Christmas traditions differ from one country to another. Here are some short, but interesting, facts about Swedish Christmas traditions from the Open-air museum Hägnan.

Did you know...

...that the Swedish Santa Claus is a hybrid of the farm elf, the German Der Weinachtsmann and the American Santa Claus?


The farm elf. Photo: Susanne Lindholm

How did the Christmas tree end up indoors?

The tradition with an indoor Christmas tree origin from Germany and by the end of the 19th century it existed troughout the whole Sweden. The Christmas tree could be rather small and be placed on the table or hung from the ceiling. Before the tradition of indoor Christmas trees, people would have had tall branched spruce trees on each side of the front door. This was a sign that Christmas peace had come and the residents were protected from villainous spirits.


Beatrice welcoming guests to the croft with beautiful branched fir trees.

The Christmas goat

Did you know that Luleå's inhabitants used to believe in a mysterious creature called 'julsven' - the Christmas goat? People believed that he sneaked around the cottages during Christmas time and could frighten people. The inhabitants put up Christmas crosses on the window sills to protect themselves from the Christmas goat who might come in to punish those who broke the Christmas peace.


Christmas crosses. Photo: Susanne Lindholm

”Rat and louse — out of my house”

The Thomas Day ('Tomasdagen') on December 21 used to be an important day to cancel contracts with rats and mice that you wanted to get rid of.  One method was for the man of the house to go around the rooms, nooks and crannies of the farm and say ”rat and louse — out of my house”. He should also address where they should move, for example to an angry neighbor.

Lasse chasing away mice.

The Christmas candles quality

In old times, it was believed that the quality of Christmas candles was affected by how the person crafting felt during the candle making of the year's candle supply. According to folk belief, it was important that the person was happy, otherwise the candles would run. Likewise, it was important that the person did not let weather because then the candles would crackle and then everyone would know what she had done while making candles.

Candle making. Photo: Susanne Lindholm

Christmas decoration or insulation?

Today it is common for Swedes to decorate their homes with different kinds of plants such as poinsettias, amaryllis and hyacinths during Christmas. In the past, homes were also decorated for the holidays, but you had to make use of the winter green that was available. A common custom was to sprinkle the floor with chopped branches of spruce and juniper. This was a marker for the holiday celebrations and provided a pleasant aroma and insulated the floors.


Hulda's branched porch. Photo: Susanne Lindholm