the world are considered for this competition,” the Swedish born artist said. This year’s 406 CODAaward entries represent over $94 million in commission fees. A jury of 18 esteemed members of the design, architecture and art worlds evaluated each entry on three unique criteria across 10 categories:

- The integration of commissioned artwork into site-specific projects, completed since January 2019.

- The strength of the collaborative process among the creative teams, commissioners and industry resources.

- The art and design seamlessly blended to create a place as art rather than a place with art.

Steene’s piece, “Moon Sentinel,” was also recognized in The Cornerstone’s inaugural call for art. The call for art focused on two themes: Black Lives in the Bluegrass and Kentucky Confronting COVID-19.

“The ‘Moon Sentinel’ was a painting I had already painted, and the inspiration for that is obviously my fascination with the moon,” Steene said. “To see my 7-foot-tall painting enlarged to 55 feet at The Cornerstone was a great thrill. I’m grateful that UK had the technical skills to do something that I myself never could have achieved. It’s wonderful when classical painting skills can be combined with

Helene Steene’s work has been published, exhibited, and collected in both private and public collections in the United States, France, Greece, Spain, Great Britain and Sweden, and she has won numerous awards for her work. For more info on the artist, see www.helenesteene.com

Photo: Plattform/imagebank.sweden

modern tech skills like this LED installation.”

The competition included not only the piece itself but also considered the format and location of its display, and both Melody Flowers, executive director for strategic analysis and policy and Chelsea Brislin, associate director for the Gaines Center for the Humanities, were listed as collaborators on the project.

Anyone who visited the Christmas Market at for instance the Nordic Museum in Seattle (above) couldn’t miss the Swedish glögg on display. Made of Swedish California grapes from Napa Valley’s Sjoeblom Winery this wine based glögg is a nice addition to any holiday bar, well balanced, mildly spiced and with a core flavor of wine. In case you did, sign up at www.gloggclub.com to order your own wherever you are.

The hand knit garment is the Christmas gift of the year 2022. We live in a troubled world. The war in Ukraine has caused rising inflation and increased energy prices. At the same time, we also see a renewed interest in crafts and art making. HUI has therefore appointed the home-knitted garment as this year’s Christmas gift. In a time of figurative and literal cold, as a result of unrest in the world, the Christmas Gift 2022 represents a warm hug in product form to give to loved ones.

For the 35th year in a row, HUI has designated a Christmas gift of the year. Recent years have been marred by unrest. When the pandemic restrictions were released at the beginning of the year, war was started in Europe, we had record high inflation with rising food and electricity prices and increased interest rates which created uncertainty in Swedish homes. When the money we have buys less, we have had to adapt by taking measures such as lowering the heat in our homes, schools and workplaces. In a time of cold and restraint, we look toward the safe and traditional at Christmas - the hand knit garment is therefore needed more than ever.

The interest in art and handicrafts has been revived. Traditional crafts such as knitting in particular have found a new, young target group who use needlework as recreation and as a way to express their unique identity. The hashtag “#knittok” on Tiktok has almost 400 million views and contains short inspiring instructional videos. Yarnbombing - knitted graffiti in public environments is trending in several big cities, and the English swimming jumper Tom Daley, who became a knitting inspiration for many when he was seen knitting during the Olympics in Tokyo, has launched his own knitting kits. For more info, see Handelns utredningsinstitut/The Swedish Retail Institute (HUI) www.hui.se

Reduced sales during ‘black week’

Home electronics attracted more Black Friday shoppers than usual this year, but overall sales decreased during the sale week. According to a forecast manager at Swedbank, sales fell by 10 percent adjusted for inflation. At the same time, home electronics shopping increased 142 percent compared to before the sale. It is the highest increase during the week since 2019.

A lifetime of smörgåsbord

Lifelong foodie and baker Jonni Hegenderfer loves to entertain and share her passion for cooking with guests. While on a trip to Sweden to visit family, she put her cousins to work unearthing family recipes, but her findings inspired much more than a dinner party menu. “I realized these recipes represent a lifetime of memories for our family, and I wanted to capture and preserve them,” Hegenderfer said.

As a former marketing and communications professional, Hegenderfer knows the importance of sparking joy - which is exactly the sentiment she hopes to ignite with her new cookbook. In A Swedish Family Cookbook, Hegenderfer shares the story of her grandmother who emigrated from Sweden to America in 1895. Combining her recipes together with the treasured handwritten recipes of her grandmother, mother, aunt and cousins, she presents a smorgasbord of recipes overflowing with the flavors and traditions of Sweden. “This collection is the embodiment of a warm kitchen filled with beloved family and friends enjoying a fika or a meal and conversation with one another,” Hegenderfer said. “I truly believe there is much to be learned by sharing a meal with new friends in new places. The world would be a kinder place if we all engaged in a global policy of international dining diplomacy.”

A Swedish Family Cookbook is available for purchase online at Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.

About the author

Jonni Hegenderfer owned a boutique public relations agency for 25+ years, serving McDonald’s, Hershey’s, Jim Beam, ConAgra, and other Fortune 500 companies. She is now retired and di-

A Swedish Family Cookbook: From Farm to Fabulous by Jonni Hegenderfer

ISBN: 979-8-88590-926-6

Publication Date: Available online on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

vides her time between homes in Bonita Springs, FL, Downers Grove, IL, and Grand Beach, MI. When not creating new recipes (or getting new recipe ideas from reading Nordstjernan), she enjoys travelling to explore the food, traditions, and cultures of other places - from Stockholm to St. Tropez to Sydney to Shanghai.

For samples of recipes and information on Jonni’s way of cooking with a taste of Sweden, visit www.swedishfamilykitchen.com

Årets julklapp 2022

The author and baker Jonni Hegenderfer in her kitchen

Local Events

California

Los Angeles

Dec 25, 7 AM

Julotta: Christmas day’s early morning service at the Swedish Church in San Pedro. www.churchofswedenla.com

Jan 1, 11 AM

Nyårsdagsgudstjänst: New Year’s Day service at the Swedish Church in San Pedro. www.churchofswedenla.com

Petaluma

Dec 18 & 23

Julbord & Julbord To Go: Enjoy a traditional Swedish Julbord holiday experience in-person or carry-0ut. Stockhome Restaurant Petaluma, 707.981.8511 / www. stockhomepetaluma.com

San Francisco

Dec 16, 12-4 PM

Christmas Luncheon/Julbord: After two years of covid, SACC’s yearly Christmas Luncheon is back. Enjoy a traditional Scandinavian julbord prepared by a chef, have glögg, drinks, and sing snapsvisor. At the Norwegian Club, www.eventbrite.com

Dec 24, 11 AM

Jul Gudstjänst: Christmas service in Swedish and Norwegian. Swedish Church, www. svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco

Colorado

Idaho Springs

Dec 21, 6:30-8:30 PM

Jul - A Viking Candlemas: Celebrate the traditions of old through a celebration of light and dark with a peek into Norse Mythology, ritual and community in a blend of ancient and modern traditions of food, spirituality and storytelling blended with music and theatrics. At United Center, www.eventbrite.com

Illinois

Chicago

Dec 15, 6-7 PM

“Dansa in julen”

It’s not uncommon to hear Swedes talk about dancing away, “dansa ut” julen, which is what you do at “julgranspludring” on Trettondedag Knut on Jan. 13. “Dansa in, ” to welcome Christmas would be something you’d do on Christmas Eve - similar to what the group of tomtar are doing in Jenny Nyström’s image to the right. Ring dancing isn’t only for big groups at Midsommar or Lucia, it’s also for small groups at Christmas — and is why many Swedish families put their Christmas tree in the middle of a room: to facilitate dancing around it. We haven’t adopted this tradition in our American homes quite as much as other Swedish traditions, but we do have the chance to sample it at many Lucia and Julbord festivities throughout December (and if we’re lucky, also in January when we dance ’round the tree before the julgransplundering). Along with a delicious holiday smörgåsbord, a visit from Tomten and special julklappar, Chicago’s Julmiddag on Dec. 18 offers dancing around the Christmas tree with members of our extended Swedish American family. God Jul! 773.728.8111 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org

Holiday baking class: Learn to bake some seasonal Swedish treats. This is a handson class, $30/person. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org

Dec 17, 1 PM CST

Book Club Online: Discuss The Firefly Letters by Margarita Engle. When Fredrika Bremer asked the Swedish Consulate to find her a quiet home in the Cuban countryside, she expected a rustic thatched hut, not a luxurious mansion in Matanzas, where Elena, the daughter of the house, could barely step foot outside. Free, register via email museum@samac.org. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org

Dec 18, 4 PM

Julgudstjänst: Traditional Swedish Christmas service in Swedish at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. 773.728.8111 / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org

Dec 18, 5 PM

Julmiddag: A festive and traditional Swedish Christmas smörgåsbord catered by Tre Kronor includes an appearance from Tomten, julklappar (presents) for the children, a Lucia procession and dancing around the Christmas tree. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org

Dec 21, 5:30-6:30 PM

Cookie Contest: It’s time for our first-ever cookie contest, a great Swedish bakeoff! Join as a baker or as a judge (all visitors are judges). Cookies are judged on taste, originality and story. Bakers, get more info online, judges, reserve your spot as space is limited. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org

Ongoing

The Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration has reopened! Located on the third floor of the Swedish American Museum, this special room offers children the chance to experience immigration firsthand. Admission to the Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration is free with Swedish American Museum general admission. 773.728.8111 / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org

Ongoing

Nordic House: This special installation in the historic Wrigley Building in downtown Chicago provides visitors with an immersive experience of the Nordic region – with images and videos as well as the best of what the respective Nordic countries have to offer in retail products, food and culture, and a photography exhibit by Hans Ekestang. Through December at Wrigley Building’s South Tower at 400 N. Michigan Ave. www.swedishamericanmuseum.org/ nordic-house

IKEA

Julbord: Check the location nearest you to enjoy the annual all-you-can-eat Christmas smorgasbord with marinated salmon, cucumber salad, potato gratin, beet salad, meatballs in sauce, egg salads, rice pudding, almond cake and more. www. ikea.com/us/en/stores/events

Kansas Lindsborg

Dec 15, 6-8 PM

Christmas Tomte Paint & Sip Workshop: Enjoy drinks with friends (ages 21+) in this step-by-step Swedish tomte painting class, just in time for Christmas. $45. Smoky Valley Arts & Folklife Center, www. smokyvalleyartsandfolklifecenter.org

Dec 25, 5:45-7 AM

Julotta: Traditional Swedish Lutheran Christmas service with brass ensemble sending the call to worship at 5:45 a.m. from the bell tower of the beautiful church. Bethany Lutheran Church, www. visitlindsborg.com

Dec 26, 10-11 AM

Annandag Jul: “Another day of Christmas” is celebrated with a traditional Lutheran Church service in Swedish. Bethany Lutheran Church, www.visitlindsborg.com

Massachusetts Newton Dec 17, 5 PM

Julegudstjeneste! Norwegian Christmas service – in Norwegian with Pastor Jofrid Landa from the Norwegian Seamen’s Church in New York. Enjoy holiday treats following the service. Scandinavian Cultural Center, kristinbotnen@gmail.com / www.scandicenter.org

Sweet Swede Christmas

Sharing a meal is a ritual that reunites us with loved ones and brings a sense of balance to our lives. At no time of the year is this more important than Christmas. Americans are oftentimes portrayed as the gluttons of the world, but when it comes to candy, especially “lösgodis” (candy sold by the pound), the Swedes are several steps ahead. In fact, Swedes carry an all-time

Ongoing

Enkel Glädje exhibit: The charming art of Bevin Holmberg, whose work illustrates “aspects of life that one might find interesting. I see personality in nature, and I am especially interested in pattern. For me, art does not need to be complicated if it brings someone joy.” Through December at Scandinavian Cultural Center / www. scandicenter.org

Minnesota Minneapolis

Dec 16 & 17, 9-10 AM

Kids at the Castle - Tiny Tomtes and Extraordinary Elves: It’s a morning playdate at the castle with action-packed creative playtimes for adventurous young mindswith storytelling, crafts, visual play, music, and movement. Suggested for ages 2–5 and their grown-up. American Swedish Institute / www.asimn.org

Dec 17 & 18

Julbord lunch and dinner: Don’t miss this multi-course meal featuring all your favorite Nordic dishes, accompanied by a performance by Tjarnblom. Seating requests must be made one week in advance. ASI’s holiday exhibit, Secrets of the Season, will be open for viewing. American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / www.asimn.org

Dec 20, 27 & 28, 6-7 PM

Holiday Glogg Tour: Celebrate the holiday season with a guided tour of the holiday exhibition and Swedish mulled wine. Small bites and glögg are included. For ages 21+. See more dates in December and early January, at American Swedish Institute / www.asimn.org

Jan 6, 10-11:30 AM

world record when it comes to eating candy, no one has as sweet a tooth as the Swede. It’s a good thing then that the holidays offer opportunities to make your own sweets, still sugary but you will know their contents and cherish every single bite. Above, ischoklad, the melting ice chocolate treats: recipes for this and other sweets for Christmas, see pages 27-29.

