Vita sene libertate nihil
It seems, that Swedes started to celebrate Christmas and New Year one month in advance. Actually, at the end of November Stockholm was conquered by army of lightened elks, lights on every house and Christmas tree in every house and public squares. Now, entering every shop, firstly you would pass beautiful Christmas tree before shopping and staff would wish you all the best in the upcoming year. One interesting tradition, I want to tell about is celebrating Advents (“arrival” or “coming” from Latin). For instance, on the first Sunday of Advent – four weeks before Christmas – people light the first candle in the Advent candle-stand. Every Sunday until Christmas, a candle is lit (and blown out after a while), until all four candles are alight. Moreover, for hardworking Swedes this month can be too stressed – you have so much work to be done in a short period, buy presents for family and friends, try to visit all yours relatives during Advent celebration, celebrate New Year with you colleagues (by the way, it is common to celebrate in November, so everyone would have more time for family and relatives). Another interesting event, happening in Stockholm was Nobel Ceremony. Alfred Nobel signed his last will and testament, giving the largest share of his fortune to a series of prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature and Peace - the Nobel Prizes. In 1968, Sveriges Riksbank (Sweden's central bank) established The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. This year Nobel Prize was awarded for 11 persons, for example Physics Prize was shared between 3 scientists. More than 1500 quests were invited for Award Ceremony. Politicians, cultural activists, scientists, representatives of different organizations, students enjoyed ceremony and concert, then they had dinner held at the Blue Hall of the Stockholm City Hall. There are some traditions connected with this dinner: menu is always kept in secret; your outfit must include smoking or long dress; banquet lasts from 19 to 22:15 pm (and always finishes with ice-cream), after it King of Sweden makes a sign for dances to begin. It ends at 1:30 am. Finally, you can try all dishes from banquets starting from 1901 in City Hall. It would cost around 200 USD, and this dinner is offered to more than 20 thousand people every year. old is gold - banquet in 1958
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AuthorMyhailo Skrypchuk's blog. EVS volunteer in AUE (2016-2017). Stockholm, Sweden Archives
Декабрь 2016
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