sisters...

Yesterday, June 6th, was Sweden's National Day. However, despite how many swedes I asked, (and I asked quite a few) no one seemed to know what we were celebrating. Being a relatively recent installment, the Swedish National Day does not celebrate some past historical victory over an oppressive force in order to obtain nationhood as a country. Instead, this holiday simply seems (from an American perspective) as an attempt to reinforce some sort of corporate national identity for that sake alone, which may come in handy sometime in the future. In general, the point of this national holiday, and day off from work for everyone, was a bit lost to me. I have, on the other hand, heard lots about Midsummer. Midsummer and Christmas seem to be Sweden's biggest holidays. Everyone always thinks we're crazy when I mention most people in the U.S. wouldn't know what midsummer is and we don't celebrate it there.

No don't get me wrong, I had a lovely time on June 6th enjoying the warm, sunny weather (finally!), wandering around Skansen along with (literally) every other Swede in Stockholm. Skansen is this national park of sorts that has been created to remember how Swedes used to live way back when (after the Vikings but before now) Historical homes, stores, churches, and farms have been relocated to this part of the city so that one can wander around, visiting old bakeries and shops that were really used and now continue to depict their historical use. The glass-making was especially fun to watch. There is also a small zoo that has only animals that are distinctly Scandinavian. My favorite was this type of domesticated wild boar. Bit of a contradiction if you ask me. Despite being overwhelmed by the high volume of very energetic children, I enjoyed walking around with Solveig and Ylva who are wonderful to watch as they interact as sisters. Watching pairs of sisters interact (Solveig and Ylva; Erika and Emilie; Evelyn, Birgit, and Anita) has been a highlight all throughout this trip.

Church in Skansen

Sisters, Ylva and Solveig,

taking Skansen by storm

Solveig, Susan, and Ylva

celebrating the Swedish National Day at Skansen in Stockholm