Pippi’s After Christmas Party: Explore Swedish and Swedish American traditions with your preschooler through music, story time, crafts, and movement. For ages 3–5 and their important adults. American Swedish Institute / www.asimn.org

Ongoing

Secrets of the Season: Explore an immersive all-ages holiday installation with vibrant seasonal décor, the perfect holiday gifts, festival foods, hands-on activities for all ages, and a holiday menu at Fika Café. American Swedish Institute / www.asimn. org

Scandia

Dec 17 ,10:30 AM & 1:30 PM

Annie’s Swedish Coffee Party: Annie, Gammelgården’s oldest resident, is the inspiration behind our traditional Swed-

ish 3-course Coffee Party. A perfect way to celebrate the holidays with a special Jul program. RSVP, $15. Gammelgården Museum, 651.433.5053 / www.gammelgardenmuseum.org

New York

New York Dec 13-22

Christmas Lunch and Dinner: Enjoy a Christmas Plate served family style - the Cold Plate (herring, gravlax and christmas ham) followed by the Hot Plate (Swedish meatballs, christmas ham, prinskorv and Jansson’s), $85 (minimum two persons). Restaurant Aquavit, 212.307.7311 / www. aquavit.org

Dec 17, 23 & 24

Julbord: Restaurant Aquavit serves an especially elaborate family style meal, served only during the Christmas season

Since 1919

Haram-Christensen Corporation

Importers of fine Scandinavian Specialties

125 Asia Place

Carlstadt, NJ 07072 Tel:201-507-8544 Fax:201-507-0507 www.haramchris.com Email: sales@haramchris.com

Products –KLÄDESHOLMEN

Herring & Cod Roe Spread, ROYAL SWEDEN Lumpfish, Capelin, Löjrom Caviar & Cod Roe Spread, ABBA Herring, Kalles Kaviar, & Salmon Pate, NORDEN Herring Salads, FELIX Lingonberries, Red Cabbage & Sliced Pickles, BEAUVAIS Pickles & Red Cabbage, HAFI Preserves including Lingonberry, Gooseberry, Blueberry & Queens Blend, NYAKER Lemon, Oat & Gingerbread Cookies, Läkerol, Pearl Sugar, Spirit Vinegar, Crispbread, FREIA & NIDAR Chocolates & Marzipan, CHEESES: Snöfrisk, Gjetost, Farmers Cheese, Danbo & Danish Tilsit and many more products from the Scandinavian Countries.

Call for information about the store nearest you that carries our quality products.

SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM THE AMERICAN-SCANDINAVIAN FOUNDATION

a hallmark at Aquavit. Restaurant Aquavit, 212.307.7311 / www.aquavit.org

Dec 23 & 24, 5:30 PM

Holiday Julbord: A Christmas Table pre-

sented by Björk Cafe & Bistro offers a quintessential Christmas smorgasbord featuring a long buffet table overloaded with classics and more; each lunch and dinner seating will be accompanied by a traditional St. Lucia performance. One cup of glögg is included with a dinner beverage of choice. www.scandinaviahouse.org/ events/holiday-julebord-december-23-22

Dec 23, 7 PM

ABBA 50th Anniversary Celebration: Dancing Dream - The Tribute to ABBA, go on a nostalgic trip back to the glitz and glamour of the 70s with the harmonies, elaborate costumes, and exciting choreography of ABBA. At the Cutting Room, www. dancingdreamtribute.com/tour

Oregon Portland

Dec 17 & 18

Julbord with Broder Soder: Ring in the holiday with a savory Scandinavian feast of tasty appetizers, dinner, dessert, entertainment and a complimentary glass of glögg (other beverages available for purchase). Nordic Northwest, 503.977.0275 / www.nordicnorthwest.org

Dec 18, 10 AM-1 PM

Dala Horse Christmas Ornament Carving: Learn some basic carving and painting techniques on your own Dala-inspired horse ornament. All experience levels are welcome. Nordic Northwest, 503.977.0275 / www.nordicnorthwest.org

Dec 28, 7-8:30 PM

Film Screening: Finding Hygge (Denmark 2018). Grab some hot chocolate and enjoy this Danish documentary (in English) that explores Denmark’s secret to happiness. Get cozy, watch the movie and enjoy traditional snacks and chance to see the Christmas exhibit after dark. Nordic Northwest, 503.977.0275 / www.nordicnorthwest.org

Ongoing

Crafts of Christmas: Crafts are an important part of celebrating the Christmas season in the Nordic countries. Often derived from traditions that have existed for hundreds of years, the Nordic countries are known to go all-out on their celebrations of Christmas from the Jul Hearts of Denmark or the Gävle straw goats of Sweden, craft traditions from these countries ring in the season. Come see a spectacular display and a chance to learn more about each of the countries’ traditions. Through Jan 1 at Nordic Northwest, 503.977.0275 / www.nordicnorthwest.org

Pennsylvania Philadelphia

Dec 20, 10:30 AM

Toddler Time - Toddlers and families will get into the spirit by learning about fun Swedish holiday traditions such as St. Lucia Day, Pepparkakor, and Jultomte. American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / www.americanswedish.org

Dec 28, 4-7 PM

Museum Tour & Glögg Tasting: Get cozy at the ASHM with our special Museum & Glögg Tour! Join us for our general gallery tour and learn about Scandinavian holiday traditions. Then enjoy some glögg, Swedish pepparkaka and Danish aebleskiver. between the tours. We are offering two tour time slots at 4 pm and 6 pm. $5 for members and $15 for non-members. American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / www.americanswedish.org

Ongoing

Art for All Exhibition: The Swedish Experience in Mid-America, featuring paintings and sculptures by Swedish American artists from the late-19th and early-20th centuries. American Swedish Historical Museum, www.americanswedish.org

Washington Seattle

Dec 15, 6-7 PM GMT

Virtual Crafts & Cocktails: Recharge from your day with an evening of creativity and fun! Join us for virtual Crafts & Cocktails to learn a cocktail recipe, and make something special using supplies from around the house. National Nordic Museum, 206.789.5707 / www.nordicmuseum.org

Wisconsin Stockholm Dec 17

Fire of Stockholm Winter Solstice: A Nordic winter celebration with festivities and shopping. The village is lit with fire dancers, luminaries, carolers, ice candles, torches and bon fires, a Jultomte and horses. 715.442.2266 / www.stockholmwisconsin.com

reverse migration ‘Bullerbyn’ at Christmas time

If you’ve been following along with our Reverse Migration, you know I reference the magic it holds: of the small village with its tastes and smells and weather and people and great food and coffee. The forest. The candles. The quiet. The vitsippor in spring, strawberries in summer and the long dark winters. It is far from sophisticated Stockholm with its culture and coffee shops and fashion forward galleries. With its international cuisine, cocktail bars, politicians, trains, planes, trams, buses, bicycles and kilometer after kilometer of cosmopolitan tourists. All of which have their own appeal. But not for me on this particular Christmas. We find identity in our Småland community. It’s our “Bullerby,” our likeness to Astrid Lindgren’s Noisy Village that I love beyond measure. You’ve read of our Midsommar celebrations, lessons from the sauna, grocery store and recycling bins, among other things. But what of Christmas? Did I find herring and pepparkakor and presents and jultomten and the singing of Silent Night in the way I’ve been accustomed? Yes. Yes. Yes. And more.

When I awoke on December 24, the commonly most celebrated day, there were literally frosted window panes. As if Mother Nature had painted a delicate masterpiece just for me. I’m not even kidding.

Stepping into our slippers – with “daylight” still an hour or two away, we began with coffee in the kitchen, followed by greeting the neighbors, detailing preparations for the day. We would move from home to home as the day and activities unfolded. We joined many from the community at the church for the Christmas service. Music from the antique pipe organ lifted to the rafters of the

In recent issues, Martha Swanson has shared some of the lessons she’s learned through what she lovingly refers to as Reverse Migration. Moving forward, she will examine what it feels like to engage in this experience. What does it take to jump aboard the train at the last minute with four large American suitcases, three backpacks and three kids? Where do we go to buy plants for the vegetable garden? “You gave me a citation – because I don’t have snow tires, really?” Martha will share the experiences of establishing a temporary home in the land of her ancestors that feels more permanent than most anything else. Martha is a frequent contributor to Nordstjernan, she and her husband, Don, reside in Michigan and visit their grown children, Allene in Sweden, Drew in Seattle, and Chloe in Holland, Michigan as frequently as they can.

church built in 1656, where we sat in our wooden pew, complete with a swinging door to the aisle. There were lit candles attached to each bench and at every window. Four young women with angelic voices sang traditional carols in absolutely perfect and well-rehearsed harmony; we followed along and contributed a chorus here and there. All the children rushed forward as the priest presented the nativity story from the Bible’s Luke chapter 2, and one by one they placed the wooden figurines of the crèche, handmade in the last century by some church going carpenter. We sang Stilla Natt, wished one another God Jul, and were soon out the door. Early afternoon and it was near dusk.

We celebrated with Christmas fika next. The cookies were all hand-made by Grandma Britta. The ginger snap pigs had carefully crafted frosted messages of God Jul, left by her 98-year-old squiggly handwriting. Twenty-one of us were crammed into the small cottage. We bridged time and space for the generations as our youngest cousin, just 10 days old, and his parents joined us by video from the southern coast, and Britta, our oldest, walked in from her own home just across the snow laden sidewalk.

And then, and then! Kalle Anka! Yes, Donald Duck and Friends’ Christmas Celebration, an American cartoon dubbed in Swedish, broadcast around the country every year at 3:00 p.m. on the 24th of December. I had heard of this ritual, but to witness 21 of our favorite family members squeezing around the TV reciting the lines and giggling the way children of all ages should, just added to the delight.

Someone was in charge of warming the glögg at this hour, steaming the kitchen, with all its cinnamon, oranges, cardamom and other spices – the aroma of a Swedish Christmas. It was served in

small porcelain cups, pulled out for just this occasion. Warm glögg, pepparkakor topped with a small bite of blue cheese. Another delectable surprise! We slowly moved to the Julbord, the Christmas table, featuring all the favorites from sliced ham to more assorted herrings, a salad, Jansson’s Frestelse (if you’re not familiar – this is just one you’ll have to look up on your own … I take a taste, and generally … a pass) to potatoes au gratin, deviled eggs, roasted beets, etc. etc. The crown jewel of the food service was Ris-ala-Malta. I’m not exactly sure how this ended up on the Julbord, but a combination of cooked rice, vanilla and whipped sweet cream, with a raspberry or two for garnish – what could be better?

At 9 p.m. after a little rest, we sat near the fireplace for music and caroling in Swedish, English and a bit of Swenglish. Our American family brought a tradition of our own: We gave each one in the circle a candle … to be lit at the precise time. We started with one and turned off all other lights. In the quiet and stillness, I recited as I had heard in church every Christmas Eve of my life, “Christ, the Light of the World has come.” We started singing Silent Night and passed the light one to another, candle to candle whispering “God Jul, Merry Christmas.” The whole room was illuminated once again. Imagine. I can feel the tingling at the top of my head and tips of my toes even now as I remember.

The Children of Noisy Village brought Astrid Lindgren’s childhood memories to life - they may have been slightly exaggerated or a bit idealistic. But this experience. This one. Spending Christmas in my own “Bullerby” with the people of my heart is one I will always hold dear.

