Sample questions: Traditions and holidays
The festivals of the year, their origins and how they are celebrated today.
Many Swedish traditions have roots in Christianity or even further back, and today are often celebrated without religious meaning. New Year's Eve on 31 December is celebrated with parties and fireworks. Easter falls in March or April in memory of Jesus's death and resurrection; typical food is eggs, lamb, salmon and herring. Walpurgis Night on 30 April welcomes spring with bonfires and spring songs. The first of May is workers' day and a public holiday with demonstrations. Sweden's national day on 6 June became a public holiday by a decision of the Riksdag in 2005 and refers to Gustav Vasa being elected king on 6 June 1523 and to the 1809 Instrument of Government. Midsummer Eve is always a Friday between 19 and 25 June, celebrated with the maypole, herring, new potatoes and strawberries. All Saints' Day falls on a Saturday in late October or early November. Advent is the four Sundays before Christmas Day, Lucia is celebrated on 13 December and Christmas Eve on 24 December.
The questions below are written by Medborgarklar for practice. They are not taken from a real test, they are not published by UHR, and we do not claim they have appeared in a sitting.
8 questions with answers and explanations
On which date is Christmas Eve celebrated in Sweden?
- A13 December
- B24 December
- C25 December
- D31 December
Correct answer: B. 24 December
Why: On Christmas Eve, 24 December, families gather to spend time together, eat special Christmas food and give each other presents. Christmas is a major family festival in Sweden.
Why do traditions in Sweden change over time, according to the study material?
- AThe Riksdag decides each year which traditions are to be celebrated
- BTraditions change as society develops, and are sometimes celebrated in new ways
- CMunicipalities decide which festivals residents may celebrate
- DTraditions may only be celebrated by religious people
Correct answer: B. Traditions change as society develops, and are sometimes celebrated in new ways
Why: Traditions contribute to cultural belonging, but they also change as society develops. Today, for example, many people celebrate the Christian festivals in new ways not connected to Christian faith.
On which date is Sweden's national day?
- A6 June
- B30 April
- C13 December
- D1 May
Correct answer: A. 6 June
Why: 6 June is Sweden's national day. It was made a public holiday by a decision of the Riksdag in 2005.
In which year did Sweden's national day become a public holiday?
- A1809
- B1523
- C2005
- D1979
Correct answer: C. 2005
Why: The day was made a public holiday by a decision of the Riksdag in 2005. The date refers to Gustav Vasa being elected king on 6 June 1523 and to the 1809 Instrument of Government.
When is Midsummer Eve celebrated in Sweden?
- AAlways on a Friday between 19 and 25 June
- BAlways on 24 June
- CAlways on 21 June
- DAlways on the first Saturday in July
Correct answer: A. Always on a Friday between 19 and 25 June
Why: Midsummer Eve is always celebrated on a Friday between 19 and 25 June. The celebration is about welcoming summer and the light.
What is typical Midsummer food in Sweden?
- ASaffron buns and gingerbread
- BHerring, new potatoes and strawberries
- CChristmas ham and red cabbage
- DEggs and Easter sweets
Correct answer: B. Herring, new potatoes and strawberries
Why: Typical Midsummer food is herring, new potatoes and strawberries. People also make flower wreaths and dance around the maypole.
What is celebrated on Walpurgis Night, 30 April?
- AThe resurrection of Jesus
- BSweden's national day
- CWorkers' day
- DThe welcoming of spring, with bonfires and spring songs
Correct answer: D. The welcoming of spring, with bonfires and spring songs
Why: Walpurgis Night on 30 April is celebrated to welcome spring. Large bonfires are lit in the evening and traditional spring songs are sung.
What is marked on 1 May in Sweden?
- AThe arrival of spring with bonfires
- BThe end of the school year
- CWorkers' day, with demonstrations and speeches
- DThe birth of Jesus
Correct answer: C. Workers' day, with demonstrations and speeches
Why: On 1 May, workers' day is celebrated internationally. In Sweden it is also a public holiday, and the labour movement organises demonstrations where unions and parties give speeches on social and political issues.