Martha Swanson

Photo: Roy Groething

Santa at rest

Dear Nordstjernan, We understand there has been some discussion about the home of Santa. Here in Rovaniemi we know for a fact he spends most of his time, when not on the North Pole, with us here in northern Finland. He plays golf on one of the many golf courses and sometimes, at Ounasvaara even in winter. Thanks to his involvement, Arctic golf has become quite popular in recent years. Our location at the confluence of Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers is another reason Santa prefers to spend summers with us.

Santa’s helper, Rovaniemi Tourism and Marketing, Finland

(So you know, we tried really hard to find out Santa’s handicap in golf but alas, unsuccessfully.)

/Ed.

Dear Nordstjernan, I have a story I would like to share with you. As a Boeing Company (Boeing Engineering and Construction at that time) Quality Assur ance Project Engineer for Boeing’s Mod-2 Wind Turbine System (Windmill), I first visited Sweden in the late 1970s. I was part of an audit team that visited our Swedish supplier located in Finspång, Sweden. “Stal Laval Turbin A.B.” was providing an epicyclic gear box for our wind turbine system. On one of my subsequent trips I had occasion to visit the Risinge Church (Parish), just east of Finspång. but more about that later.

In 1983. long after the Mod-2 program was over, my wife and I, along with my sister and her husband, vacationed in Europe and Sweden. I had made arrangements to visit Stal Laval personnel I had worked with years before. After lunch at a young engineer’s home, we were treated to a tour of Finspång’s Castle and grounds. I have fond memories of Finspång, and have always felt a connection with Finspång. Another Finspång connection occurred years later during an LPGA golf tournament in Kent, Washington in which Liselotte Neuman was playing. When I presented a Finspång golf club score card for her autograph, all she could say was “Oh my God.” Liselotte was born and raised in Finspång and grew up playing this golf course.

In 2012 my granddaughter requested some help with a school heritage project, I joined Ancestry.com and my heritage research began in earnest. Another Finspång connection occurred when I connected with a new Swedish cousin. Her daughter and son-in-law were employed at Siemens Energy (previously Stal Laval A.B.) in Finspång.

Both sets of my grandpaents were born in Sweden as was my father. When I first got my DNA test results for Ancestry.com, I was surprised that my ethnicity was not 100 % Swedish, but with about 8% West Europe. This turned out to be Walloon blood from Belgium.

Within the last year I have discovered another Finspång connection. Both of my paternal grandparent’s mothers were descendants of a common Walloon who was born in Finspång (Risinge Parish), my paternal grandparents were 5th or 6th cousins. I’m sure they no had knowledge of this.

I wish I had known about this connection when I visited the Risinge church in the late 1970s. I could have researched parish records and looked for ancestral gravestones.

Ray Nygren, WA

Dear Ray,

We commend you for taking the time to send us this sweet tale of your connection to Finspång. Encouraged by Gustav II Adolf during “the Era of Great Power” (page 34), many Walloons began to immigrate to Sweden during the early 17th century. They arrived to Sweden from present day Belgium and northern France and established themselves in Swedish ironworks—Walloon forging techniques had developed the Liege region into the center of European iron handling. The Walloon immigrants mostly ended up in the Östergötland (where Finspång is) and Uppland regions, which at the time were centers in Sweden for forges and ironmaking.

/Ed

Merry blessed Christmas Jesus is the reason for the season! (Luke Ch2) Nordstjernan has grown too secular. Not the Sweden I left in 1960, USA is too secular too … I miss the Sweden I left in 1960.

Linnea Turnqvist, WA

Dear Linnea,

First off we are so sorry to hear how you feel about Nordstjernan, about Sweden and the United States. The extent to which Sweden among other countries in Europe has become secular comes as a surprise, even shock to many Americans. However, about 15 years ago I reviewed a book by Phil Zuckerman, a professor of sociology at Pitzer College, called “The

Secular Soul of the North.” Dr. Zuckerman’s findings put things in a somewhat new light and explains how a society can be ‘good’ without resting on religion and its members both good and moral without going to church every Sunday. It also made me personally realize the extent to which I in my personal life had adopted values and a code of conduct that can only be considered Christian. That said, it deserves to be mentioned that I mostly grew up in Sweden and my values and world outlook are a product of that time. I am not as familiar with the everyday Sweden of the last 25 to 30 years and can only hope the same is true for children growing up in Sweden (and elsewhere) today.

/Ed.

The autograph of Liselotte “Lotta” Neumann, the first Swedish golfer, male or female, to win a major championship.

Digestive crackers?

On pg. 25, the recipe for Saffron Cheesecake refers in the INGREDIENTS to “4 digestive crackers.”

What are “digestive crackers???” Then the INSTRUCTIONS say “Mix biscuits and gingerbread...” Are the “biscuits” referred to the same as the “digestive crackers???”

Thank you for clarification.

Kay Tornborg, CA

So sorry Kay, only a born Swede (or a Brit) would make this mistake ... “Digestive wheat biscuits” are a thing; they’re British and also quite popular in Sweden where they’re often eaten with cheese and used for the bottom layer in cheese cakes. They are not popular in the USA but available online and at for instance the international food section at Walmart. Most common brand is McVitie’s. If you can’t find them, graham crackers will work but are not as ... well, wheaty.

/Ed.

Dear Editor

I’d like to share a quote from my father Olaf who was born in Ragunda, Jämtland: “There are two kinds of people in this world: the Swedes and those who wish they were Swedes.” My dad immigrated as a 3-year-old with his mother and his 1-year-old sister to Meadowlands, MN, about an hour northwest of Duluth, MN.

David Wedin, MN

Dear David, Your father was a wise man. Interestingly, Ragunda is about half-way between Sundsvall and Östersund in the middle of Sweden. It’s a beautiful part of the country, not far from Indalsälven and really close to the so-called “Döda fallet”- the Dead Falls, Sweden’s largest natural disaster. It’s a collection of houses along the road and is a “stationssamhälle” with population 80 but also a municipality, which covers a population of a little over 5,000. David’s family did not leave Ragunda for a metropolis: Meadowlands Minn., population 131.

/Ed.

Ragunda is also home to the Thai pavilion built to commemorate the 1897 visit of King Chulalongkorn of Thailand to the town. While much of the incredible building was constructed by companies of the Jämtland region, all of the decorations have been made by the present Thai king’s own craftsmen.

Find the perfect gift.

Dear editor, Please include more articles in Swedish Linnea Donnen, WA

Dear Linnea (and others),

This is tricky request. Only some of our readers speak Swedish but everyone speaks English. We will always include Swedish to the extent possible but will never again be predominantly in Swedish. We hope you enjoy our reader Gunhild Ljung’s memories of Christmases past in this issue.

/Ed.

Dear Nordstjernan, I hope your Thanksgiving was lovely. Thank you so much for your well wishes and for the digital link to Nordstjernan’s Dec. 1 issue! It is so beautiful and so interesting. The article on the new film about Hilma af Klint, whose work I am familiar with, set us off on a Hilma quest to find out more. We will watch this Lasse H. film and we also found another documentary called Beyond the Visible, Hilma af Klint that was so fascinating. Her time has really come! Thanks for lighting this spark in me!

I learn so much from Nordstjernan. Another article some time ago led me to reading stacks of Jan Mårtensson’s books about Johan Homan! I am still reading one every night! Now I can wish you a God Jul!

Laurie Jacobi, MN

Dear Laurie, Thank you for your always positive comments, bright mind and sunny outlook. Here’s wishing all the best for the holidays and lots of succcess and happiness in the new year.

/Ed.

Explore unique and handmade Nordic-inspired gifts at the American Swedish Institute’s Jul Shop. Visit shop.asimn.org

The Christmas season in Sweden is a six week extravaganza, beginning in late November with the first Sunday in Advent, and ending January 13, Knut’s Day, when the Christmas tree is ceremoniously removed. But the culinary high point is December 24, when family and friends gather around the julbord, or Christmas smörgåsbord, for the most lavish meal of the year. Our reader Gunhild Ljung of New Jersey shares her Christmas memories of growing up on a farm in Sweden. Her tale has too much culturally fine-tuned and time specific language for us to even try to translate. Swedish speakers, enjoy!

Det första smakprovet på julen - när vi barn behövde det som mest – var den av Aina Stenberg Mas-Olle ritade scout-adventskalendern, som introducerades 1934. Vissa dagar visste man ju vad som gömde sig bakom de bångstyriga luckorna, såsom adventsljusen och Lucia, men överraskningarna avlöste varandra de andra dagarna fram till jul och Jesusbarnets födelse.

Men dessförinnan hade mycket styrts och ställts med på Brogården, eller det gamla namnet JönsPersgården, där jag och mina syskon växte upp som fjärde generationsled. Höstens alla frukter och bär hade konserverats. Slakten hade ägt rum och därmed tillagning av blodpudding, pölsa och syltor. Korv i alla variationer hade stoppats, saltats och rökts. Jag har bara diffusa minnen av grisslakten - förmodligen höll vi barn till inomhus eftersom slakten skedde i “svinottan”. När min far var liten skickades han “till grannas” för att hämta “rumpdrag”, något som alla barn fick springa efter då medan kalv och gris slaktades.

På Anna-dagen den 9 december lades lutfisken I blöt nere I källaren I ett enormt stort ämbar. Kalk och soda hälldes på och efter tre dygn skulle så vattnet bytas allt som oftast fram till jul. Skinn drogs av från en del av de hårda sej- eller långabitarna. Det skulle min farmor använda som klarmedel till kaffet! Dessutom tyckte vår älghund Puck att det var en delikatess att tugga på.

Som äldsta dottern hade jag förmånen, enligt gammal sed, att få vara Lucia. Pannan fick sina djupa spår efter den tunga mässingskronan och håret klibbades av stearin, men vad gjorde väl det. När jag sedan gick i läroverket inne i staden blev det viktigt att lussa för klasslärare. Då blev det snabblucia hemma innan pappa skjutsade mig in till sta´n eftersom bussarna inte hade börjat köra i så tidig otta. I klassen hade jag ju aldrig någon chans att få vara lucia då min ögon- och hårfärg avslöjade vallonernas invandring i släkten på min mammas sida på 1600-talet.

Det var bråda tider med julförberedelserna. Jul-

Vad går jag här och väntar på som gör mitt hjärta ljust och lätt? Det är ju julen rätt och slätt!

[What am I waiting for that makes my heart light and my outlook bright? It’s Christmas, plain and simple!]

- Line from Swedish poet Erik Blomberg’s “Före jul”

Photo: Christian Ferm/imagebank.sweden

baket hade nu fyllt alla burkar. Pepparkaksdoften låg fortfarande tät över köket när vi barn kokade knäck och kola. Hur många gånger brändes förresten inte fingrarna vid försöken att hälla upp knäckmassan medan man höll I de små tippande pappersformarna?

Ett par dagar före jul sattes julkärvarna upp till de huttrande domherrarna och talgoxarna och det tjocka granriset placerades framför förstubroarna. Överallt var det städat och pyntat, ute hos djuren såväl som inne. Förväntningarna hos oss barn växte alltmer där vi satt runt advenstgranen och såg in i ljuslågorna. Julgranskaramellerna hade krusats, hjärtan flätats och änglar klippts. Hela hösten hade vi pysslat och knåpat med julklappar och snart kom turen till inslagning, lackning och julklappsrim. Det var lite hemlighetsfullt i alla skrymslen och vrår och viskning var tillåtet före jul.

Kvällen före julafton togs granen in och hela familjen hjälptes åt att klä den med våra nötfyllda flätade hjärtkorgar, smällkarameller, flaggor, kristyränglar samt glaskulor och glasfåglar från tiden min mamma var liten. När de elektriska julgransljusen gjorde sitt inträde, fick ljusen en gloria av änglahår. Minns hur det stack i fingrarna!

På julaftonsmorgonen kom vi barn nerför trappan till ett hus i julstämning. Doften från det under natten nyförnissade köksgolvet blandades med doften från gran och hyacintblommor. Våra ögon tindrade som ljusen i granen och vi önskade varandra God Jul. Klockan tolv fylldes huset av alla de hemkomna släktingarna och alla de som arbetade på gården. Efter glöggen slutade ringdansen i köket runt det dignande smörgåsbordet och alla lät sig väl smaka av julens läckerheter vid de tända ljusen. Sång och musik var sedan en betydelsefull del av eftermiddagen, men när det började skymma kunde jag som liten inte låta bli att be alla utom släkten att gå hem. Jag visste ju att tomten inte skulle komma förrän det bara var familjen kvar och när mörkret lagt sig. Tomten kunde ringa från Norra Valbo station och ville bli hämtad med släde eller

spark. Näsorna trycktes mot den kalla fönsterrutan och ögonen stirrade ut i becksvarta kvällen. Så såg man plöstligt det flämtande ljuset från en stallykta ute på vägen. Hjärtat slog som trumvirvlar. Det pirrade i hela kroppen när bankningarna hördes på ytterdörren. Dörren öppnades och där - där stod tomten och frågade om det fanns några snälla barn!

Efter julklappsöppning, lutfisk och gröt, till vilken man naturligtvis måste rimma, var det dags att krypa till sängs efter det att gröt satts ut åt gårdstomten. Redan kvart I fyra nästa morgon gick pappa runt och väckte alla för färden till första julottan som började klockan fem. Hur trött man än var, steg man upp med en speciell glädje. Färden gick genom en ljusfylld bygd till en väntande kyrka där man med orgelmusik och och sång hälsade den sköna morgonstunden och lyssnade till julevangeliet. När så min pappa sjöng “O helga natt” och sedan tillsammans med min faster “Dotter Sion” rös jag av lycka.

Efter den andra julottan klockan sju, serverades det julfrukost på Brogården för ett fyrtiotal gäster, där julmorgonens budskap förstärktes I kärleksfull gemenskap mellan familj, släkt och vänner.

I den gemenskapen önskar jag er alla en Fridfull och God Jul

Gunhild Ljung

Först nedtecknat ca 1992 till SWEA NJ och senare I SWEA NY Nyhetsblad

Restarting the arts after COVID

The cultural sector of Sweden, from theatre and dance to the visual arts, suffered during the pandemic, and leaders in the Swedish art world have been working hard to revive the cultural scene. The Swedish American Cultural Union (SACU) was honored to have Linda Zachrisson, 2015-2020 cultural counselor at the Embassy of Sweden in Washington, D.C., speak on “Restarting the arts in Sweden after Covid.”

The arts and cultural programs came to a screeching halt in Sweden during the pandemic. Linda Zachrisson deemed it a country-wide shutdown - and a shut-down in revenue generation. Everyone involved in “arts and culture” were impacted. There were ample layoffs and widespread unemployment. Some considered quitting artsrelated professions and all arts and cultural organizations struggled from the loss of revenue. Large public events and programs like concerts, theatre performances and operas were cancelled. Production and launches of performing arts, music, visual arts and literature, as well as exhibitions and film productions were postponed.

In 2021 Zachrisson chaired a task force commissioned by the Swedish central government on

the restart of the arts and cultural sector in Sweden after COVID. This led to a major investment in national funding from the Swedish government to restart the arts sector in 2022. During her speech Zachrisson posed the curious question of what would happen to our cities after 5 p.m. if we don’t have art, if there’s no live cultural sector?

Most of her remarks were tied to the official 2021 report by the task force, the scope of which can be summed up in four goals:

1. To summarize the consequences of the pandemic for arts and culture, locally, regionally and nationally, and to analyze what lessons can be learned.

2. To identify what measures are needed for the restart, recovery and development of the arts during and after the pandemic.

3. To highlight new ways that developed during the pandemic to make arts and culture accessible, and which ones have the potential to contribute positively to achieving the national cultural policy objectives. Where necessary, to propose measures to strengthen such initiatives.

4. To identify structural and infrastructural problems in the arts and culture sector that were brought to light during the pandemic; to identify lingering effects of the pandemic; and, where necessary, to propose measures to make it more sustainable.

Zachrisson and her small team carried out their remit over seven months in light of the three overall national cultural policy objectives in Sweden on independence, participation and society. Their inquiry presented 40 proposals under nine different headlines:

What happens to our cities after 5 p.m. if we don’t have art?

1. Support artists through restart grants, and introduce, restart and develop support for arts and culture organizations to develop new collaborations between the independent arts and culture sector and other organizations, new approaches to broadening participation, digital production and distribution, infrastructure for art forms requiring it, new revenue models, and more 2. Strengthen economic conditions for arts and culture in the long term 3. Strengthen international exchanges and cooperation 4. Strengthen social security systems 5. Make use of digitalization opportunities 6. Improve conditions for cultural and creative industries (CCI) 7. Strengthen music, art and culture in schools 8. Broaden participation and tackle uneven recruitment in cultural life 9. Develop the direction of cultural policy

In total, the task force’s proposal entailed an increase in central government expenditure of SEK 3,916 million during 2022-2024. After 2024, the annual expense would be SEK 760 million. The spending targets two specific budgetary areas: Expenditure Area 17 (Culture) and Expenditure

Continues on next page

Linda Zachrisson, right, with Kate Novak, one of many local aficionados of culture.

Continued from previous page

Area 24 (Industry and Trade). Based on the report, the government proposed SEK 940 million for restarting grants in the budget for 2022. The budget proposal was voted on by parliament, decided and distributed through institutions such as the Swedish Arts Council, the arts grants committee and the Swedish film institute and others.

Several other proposals in the inquiry were approved by the earlier Swedish government—for example to initiate the production incentive for Swedish film making, to initiate a new inquiry on how to support the creative industries and investigate and make changes to make more functional social security systems for artists who are self-

employed freelancers or who combine salaried and freelance work and have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic.

The report stated that publicly funded measures would be needed for at least a couple years after the pandemic to secure the survival of the arts and culture infrastructure and the natural development of cultural life. September’s election brought a change in government and on November 8, 2022 the new government presented their budget where there were limited resources to the arts sector for recovery or redevelopment—the new government did continue the higher artist grants according to the restart committee’s proposal but none other of the committee’s recommendations were included for the future.

The Program: Restarting the arts in Sweden after COVID, Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Location: House of Sweden, The Embassy of Sweden, 2900 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 SACU, the Swedish American Cultural Union, would like to thank the Embassy of Sweden for its gracious hospitality in allowing SACU to meet at the House of Sweden for this program. Thanks are due to Jenny Mählqvist Cabezas for planning and logistics. For those in the capital area interested in membership in SACU, the annual fee is $25 for a single person or couple. No charges are assessed for virtual programs or tours. The cost for a luncheon program offered at a hotel in Arlington, VA on a weekday at noon are approximately $30-35. Free parking for SACU members and Metro accessible. Send your membership inquiry to: sacu@gmail.com. You can also access SACU’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sacuevents

Julmarknad 2022

The Christmas market is an age-old tradition in Sweden as well as in the U.S. Some markets are old, such as the Jokkmokk Winter market, and originally set up to meet the tax expectations by the Swedish king several hundred years ago. Others are of a more recent date, and in Sweden most towns, even castles and manor houses usually organize their own Christmas market. In Sweden it’s most often outdoors with people enjoying a cup of warm glögg, Lucia buns or hot dogs while browsing the booths.

We know many of you are already online or on the phone talking to our U.S.-Scandinavian supply chain friends who advertise on our pages, but what about the artists and local crafts people we sometimes cover editorially and often meet at events - some of which continue to be canceled this year? Many of the vendors you usually encounter at the celebrations and bazaars are rarely seen on our pages, have no storefront and often no internet presence. We’ve once again asked Nils Caspersson to take a look among his contacts and do research for an update on some of them.

Know of an artist or crafty person in your area? Let us know, send an email to editor@nordstjernan.com or via USPS to Nordstjernan, Box 680, Minneola, FL 34755

SWEDISH FATHER CHRISTMAS

We can thank Swedish American artist Haddon Sundblom for Coca-Cola’s favorite image of America’s round-faced Santa. And many of you probably have a favorite tomte from any of our Scandinavian stores in the U.S., but the Swedish Father Christmas derives features and personality from Viktor Rydberg’s poem about a forest or farm elf. The same is true about many of the traditional Santa figures we pick up from or in Sweden. The popular Swedish tomte from Åsa’s Tomtebod started in a small cabin in Örnaholm, Småland over 5 years ago. “In 2021, we moved the entire operation to Lund and here we manufacture most of our handmade gnomes and tomten. The design of our tomten is unique and is based on the fact that a tomte is a shy creature that lives in the forest and hides when someone is nearby,” Martin Götander, CEO and second-generation tomte creator explained. “That’s why you don’t see our Santa’s eyes, he hides under his hood and only his nose sticks out.” Nowadays, the charming tomte from Småland is found in every corner of the globe, given that the majority of them are sold outside Sweden. The business remains family run, still priding itself on quality and natural materials. See www.tomtebod.se or contact info@tomtebod.se

Hemslöjd och Hantverk

Holly Young of Manchester, MA, is 100% Swedish in descent and her family comes from Dalarna, “where the arts seem to have deep roots.” Holly is a watercolor painter with a background that started by taking classes from a nationally recognized local artist who had gallery space in Rockport, MA. “I also have a certificate in architectural rendering from the Boston Architectural College and enjoy painting buildings and houses. In addition to landscape painting, I enjoy painting from photos of travels to Sweden as well as reproducing traditional folk art.” For more info, see hollyyoungart.com

Here is an eclectic collection of contemporary Scandinavian artists, craftsmen, bakers, musicians and more from all over the United States who can augment a careful purchasing and giving season. Many of them are online. Remember to support your Scandinavian artists and crafts people and always choose the Scandinavian specialty stores in America … God Jul!

Photo: Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden

Just like our image on p3, not from Swedish America but Stortorget in Gamla Stan, Stockholm

Rosemaling by Christina. Christina Keune of Arlington VA, has been a professional heritage artist since 1983, and has demonstrated and lectured on rosemaling and dalmalning at many craft and ethnic festivals and at classes in Washington, DC, New Jersey, North Carolina, Iowa and Wisconsin. She holds a BA in Fine Arts from George Washington University, has pursued independent studies with master painters of rosemaling in Norway and the U.S., and has researched folk traditions in Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Christina paints actual and miniature versions of functional wooden pieces reflecting the variety of traditional decorative Norwegian and Swedish styles. Explanations of the purpose and pattern come with every piece for curious Scandi fans of this remote rigorous culture. For more info, see rosemalingbychristina.com

Nordic Folklore in Eatonville, WA celebrates a Norwegian and Swedish heritage and all the vibrant culture of Scandinavia. Carrying on a family tradition of Scandinavian art and design, Niki Dexter makes a variety of items with original artwork including notecards, Christmas ornaments, archival prints, linen placemats and totes, t-shirts and more in her home studio. Over the years she has worked with the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard, the Scandinavian East Coast Museum and a few smaller places to share her work and celebrate her heritage. For more info, see nordicfolklore.com

Karl-Art Carvings of Newbury, VT is another expressive wood carver on the market today. Drawing from traditional and seasonal imagery, sculptor Karl Neubauer combines this subject matter with the more formal aesthetic qualities and sculptural techniques learned from his training and work as a fine artist. This enables him to create wonderfully expressive and refined sculptures that are accessible both in their size and subject matter. In the last 10 years, Karl has been teaching visual arts in and around the public schools of his local community. For more info, see www.karl-art.com

Amy Blair of Duelling Rabbits in Lehigh Valley, PA, is dedicated to the use of traditional Swedish weaving tools. Trained at Vävstuga Weaving School, Shelburne, MA, her two drawlooms are from Sweden: one a Glimakra Standard with a drawbridge by Karin Myrehed and the other, an Ulla Cyrus, made for her by the craftsmen at AK:s Snickeri in Oxaback. “I also use materials common to Swedish weaving, including wool, linen, and cotton. Although I stress the use of original designs in my work, I believe they have a Swedish ‘look’ that is unmistakable. My resolved design and unique voice were recognized by the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen when they granted me Master Artisan status in 2020. I have been selected to have my work displayed at Art of the State in Harrisburg starting in September 2022, an an-

Tom Zarle’s carvings, Hingham, MA, are generally human caricatures carved in basswood (linden wood) and painted with acrylics or stained – definitely unique. Someone coined him the Axel Petersson “Döderhultarn” of Swedish America. Many of his favorite subjects include Scandinavian country folk figures such as elves, jultomte, trolls, gnomes, St. Lucia, etc. Adoption of his wife’s Swedish heritage and their frequent travels through the Scandinavian countries has influenced him. His skills coupled with and influenced by the carving techniques of his Swedish father-in-law (who introduced him to the craft) have resulted in his own “folk carving” style, a blend of “Scandinavian flat plane” and “folk style.” Flat plane carving originated in Sweden and Norway during the Viking era and was used to decorate Viking ships and wooden Stave Churches. Scandinavian carving represents a style of carving in which the carver’s knife and gouge marks are purposely left on the carvings to accent the rough and unique character of the carving. Contact tomz@folkcarving.com

nual, juried exhibition showcasing the work of Pennsylvania artists.” Contact amy@ duellingrabbits.com

Vävstuga Weaving School in Shelburne, MA. Becky Ashenden’s 1981 introduction to the wealth of the Swedish textile world at Sätergläntan Institutet för Slöjd och Hantverk, a school renowned for weaving and other traditional crafts since 1922, gave her the motivation to pursue weaving as a passion as well as a career. Her 40 years of experience of using Scandinavian equipment and techniques highlight what she has been offering her students at Vävstuga Weaving School these last three decades (Nordstjernan Issue 1, 2020). Becky’s teaching, as well as her publishing of translated Swedish weaving books, has earned her an international reputation among weavers. Becky continues to offer classes at her beautiful farm house and barn studios in Shelburne, MA and is developing specialized weaving equipment and online instructional content and to reach weavers everywhere. For more info, see vavstuga.com

Food for Christmas

When it comes to food, IKEA is no longer as much of an alternative for many of the must-haves for a Swedish holiday. Not that there’s anything wrong with what’s on IKEA shelves, but it’s all now streamlined for mass production and often IKEA’s own brand. Once upon a time IKEA shelves and freezers had a variety of items from several independent suppliers, such as Geier’s Christmas hams or prinskorv in the south—and nothing ever came closer to the Swedish equivalent. Prior to locating Geier’s just outside Tampa, Fla, we found out that ham from Karl’s Sausage Kitchen, just north of Boston, is just as good.

The limpa from New Jersey based Breadsmith (Nordstjernan Market /pxx) has a special place with us, and no visit to Manhattan’s Lower East Side is complete without picking up a few cardamom buns at Fabrique Bakery (fabriquebakery. com) though there are bakeries all over the U.S. with a distinct Scandinavian flair. Berolina Bakery (berolinabakery.com) is on the west coast.

The Cardamon Man. Bronx, NY claims their “decadent Nordic Night cookies are inspired by a trip made to Sweden and Norway to explore and discover how other parts of the world incorporate Cardamom into their desserts. The results were sublime. Each Nordic Night cookie takes Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder and Dark Chocolate Chips to give it a subtly bold flavor. We then mix in a

generous portion of Cardamom and prior to baking in the oven, we sprinkle the top of each cookie with Sea Salt cultivated from the Arctic right underneath the majestically beautiful Northern Lights! A truly indulgent delight for those who wish to venture up north. So relax, break out the mulled wine, and immerse yourself in our Nordic Night.” If you dare take their word for it mail ordered Nordic Cardamon breads, tarts, scones and other delights are available at www.thecardamonman.com.

In New England, Hulda’s Swedish Baked Goods is a small batch bakery in Brookline, NH (swedishbakers.com). The owners and bakers are father and daughter David Schur and Jenny Lewis, whose business started in 2018 when they made the decision to bring their well-loved and time-tested family recipes to local farmers markets. After much success in markets and curbside pick-up events, David and Jenny have started offering a selection of products such as Swedish rye bread (limpa) and cardamom coffee bread to be purchased online and shipped to those in New England, New York and the NYC (metro area). So, just in case you’re far from the New Hampshire Milford Farmers Market, see swedishbakers.com

Danish Pastry House in Watertown, MA, is much more than “just a bakery.” It is an authentic old world patisserie that offers a full range of breakfast

pastries, specialty desserts and everyday treats. It doesn’t get better than the simple pleasure of handmade bread and baked goods fresh from the oven. DPH believes it’s something you deserve to enjoy every single day. That’s why they make artisan breads, cakes and pastries by hand, using only the finest ingredients. Danish pastries include Napoleon Hats, Kransekage Cookie and Mayor Snail, and they make a Swedish Princess Cake - beautifully decorated with perfect layers of cream, cake, marzipan and jam. DPH is available for walk-ins on Fridays and Saturdays. Contact dphorders@gmail.com

Music

For live music in New York, many Tri-state area residents are familiar with Ellen Lindstrom of the Swedish Meatballs, Jeanne Eriksson Andersen and Smörgåsbandet, or Don Sandy whose accordion music is a part of every Jamestown Scandinavian Folk Festival in upstate New York - finally celebrated again this last summer. Some other musicians in the area:

Renee Vaughan, Minneapolis, MN, plays traditional Scandinavian music on the nyckelharpa, an instrument that has been around in one form or

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another for over 700 years. It’s the national folk instrument of Sweden and has an unbroken tradition of music for folk dancers, dating back to the 1600s in Sweden. Renee has played for Sweden’s king and queen, performs throughout the Minnesota heartland with a variety of musicians and is a regular performer at the American Swedish Institute, Norsk Høstfest and the Nisswa-Stämmän Scandinavian Folk Music Festival. She currently has an Artist Fellowship through American Scandinavian Foundation: Playing Traditional Swedish Music for Folk Dance. Contact renee.vaughan@ gmail.com

Med ljus i hår... with lights in her hair is a Julbord recording of Scandinavian-American musicians. This CD is authentic and collected by request from musicians living in NY and New England, several other American areas with

a few from Sweden and Finland! The 18 live tracks include a nyckelharpa dance/Polonäs från Sexdrega, an original Finnish waltz/Rongovian Waltz, Dalarnavals/a fretted dulcimer waltz from Dalarna-Sweden, Julottan/a Christmas morning hymn from a Scandinavian community spelmanslag, the classic Stilla Natt (Silent Night) played on psalmodikon and then a Sankta Lucia chorus drifting into an evergreen winter forest. For an audio sample contact nilscaspersson@yahoo.com

The Toronto Swedish Folkdancers & Singers is the only dance group in Canada whose focus remains on traditional Swedish folkdancing. Over the years they have performed for audiences in many different countries. Their very first performance in 1982 was at the SWEA Christmas Fair in Toronto and they had the great honor of dancing for King Carl XVI Gustav and Queen Silvia in Toronto, IKEA openings and special celebrations, and the Scandinavian Folk Festival in Jamestown, NY, among many other occasions. Since 1997, they

have travelled to Scandinavia to attend Nordlek festivals, which are organized every three years. For more info, see www.tsfs.ca

Yuletide in the Country at the Genesee Country Village, Mumford, NY, includes theatrical performances that represent the rich history and traditions of 19th c. newcomers to the Genesee region of Western New York. This year highlights include Swedish immigrants traveling down the Erie Canal, a Polish Christmas Eve Wiglia dinner, a Hanukkah celebration, Watch Night festivities as presented by the North Star Players and even a visit from that jolly old elf, St. Nick. As you explore the wintry village bedecked in holiday splendor you’ll be invited into vignettes that illuminate the link between today’s cherished holiday traditions and the cultural customs of generations that came before. 2022 - December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, and 17. For more info, see www.gcv.org.

Skål & God Jul

Researched by Nils R. Caspersson & Nordstjernan staff

Ask people in Dalarna and you learn that Santa Claus with a capital (SC or T as in Tomten in Swedish) lives in Mora and nowhere else. Already after the U.S. Thanksgiving weekend, on 28-29 November, he opens the doors for his guests.

The first snowflakes fall over the fairytale land of Santa’s land and feverish activity prevails already in the main cabin. The wish lists lie in heaps, the elves are running over each other and the mischievous trolls enviously peek through the windows. But Santa is also busy trying to teach Santa power, dance around the Christmas tree, offer theater, and spend time with the trolls, the witch, the good fairy and all other friends in the fairyland.

The Fairytale Santa’s Village is framed by the nature of Gesunda Mountain just outside Mora. As soon as one enters, the cold winter air becomes filled with magic and adventure. At first glance, it may seem quiet and peaceful, but not a day goes by without losing control of the trolls. Here, anything can happen - as indeed it does.

“There are many fantastic experiences for those who are eager to go straight into the fairy world and meet the elves and other living fairytale beings,” according to one of Santa’s helpers at the

Fairytale Santa’s Village.

In Fairytale Santa’s Village trolls lurk in the forest and forest gnomes are peering from between the stumps. The witch and good fairy are playing with the younger guests and there is also the snowman Dusty and the cozy snow monster Drivan (Snowdrift), who likes hugs both small and large. Every day offers an atmospheric outdoor theater where winter fairy Sparkle and her friends look for the Christmas Star, a mysterious, cold and magical star, whose forces are needed to save the winter queen.

Anyone who is curious about what is really happening in the enchanted forest can get lessons in trollology and if you want to know more about Santa’s magic powers, you are welcome to join in learning about Santa power. Also this year Fairytale Santa’s Village presents its very fun and popular interpretation of the children’s theater Hansel and Gretel.

Santa is an extremely popular guy. Every year about 400,000 letters arrive for Santa Claus. Santa also speaks English. There are days when Santa’s Village and Land of Fairy tales offers most of its daily programs in English.

For more info, see www.tomteland.se

Björk Café and Bistro

Nothing could have been more Swedish. Apart from the food, everything came from Sweden - the cups, the plates, the cutlery, the Orrefors and Kosta Boda glassware. Even the dining room had a clean, functional and very Nordic look about it. I’m referring to Björk, the café and bistro that recently opened on the ground floor of Scandinavia House on Park Avenue at 38th Street in New York City. As for the food, trust Ulrika Bengtsson to take good care of that. A renowned chef in New York City, who grew up in Sweden, her commitment to her homeland fare is unmistakable.

When she told me about her childhood on a farm in Hyltebruk in southern Sweden, there seemed to be no end to her enthusiasm. “We grew many things,” she said, “and my father was a hunter, so all the Swedish classics were on the table – meatballs, cod in egg sauce, brisket, biff a la Lindström, and much more.”

Recalling the autumns, the time for moose hunts and mushroom picking, she became quite electrified, her face blushing with pleasure as she told me of her unbound love of chanterelles.

There was some talk about cloudberries and lingonberries, after which we turned to the Björk menu. One section, titled DAGENS, features the daily specials, beginning with Monday’s Biff Lindström with honey and mustard sauce, and ending with Friday’s Pytt I Panna with pickled beets. On Tuesdays, there is laxpudding with brown butter and horseradish, a delicacy I was able to taste and photograph.

Next to the daily specials comes CLASSICS, a relatively short listing which seemed to sum up what we all think of as not only Swedish but quintes-

Laxpudding

sential Scandinavian food: herring, or smörgåsbord plate, meatballs, gravlax, and Toast Skagen.

Wondering if the shrimp used for Toast Skagen still comes from the waters outside Greenland, I was not only given an affirmative answer, but a plateful of shrimp was brought from the kitchen, and as if to confirm their excellence, Ulrika bit into one of them.

Incidentally, she also later nibbled at one of her famous meatballs and tasted a spoonful of Nordic Borscht.

Another classic prepared during my visit was a potato wrap tunnbröd, or what is known in Norway as lefse, served open-faced with sausages, mashed

potatoes, pickled cucumber, mustard, and crispy onions. Definitely a winner.

Regarding desserts, I especially enjoyed a crispy Swedish waffle with jam and whipped cream. And the variety of cookies, buns and cakes that came on a separate plate added to my pleasure.

Several times I tried to find out if Ulrika had a favorite dish. It was all in vain.

Then, at one point, she gave me an answer that made perfect sense: “It’s like asking a mother to pick her favorite kid.”

Bo Zaunders

Among Ulrika’s regularly recurring dishes is laxpudding, a delicious salmon casserole that is a lot lighter than it sounds. If you’re in the neighborhood and it happens to be Tuesday, try it. If not, be adventurous and try Ulrika’s recipe instead—a recipe she shared with us when she ran restaurant Ulrika’s on the Upper East Side.

Laxpudding (salmon casserole)

Serves 4

Ingredients

butter

8-10 Idaho potatoes

1 pound gravlax filet, thinly sliced

1 Spanish onion

1/2 cup finely chopped dill

3 whole eggs

1-1/2 cup whole milk

salt white pepper

Instructions

- Preheat the oven to 375-400°F and butter an oven-safe casserole dish.

- Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Blanch the slices in lightly salted water until almost soft. Peel and thinly slice the Spanish onion. Sauté the onion slices in butter until nearly golden brown.

- Layer in the casserole dish: potato, dill, onion and gravlax, finishing with a nice layer of potatoes. Season with salt and pepper, keeping in mind that the salmon is already salty.

- Beat the eggs slightly and add the milk. Pour this egg-wash over the layered ingredients.

- Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until set.

- Serve with drawn butter and freshly grated horseradish.

Bon Appetit! Smaklig måltid!

Photo: Bo Zaunders

Of course, you’ll need gravlax for Ulrika’s recipe … (Just in case gravlax seems like too much for you there’s a slightly different laxpudding made with salmon filets. We’re partial and prefer Ulrika’s based on gravlax but turn to page 26 for the other recipe) ... however, gravlax is so much easier to make than most people expect, works equally well on its own as in the above casserole and is then often served with a mustard sauce on toast with a lemon slice and a little bit of extra dill. Once cured it also freezes well.

Laxpudding - the salmon casserole - works as a hot dish but is not common on the Swedish Christmas table; however, gravlax is very common. Gravlax with the dill/mustard sauce, along with smoked salmon and pickled herring, are among the most common cold dishes.

Gravlax

serves 10

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh salmon, midsection of one filet, of the highest quality

2 teaspoons oil

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons salt

1 teaspoon crushed white pepper corns

1 big chopped bundle of dill

Instructions

- Wipe the salmon clean. Ask the store to filet the salmon or do so yourself with a pliers, remove all surface fat and bones. Leave the skin. Moisten the salmon with oil, mix the herbs with the dill and rub the mix onto the salmon.

- Put a good quantity of dill in an appropriate bowl (some actually use a plastic bag instead), place the salmon skin side up on the dill and put more dill on top. Cover with a chopping board or similar light weight and leave the salmon in the refrigerator for 12–24 hours. Flip the salmon a couple times. Just under 24 hours should be right, leaving the salmon for too long will make it hard and dry.

- Scrape off the herbs and cut the salmon in thin slices or 2.5-inch thick straight cuts, free from skin. The skin (which has to be peeled) may be cut into half-inch wide strips, dipped in oil, fried and served with the salmon.

Tip: Freezing the cured salmon will take care of any remaining bacteria and make the slicing much easier while the dish is still half frozen.

- Fillet the salmon and remove all the bones, but leave the skin. Dry the fish with paper towel and halve it. Mix the salt and sugar with coarsely ground pepper.

- Spread a little of the mixture on a plate and sprinkle with fresh dill. Place one of the salmon pieces on the plate with the skin down. Sprinkle more than half the remaining spice mixture and dill on the fillet. Then place the other piece of salmon on top of the first, skin side up. Sprinkle with the rest of the spice mixture, and the dill, and cover with plastic wrap.

- Store in the fridge for 48 hours and turn the fish regularly when the liquid comes out. Remove the spice mixture and slice the cured salmon in thin slices.

Mustard sauce - Gravlax Sauce

1 tablespoon mild Swedish style mustard

1 teaspoon dark French mustard

1/2 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon red vinegar salt and pepper lots of chopped dill

- Put the mustard sauce in a bowl and serve with the cured salmon.

Gravlax is often served with fresh dill and a mustard sauce and this is how you’ll often find the dish on julbordet, the Swedish Christmas table.

To create your own mustard sauce, mix mustard, sugar and white wine vinegar and add the oil gently, while stirring. Season with dill, salt and white pepper.

Salmon pudding with melted butter and green peas

Serves 4

Ingredients

1-3/4 pounds (800 g) potatoes, preferably firm and waxy

1 bunch dill

2 onions butter (for frying and greasing the pan)

1-1/3 pounds (600 g) salmon fillet

4 eggs

1 cup (2 dl) cream

1 cup (2 dl) milk salt and pepper

14 ounces (400 g) green peas

3-1/2 tablespoons (50 g) butter

Instructions

- Peel and boil the potatoes with some of the dill. Drain and let the potatoes cool.

- Preheat the oven to 400°F.

- Peel and thinly slice the onions. Fry in butter until golden brown.

- Slice the salmon and chop the remaining dill.

- Whisk together the eggs, cream and milk and season with salt and pepper. The mixture should be quite salty because it will flavor both the potatoes and the salmon.

- Grease an ovenproof dish with butter.

- Slice the potatoes and layer potatoes, salmon, onion and dill (but save a little dill for garnish) in two or three layers.

- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers and bake for 35-40 minutes, depending upon the thickness of the pudding.

- Heat the water to boiling and add the peas. Cook for around 15 seconds, then drain. Sprinkle with salt.

- Melt the butter in a saucepan and skim off the white protein that bubbles up. When the butter is pale golden brown, it is ready to serve.

- Garnish the pudding with the remaining dill and the peas. Drizzle melted butter over and serve immediately.

Laxpudding made with salmon filets and served with green peas, which always work well with this dish.

Exploring the historical roots of today’s Christmas table, back to the Viking and early Middle Ages, onward to the postmodern industrial Christmas food.

The food on the Christmas table differs from others in the year. Where others require variety and change—such as dinner parties or New Year’s Eve dinners—the Christmas feast is best when repeated. Christmas food plays almost the same role as the ghosts in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” where the miserly old Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet-to-Come. In the same way, a Christmas table is a nod to what has been as much as it is a clear indication of what is now and what will be all over again next year. The Christmas table is time embodied, one’s own life and memories.

Early Christmas dishes

Of the 10 dishes above, two were already present a thousand years ago: the cheese (favorite #9) and the porridge (favorite #8, we covered at length just prior to Christmas 2021). Both are older than that and probably existed already in the agricultural Stone Age. Cheese was prepared during the summer’s milking of cows and goats then had to be in storage and turned over. The porridge came from different types of grain and was everyday food, but on festive occasions, white grains were often cooked in cream or milk to get a really white porridge, as the white color symbolized hope in Christ.

In the Middle Ages, people began preparing fish with lye to get a particularly fine white meat—from ling, for instance. The resulting lutefisk has since been a significant Christmas fish. The rice pudding was cooked during the high and late Middle Ages as an exclusivity to the elite since the rice grain was an imported luxury. But it didn’t become the commonly appearing porridge until the 19th century.

There is one dish left from the earliest times that is no longer a favorite on most tables: fresh, thick and fried ribs. Fresh food was festive food and the pork sides of the butchered Christmas pig were eaten for Christmas while the hams were salted and dried for later consumption. Butter and bread are still on today’s menu.

Early on there was a medieval, strong, freshly brewed beer, although it was originally of the ale type since lager beer was first brewed in the 19th century. The Viking Age festive ale or mead was still enjoyed until the 18th century but it was later

completely replaced by beer and stronger spirits. We find the Christmas head cheeses on the medieval festive table, but they were probably earlier than that of the Swedish version, sylta (often made with jellied brawn), which has both Old Swedish and Old Saxon roots. The different kinds of sylta are my own Christmas favorites.

Feasts of the 17th and 18th centuries

Two of the favorites are still a living tradition: pickled herrings (favorite #3) and glögg, the sweet and spicy mulled wine (favorite #7). The flavors of the glögg and in some herrings was created by imported spices from the East Indies—cinnamon, pepper, cloves, cardamom—what we today call Christmas spices. The spicy pickled herring, unlike everyday salty herring, was already in a drier version on the late medieval festive table but only in wealthy circles because the spices came from the other side of the world. When the spices became cheaper in the 18th century, many people began to use them in all their dishes.

Spiced pickled herrings were also served on the bourgeoisie’s aquavit table, a precursor to the smörgåsbord and thus also a predecessor to the Christmas table. Both herring and glögg contain sugar which was also an ingredient for the wellto-do during this time ... and if you want to find examples of Christmas sweets from a noble home at the time of Sweden as a great power, just take a look at today’s Christmas candy table—you find the same things as in the mid 17th century: oranges, marzipan, almonds, hazelnuts, confectionery, ginger snaps, klenäter (a fried pastry), sherry, Malaga wine, dried figs and equally dry dates. It is actually a bit strange that even today we eat so

much dry, salted and smoked preserved food for Christmas, when we are used to otherwise having fresh asparagus, fresh figs and fresh tomatoes all year round. But the stored and preserved food has the advantage that it carries old stories about Christmas better than fresh food does.

Late 19th century

Much of today’s Christmas dinner comes from the age of industrialization and national romance in the late 1800s. Home decor was a great interest among the bourgeoisie at the time and Christmas became more about decorating. Many of the impressions of Christmas came from Germany and its decoration industry. The Christmas tree was appearing, more and more festooned with candles. New technology made the colors of Christmas a distinct red and green, and colorful Christmas cards were sent with pictures of the new red Santa, often signed by artist Jenny Nyström.

At home Swedes sang new Christmas songs such as Alice Tegnér’s “Nu så är det jul igen, jultomten myser” (Now it’s Christmas again, Santa Claus is cozying up) from 1899, based on a poem by Zacharias Topelius. In the same national-romantic spirit, Skansen and the Nordic Museum were founded and Christmas turned into a folksy expression in an otherwise vanishing agrarian society.

At the end of the 19th century, the bourgeois Christmas table consisted of what was clearly a multi-part meal, an introduction to the smörgåsbord. A Christmas menu by Swedish author August Strindberg (1849-1912) was found, and in an early 20th century note to his housekeeper he requests to have the following Christmas dinner, designed for five guests:

1: mo Smörgåsbord (lavish)

2: do Swedish sauerkraut soup and broth

3: tio Fish after the season

4: to Bird ditto with roast potatoes and the like.

5: to Butter cream cake with jam (non bread cake)

But at the same time as Strindberg’s classic Christmas meal, there was also a new dish on its way into the Christmas celebration, a dish that would soon take over the place of honor on the Christmas table: the cured, salted Christmas ham (favorite #1).

National romance’s interest in this salty ham was that it was perceived to symbolize history, but what it really did was match what the bourgeoisie in the second half of the 19th century considered the center piece of the festive table—a big steak carved in front of the guests. Today this is almost the only time we present a large chunk of meat in the middle of the table, and the guests themselves carve from it. The bourgeoisie made the ham even more bourgeois by putting a decorative spear in it, a so-called hatelette, or ham stick. In the old farming communities, however, they wanted to eat fresh food from the newly slaughtered pig for Christmas parties, not a cured ham that wouldn’t also be properly trimmed between the slaughter on December 13 and dinner on December 24. The ham was instead associated with the salty preserved food and was served during the following summer.

At the same time, the meatballs (favorite #5) started to become a Christmas accessory, even though it actually belonged to the summer and autumn smörgåsbord at the end of the 19th century. Originally, the meatballs were an elegant dish because making minced meat without a meat

grinder was a job that required plenty of staff in the kitchen. With the invention of the meat grinder around 1895, meatballs gradually become a Christmas table staple, and with the launch of frozen meatballs in the 1960s they became a permanent part of every Christmas table.

The late 19th century Christmas drinks included the lager or Bavarian-type Christmas beer from the brewery industry. Gone were the home-brewed ales that dominated since at least the early Middle Ages.

Modern Christmas meal

Throughout the 1900s, the food industry’s various processed foods simplified the preparation for Christmas. Almost first out, as early as 1900, was the fish canning industry with anchovies and sardines, but the dairy industry had already had ready-made Christmas cheese. The drink “julmust” (favorite #6) saw the light of day in 1910 and had no historic relevance from earlier home production, but it has stood the test of time.

In the 1920s, the modern charcuterie industry developed, offering Christmas sausages, liver patés and “prinskorv” (favorite #10). These small sausages were found in the upper classes of society already in the 18th century and were then called “siskonkorv,” a term still used in Finland. But to break through to the smörgåsbord and later the Christmas table, the cheaper industrial version of prinskorv was required.

During the second half of the 20th century, the Christmas Eve meal changed from a three- or four-course meal to a single serving in the form of a large Christmas buffet where one eats from the cold side’s herrings and fish dishes, crosses

over and ends with the hot food. At the same time, the difference between the summer and Christmas smörgåsbord disappears.

In the 1970s, the older Christmas dishes with boiled salted meat, fresh pork feet and pork sausages are joined by the summer smörgåsbord dishes such as smoked and salted salmon (favorite #4), “Jansson’s Frestelse” (favorite #2) and stuffed egg halves with shrimp. Jansson’s Temptation is an older dish known since at least the 1840s as anchovy gratin, but it belonged to the late night noshes at that time. A novelty on the late 1900s Christmas table were also raw vegetables such as fresh cucumber, tomatoes and iceberg lettuce.

What enables this shift of summer food to winter and the Christmas table is the industrial community with faster transport of vegetables from southern Europe, technically advanced salmon farms, deep freezing of shrimp, and chickens that lay eggs year-round. In this process, our smörgåsbord was created, making the foods of Christmas, Easter and Midsummer look the same.

The emergence of these standard celebrations to a great extent came in 1950-1970, when maids disappeared and working class women joined the bourgeois women. This was undoubtedly a golden opportunity in Sweden to reform the Christmas table and remove the homemade butcher’s food and replace it with much simpler party food. But instead, the food industry took over the homework with machine-made, old-

fashioned dishes that continued to build on the sense of origin and authenticity.

And here we are in the 2000s, when more vegetable dishes and dairy-based herrings have been added. Also new is the seafood, such as smoked shrimp and salads with crayfish tails. Another novelty is the offer to buy pre-packaged Christmas food bags with a standardized Christmas concept.

Postmodern industrial Christmas

A legitimate question is why some Christmas dishes remain while others disappear. It is likely that foods people think don’t carry Christmas values have been successfully replaced with dishes that are better carriers of the Christmas spirit. We often perceive spices as mood-makers more than the food itself, so when contemporary cooks dislike the older Christmas food but want to keep the Christmas feeling, they transfer the Christmas spices to new dishes, like carrot cake with saffron frosting, Christmas brownies with cardamom

truffle or saffron and orange herring.

In our time, the consistency of the food has become an important factor together with the popularity of fresh, slightly crunchy al dente food items. This means older Christmas dishes (such as lutefisk, head cheeses, cooked pork feet and “dopp i grytan,” the practice of dipping bread into the salty broth of the Christmas ham) can be perceived as soggy or slimy and get omitted from the table.

What do these old Christmas dishes mean? Well, when someone has maintained something over several generations, it stands for continuity. But food can also be a reconnection to a lost relationship, a kind of recurrence of a family or family history. For some, a redesign of the Christmas table with old craft dishes may be a contribution to a contemporary debate about poor food quality but also a way to discover your origins.

Sometimes, maybe the Christmas table is all these things at the same time. One conclusion you can draw is that the Christmas table is constantly changing, but hiding among the brand new dishes

are often the traditional ones, the crisp bread and Christmas cheese ... not unlike a gray old tomte that watches over the family to ensure that everything is safe and sound and all as it should be.

Dr. Richard Tellström is a researcher of Swedish food culture history and teacher at the Department of Ethnology at Stockholm University. Find out more at www.su.se or see Tellström’s blog at www.taffel.se

Richard Tellström

Sweet treats from Sweden

Christmas Brownie

A friend in Sweden sent this wonderful recipe, which we recently tried and loved! It’s a classic brownie with a twist: The chocolate has been replaced with Christmas spices – ginger, cardamom and cloves – a perfect addition to serve after the julbord.

For this Christmas brownie, use a springform pan.

Ingredients

100 g butter

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1/2 tablespoon ginger

1/2 tablespoon cloves

1 Tablespoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon cardamom

2/3 cup flour

Christmas cinnamon truffles

Makes approx. 20 truffles

3-1/2 oz dark chocolate

1/2 vanilla bean

2 cinnamon sticks

3-1/2 tablespoons whipping cream

2 tablespoons honey, neutral flavor

2 tablespoon butter cocoa powder

- Chop the chocolate coarsely

- Bring cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and honey to a boil

- Pour the mix through a sieve over the chocolate and stir until smooth, then mix in butter

- Pour mixture into a dish and let it set at room temperature

- Cut out cubes and roll them into small balls

- Coat them with cocoa powder.

Roasted gingerbread with glögg sauce and ice cream

In times of glögg making, this is a definite winner. First, the most time-consuming and involved task is that of making the gingerbread. This particular recipe will give you an old-fashioned kind of gingerbread.

Ingredients

2 sticks butter

2 eggs

1-3/4 cups brown sugar

2-3/4 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon cardamom

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon cloves

1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel

1 cup currants

10 dried and cut apricots peel from one orange 3/4 cup milk

Instructions

- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and bread a cake pan (do not use a small pan).

- Melt the butter. Mix egg and brown sugar.

- In another bowl mix flour, salt, baking powder, spices, currants, and cut apricots. Pour the mixture into the egg batter with the melted butter.

- Add the orange peel and the milk, and pour the batter in the cake pan.

- Bake in the lower part of the oven for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Do a stick test to make sure the cake is dry inside. You might have to cover the cake with aluminum foil the last 20 minutes so as to not have it too dark. Let cool.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F.

- Melt the butter and let it cool.

- Butter the springform pan.

- Beat eggs and sugar, then stir in the melted butter, the spices and the flour.

- Pour the batter into the pan and let bake in the middle of the oven for 15-20 minutes.

Sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top to make it look more festive before serving.

Glögg sauce

Ingredients

1 cup red wine

1/2 cup sugar

grated orange peel, cinnamon stick, cloves and ginger to taste

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 cup red wine

Instructions

1. Bring to a boil wine, sugar, and spices and let simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Take the cold wine and stir the cornstarch into it, then add to the glögg mixture. Boil for 2-3 minutes.

3. Cut your gingerbread into thick slices and roast them in a dry, hot pan. Make sure to roast both sides.

Serve the warm, roasted gingerbread with the glögg sauce and vanilla ice cream.

“Pepparkaks-kladdkaka” – say it quickly several times in a row if you can –we call it Christmas brownie. Call it what you want, chances are you will eat it before you have even figured out a better name.

Sweet Treats, continued...

No Christmas without glögg?! Just in case you didn’t bring one of the Systembolaget varieties from Sweden or haven’t ordered your Sjöblom glögg, Häckeberga Castle’s Executive Chef Thomas Gustavsson shared his recipe for an interesting, apple-based glögg:

Gustavsson’s apple glögg

4 cups of freshly squeezed apple juice (use organic apples)

2 oz muscovado sugar

1 cinnamon stick (about 1.5” long)

2 star anise seeds

2 cloves

1 bitter orange peel

1 cup + 2 oz white wine

4 oz of Calvados brandy (optional)

Grand

Vice

Vice

Executive

Children’s

Junior

Freja

LOCAL LODGES

Heat half the apple juice with the sugar and spices. Remove from heat and stir in the rest of the juice, let it sit over night then run it through a sieve. Heat the glögg with the white wine and brandy (leave out the wine and brandy for an alcohol-free glögg).

Traditionalists will want the regular variety, oldfashioned, glögg and here’s a classic recipe:

Old-fashioned glögg

Half a cup of vodka (whiskey or brandy will also work)

5 cinnamon sticks

20 cloves

1 piece of ginger

1 teaspoon crushed cardamom kernels

1 bitter orange peel

1 bottle of cheap red wine (not too strong or rich)

1 cup + 2 oz brown sugar

vanilla blanched almonds raisins

Mix the alcohol and spices in a jar, cover with lid and put in the fridge overnight. Shake the jar occasionally. Let the mixture pass through a coffee filter until you get a clear, golden liquid. Heat this liquid with the red wine, sugar and vanilla. (Don’t hesitate to taste often while heating, adding spices, brown sugar or maybe a splash of dark rum) Serve the hot glögg with blanched almonds and raisins.

To order the only U.S. based wine glögg, see www. gloggclub.com or contact 707-363-6035

Merry Christmas

God Jul och ett Framgångsrikt Nytt År! önskas Vasa-Syskon och vänner

Lodge Freja No 100

Monthly meeting at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Pleasantville, NY

Chair: Marylin Cole 914-980-6336

Happy Holidays

from

Scandinavian Park, Inc.NFP Vasa Park, Route 31 South Elgin, Illinois

Thank you for your support in 2022 and please consider sending a holiday donation to Scandinavian Park, Inc. NFP c/o Johannes Smits, Treasurer, 315 Chatham Lane, Roselle, IL 60172, so we can keep Vasa Park up and running in 2023.

For news and updates, visit www.vasaparkil.com and www.scandinaviandayil.com.

Ischoklad / Ice chocolate

A traditional Christmas treat that originates from Germany is ice chocolate, pictured here (and p7). Because it has only two ingredients it’s simple to make and you can easily have your children or grandchildren help. “Ice” in this case means that the chocolate melts in your mouth and presents you with a cool feeling—melting ice chocolate treats.

For 40-50 pieces

1 oz. chocolate

need:

2-1/2 oz. coconut butter small aluminum forms

Arrange the aluminum forms on a plate. Melt the chocolate and the butter on a bain-marie. Pour carefully into the forms. Let sit in the fridge for 2-3 hours.

Knäck

This recipe for “Knäck” (Swedish Christmas toffee) yields approximately 40-50 pieces.

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup pale syrup

3-1/2 tbsp butter

3-1/2 tbsp walnuts

3-1/2 tbsp almond flakes paper cups

Instructions

Arrange the paper cups on a plate. Put nuts and almonds in a plastic bag and crush them by using a rolling pin. Combine sugar, cream and syrup in a heavy saucepan and stir constantly over low to medium heat, until the caramel reaches 250° F. Remove the pot from the heat, add the butter and stir until melted. Add crushed nuts and almonds. Pour into the paper cups and let cool in the fridge.

“Knäck”—Swedish Christmas toffee.

over much of the Baltic region during the 17th and early 18th centuries (Swedish: Stormaktstiden, “the Era of Great Power”). The beginning of the empire is usually taken as the reign of Gustavus Adolphus, who ascended the throne in 1611, and its end as the loss of territories in 1721 following the Great Northern War.

Milestones in Swedish

history

Årtal / Years for the history crossword

1100 Kristendomen ökar kraftigt.

1180 Kung Erik Knutsson föds.

1350 Digerdöden dödar.

1523 Gustav Vasa blir kung.

1552 Gustav Vasas första fru var Katarina av Sachsen-Lauenburg, hans andra Margareta Eriksdotter Leijonhufvud. 1552 gifter han sig med Katarina Stenbock, den tredje frun.

1600 Nyenskans borg byggs i Nyenskans, St Petersburg i dag.

1632 Gustav Adolf dör i slaget vid Lützen (i dagens Tyskland).

1645 Jämtland, Härjedalen, Gotland och Ösel (Estland) blir svenska.

1658 Skåne, Blekinge, Halland och Bohuslän blir svenska.

1709 Karl XII förlorar slaget vid Poltava (i dagens Ukraina) mot Ryssland.

1718 Karl XII dödad vid Halden, Norge. Det blev slutet på den svenska Stormaktstiden.

1792 Kung Gustav III skjuts på en maskerad och dör.

1808-1809 Krig med Ryssland. Sverige förlorar Finland, inklusive Åland.

1814 Sverige och Norge i en union.

1842 En skola för alla införs.

1867-1869 Hungersnöd och många emigrerar till Amerika.

1880 Städerna i Sverige växer kraftigt från och med nu.

1905 Unionen mellan Sverige och Norge upphör.

1910 Den sista personen i landet avrättas.

1921 Kvinnlig rösträtt i valet för första gången. 1967 Högertrafik införs.

1986 Statsminister Olof Palme mördas i Stockholm.

1995 Sverige går med i EU (Europeiska Unionen).

2017 Allmän värnplikt återinförs.

2023 Sverige har existerat i 500 år sedan Gustav Vasas intåg i Stockholm 1523.

Discover Swedish is not a regular language course. Teachers and other professionals in the language field may object to the fact that it leaves out bits and pieces, and simplifies language learning. That is a calculated move: These lessons are for regular readers, maybe even beginners, trying to get a grip on another language.

Subscribers eager to look back at earlier lessons, numbers 1-52, please check our online digital content in issues 16-18, 2019 and 01-18, 2020, 2021 and 01-16, 2022: www.nordstjernan.com/digital_issues

Apart from grammar and the overall structure of Swedish, these lessons also teach how to use your own experience with vocabulary. Discover Swedish demonstrates shortcuts, mainly based on the influences of Latin and Greek—languages that are the foundation of English, Swedish and the Germanic

Milestones...

Ordförråd /Vocabulary - Kristendomen: Christianity, föds: is born, digerdöden: the plague, döda: kill, blir: become(s), fru: wife, andra: second, gifta sig med: marry, tredje: third, borg: fortress, byggs: is being built, i dag: today, dö: die, slaget: the battle, dagens: today´s, förlora: lose, Ryssland: Russia, slutet: the end, Stormaktstiden: the Swedish Great Power era, skjuts: is shot, skola: skola, införs: is introduced, hungersnöd: famine, städerna: the cities, växa: grow, kraftigt: strongly, upphör: is over, sista: last, avrättas: is executed, för första gången: for the first time, kvinnlig: female, rösträtt: right to vote, val: election högertrafik: right-hand traffic, mördas: is murdered, gå med i: join, allmän värnplikt: conscription, intåg: entry

languages. The lessons include crosswords, fill-in sections, personal questions, Odd Man Out, word groups, jokes, silly translations, short texts, all in a kind of Swedish atmosphere. By partaking in Discover Swedish you will no doubt get a grip on Swedish and you may even learn about svenska (the language) och svenskarna (the people of Sweden).

Christer Amnéus

KORSORD 500 år minst /CROSSWORD 500 years at least

Inte ett vanligt korsord. Rätt svar kan vara både ett ord, ett namn eller ett årtal / Not a common crossword puzzle. The correct answer can be both a word, a name or a year.

Fyll i de rätta årtalen till höger i korsordets övre och mellersta del (1100, 1950 t ex).

/ Fill in the correct year(s) to the right in the upper and middle part of the crossword (1100, 1950 etc)

Swedish history

A year of significance

2023 will be an exciting year. The year marks the 500 year anniversary since Gustav Eriksson Vasa became king after a war for more than two years. The event ended the Kalmar Union, a Scandinavian union that brought together the kingdoms of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark under a single monarch. Also, the Swedish king, H.M. Carl XVI Gustaf will celebrate his 50th year on the throne and it will be exactly 100 years since the inauguration of Stockholm City Hall designed by the architect Ragnar Östberg.

[The] Swede is a blueprint for being Swedish: Not too little and not too much, simply lagom. Over 250 brief chapters, usefully organized like a dictionary, will make you a better Swede or at least better understand your Swedish friends, family or colleagues.

[The] Swede was written with the intent of introducing Sweden and Swedes to English speakers. It’s personal and informal and inspired by the author’s perspective of a country he loves dearly. Smörgåsbord, ombudsman and of course fika are words that were eventually adopted into English; and [The] Swede will introduce you to the rest—from allemansrätt to housewives, hugging, humor and husesyn—what does it mean to be un-Swedish? What about Swedish sin, is it a real thing? Are Swedes boring? Are they serious? Does a person bring bananas to a dinner party?

Written by Christer Amnéus. Illustrated by Bo Zaunders.

Crossword key, Swedish history

Until the Lights Come Back On

Lilly Setterdahl’s newest novel is a roller coaster of events after a cyber attack has cut off all electric power in Sweden in the month of October. The book follows one family but shows how a catastrophe that’s all too conceivable in a post-pandemic world will truly affect everyone. Price: $23.95

DID YOU KNOW?

Buried salmon. Gravlax literally translates to “grave salmon.” The name refers to how the original, rather primitive version of gravlax was prepared. According to our former food expert, the late professor Jan-Öjvind Swahn, gravlax has a special place in Swedish history.

Travelers visiting the north of Sweden a couple hundred years ago—particularly foreigners with sensitive noses—spoke from time to time of the extraordinary stink that blanketed the countryside. The smell originated from a present-day delicacy, the gravlax. The word grav is the name of the grave you dig in the earth for the newly caught salmon, because that is how the original and much more primitive version of gravlax was once prepared. The fishing places were along the great rivers, which held as many salmon in the Middle Ages as Alaska holds today. But the farms that owned the fishing rights were often far away. When the time came for the salmon to make their way up-river in spring, it was impossible for a cart to penetrate the sodden, snow-choked, pathless forests, and salt was too expensive for anyone to afford proper salting. But you could carry a few bags of salt on your back when you set off on foot or horseback for the salmon-fishing and that was enough to preserve the salmon—at least partially—until it came to market. Freshly caught salmon were placed into a shallow “grave” dug into the earth, lightly salted and stored there. The reported smell came from areas where the salmon had fermented. Today gravlax is prepared in kitchens not only all over Sweden but is a common dish at many first class restaurants in the world—and, is cured rather than fermented.

When someone decides to pursue a master’s degree, they have a lot of things to consider. Some people see it as the next logical step in their career, like Daniel, who is studying physics with sights on working in research and development at a tech company. Others, like Summer, who is studying international and comparative education, want to change direction after being in the work world for a few years and hone their skills in something they are truly passionate about.

One thing prospective grad students should consider is the value of a degree from a foreign country.

In addition to expanding someone’s personal horizons and mindset, an international degree is also valued by potential employers as a mark of someone who is independent, culturally competent and willing to take on challenges. For example, Summer already knew that she loved to interact, share and connect with people across international boundaries, and the diversity of her classes and teachers allows her to continue to learn from other people’s experiences.

“I could describe education in Stockholm University like an open-ended exchange between teacherstudent and student-student, which enhanced the depth and breadth of the education from understanding how my own and others’ personal backgrounds influence our understanding,” she says. “Truly this has changed my life.”

Daniel, who also finds the international atmosphere at Stockholm University stimulating, chose a master’s program abroad because he wanted international experience on his resume and he already had a connection to Sweden.

Another consideration is that tuition costs can be

a fraction of that for an equally rated American university. As for the practicalities of attending a graduate program at Stockholm University, there are very good guides on the website – about everything from how to apply, to visas, to housing. After graduation it is possible to extend your residency in Sweden if you so choose.

Getting educated in Sweden can be a bit different from what’s expected, mostly because of the “flat” society where the distinctions between boss and coworker, teacher and student are more muted.

“In Stockholm it feels like professors are not just obligated to talk to you, but they actually want to help you learn and know you beyond who you are as a student,” says Summer.

“There is a huge responsibility here at SU for an individual to take control of their own work and learning,” Daniel adds. “At times back home it feels like you can get away with not fully understanding material; that has never felt like an option here, but I have been more inspired by that. Fully understanding the material is very rewarding.”

Stockholm itself is a bit of a paradox – a vibrant, walkable city with a long history that is also teeming with green spaces. The thing that surprised Daniel was how much he liked the city. “I did not travel much before I moved here, so when I got

here I was blown away by the style, or architecture, of the city. I loved the atmosphere and the views. It is honestly just so nice to take the train for 15 minutes and be in the city.”

For Summer, it was the effect that nature had on her: “Finding out that I can walk from my apartment to the library in 40 minutes with 30 minutes of that being forest was a pleasant discovery. Life feels calmer and more peaceful here, though I am unsure if this can be attributed to the balanced work/study culture, the people, or the nature that is always surrounding me.”

Not surprisingly, these two Californians also mention the presence of actual seasons. By the numbers, summer is like Seattle and winter is like Chicago, but everyone experiences it differently. When Summer’s friends ask about the winter weather, she sends them pictures.

“They tend to say that it looks like I live in a snow globe! While winter can be hard, the springtime is truly magical, and fall (my favorite!) makes me want to take up painting every time.”

Daniel thinks the divide is even sharper than that: “The other quite funny thing is the country can be broken into two seasons – winter and summer. During these times the country can be completely different. All of the sudden the sun comes out and people are everywhere: walking, biking, hiking, swimming, sitting outside eating. As someone coming from a place with no snow, I actually love winters here also.”

Summer Bennett and Daniel Slominski; Photo: Sören Andersson / Stockholm University

Swedish News

“NATO entry takes time”

Turkey has put an end to Sweden’s entry into NATO and is delaying approving Sweden’s application. But, according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, it is completely normal that a NATO entry requires time and discussion in order to arrive at a good solution for everyone involved. Stoltenberg also believes it is necessary for Sweden and Finland to tighten their terrorist legislation and increase cooperation with NATO, including Turkey, in order to fight terror and terrorist organizations such as the PKK.

PM cautions about Swedish economy

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has voiced warnings about the country’s economy. The government recently presented its budget for 20223 which, according to a statement, was restrained in order to afford measures later. In the event of a real recession in the future, there are many opportunities to support with all sorts of different efforts, according to Kristersson.

New interest rate increase

The Riksbank raised the policy rate again at the end of November, this time by 75 points to 2.50 percent. With this, the Riksbank hopes to cool Swedish inflation, which was 9.3 percent in October. The policy rate is now the highest Sweden has had in 14 years. Just seven months ago, it was zero percent. Another increase is expected in February.

Letter postage increased to SEK 15

From the turn of the year, it will cost SEK 15 ($1.40) to send a letter in Sweden. Postnord is increasing postage 15 percent or from SEK 13 to SEK 15 for letters up to 50 grams. “This year’s pricing of postage is above all an effect of increased costs in the outside world and the fact that we need to ensure we can continue to offer a stable and flexible postal service,” according to a statement from Postnord. Sweden also continues to have the lowest postage prices in the Nordics, according to Postnord.

Fewer graduates unemployed

Unemployment among graduates in Sweden continues to fall. The proportion of long-term unemployed who have been without a job for more than a year has decreased 21 percent compared to the same period last year. Unemployment among graduates is currently 1.5 percent.

New losses for Scandinavian Airlines

The airline SAS reports a loss before tax of SEK 1.7 billion for the fourth quarter. During the same period in 2021, the loss was SEK 945 million. In a report, the company writes that the transformation plan continues and important progress has been made in the chapter 11 procedure the company has started. SAS aims to complete the court process in the second half of 2023.

Homes remain unsold for twice as long

Swedish Homes are on the market for longer and longer. A review by the housing site Booli shows the number of days has almost doubled in one year. The supply of housing is record high and the number of buyers is fewer. Many owners who tried to sell last

spring or summer are now trying again. Others want to take the opportunity to sell as quickly as possible because the market is uncertain and no one knows how pricing will develop in the future.

Vattenfall investigates small nuclear power plants

Vattenfall must immediately plan for new nuclear power at Ringhals, according to the agreement between the governing parties and the Sweden Democrats. Right now, a preliminary study is underway on so-called small modular reactors, but Vattenfall has no plans for new larger reactors. Large-scale nuclear power is not considered profitable under today’s conditions, and small reactors are not available yet—the earliest they could be in operation is in 10 years, according to Vattenfall.

Vattenfall is a Swedish multinational power company owned by the Swedish State. Beyond Sweden, the company generates power in Denmark, Finland,

Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The company’s name is Swedish for “waterfall,” and is an abbreviation of its original name, Royal Waterfall Board. From its founding until the mid1970s, Vattenfall’s business was largely restricted to Sweden, with, as its name implies, a focus on hydroelectric power generation. In 1974 the company began to build nuclear reactors in Sweden (the Ringhals 1 and 2 reactors), eventually owning seven of Sweden’s then 12 reactors. As of 2019, renewables accounted for 35% of the firm’s total generation capacity, including wind, solar and hydro power.

Restarting earlier closed power plants is not going to be possible

The governing parties want to investigate whether it’s possible to restart the two reactors that were closed at the end of last year at the Ringhals nuclear power plant. According to Ringhals CEO Björn Linde, this is not possible depending partly on the lifespan of the two reactors and the fact that the plant has already begun to be dismantled.

Electricity subsidy in 2023

The electricity subsidy proposal that Svenska kraftnät and the government put forward will begin to be paid out at the beginning of next year. Support will go to approximately five million customers in southern and central Sweden. Farthest south, in electricity area 4, a subsidy of 79 öre (8¢) per kWh will be paid and in electricity area 3 a subsidy of 50 öre will be paid

Photo: Ulf Lundin/imagebank.sweden