Did you know that in Sweden students graduating from grade school often leave the ceremony in hayrides? Read more about this and other graduation ceremonies in my latest blog.

Did you know that the National Day of Sweden is celebrated in honor of both the coronation of King Gustav Vasa and the adoption of the constitution of 1809? A great way to celebrate is to barbecue and eat a big slice of strawberry cake!

Did you know that Stockholm city is spread out over fourteen island, and actually part of the Stockholm archipelago which consists of some 30,000 islands in total? Read my latest blog to learn more about the Swedish capital.

Did you know that Sweden has nice sand beaches and great summer destinations? This island of Öland is a popular vacation spot with beautiful beaches, wind- and kite surfing, local artists, restaurants and nightlife.

Did you know that the union between Sweden, Denmark and Norway was agreed upon at Kalmar castle in 1397? The union would last, with a few disruptions, until 1523 when Sweden declared independence from Denmark under the leadership of King Gustav Vasa I, considered the “father of the nation” in Sweden.

Did you know that Mother’s Day in Sweden is the last Sunday of May, as opposed to the second Sunday in May in the United States? The later date was chosen to give spring a better chance to arrive in Scandinavia for Mother’s Day.

The Emigrant book series by Vilhelm Moberg gives the reader a fascinating view of what it might have been like for the early Swedish emigrants heading for the New World. While the stories are fictional, the author did extensive research in Sweden and the US. I highly recommend the books and the films based on them!

Did you know that plogging is a great way to get exercise and help the environment at the same time? A combination of two Swedish verbs, “plocka” and “jogga”, plogging is the act of running or jogging while picking up trash along the way!

Did you know that Valborg (Walpurgis Night) is celebrated in Sweden to welcome the arrival of spring? Each year on April 30 people gather around large bonfires, sing songs and barbecue. And students are taking parts in long held traditions such as Champaign breakfast.

Easter is almost here and I am getting ready to celebrate the holiday with some Swedish traditions. Pickled herring, cured salmon and chocolate eggs are musts. But Easter witches are hard to come by outside of Sweden…

Some Swedish words sound similar to English words but have different meanings. This can lead to some confusion and perhaps even award situations if you are not careful. Check out my blog to learn about some of these so-called “false friend” words.

One of the best ways to experience a new culture and language is to participate in an educational or cultural exchange. If you are interested in Sweden and Swedish culture, check out my latest blog which provides information about the latest program to promote exchange in higher education between Sweden and the US, and how to prepare for university studies in Sweden.

I am shocked and distraught by the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine, and it is hard to fathom the impact on people and the senseless loss of human life. I hold out hope that we will all come together in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and provide support.

More than a million Swedes immigrated to the United States between 1840 and 1920, settling primarily in the American Midwest. Today you can find their legacy influencing many aspects of life in America, and their descendants are increasingly exploring their Scandinavian roots. In fact, a popular television show has Swedish-Americans competing for a chance to learn more about their family history and reconnect with their Swedish relatives!

Did you know that the Swedish selection of a song and artist to represent the country in the Eurovision Song Contest consists of four telecast events stretching out over a month every year? The Swedes are very passionate about Melodifestivalen (“Melody festival”). In fact, more than a third of the population tuned in to watch the show in 2021!

Did you know that the famous Swedish ski race Vasaloppet is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year? First held in 1922, the race between the village of Sälen and town of Mora commemorates the route taken by a group of skiers as they tried, and succeeded, to catch up with the nobleman Gustav Ericsson, the future first ruler of the independent nation of Sweden. The world's oldest, longest, and biggest, ski race is limited to 15,800 participants in 2022. But if you were hoping to join I have bad news: all slots are taken! But it is not too late to join the tens of thousands of spectators along the race that cheer on the athletes with cow bells and encouraging words.

The annual Day of the Semla is a wildly popular tradition in Sweden. On this day millions of delicious Semla pastries are consumed all across the country. But how did this tradition first start? What is a Semla, anyway? And is it really true that a King ate himself to death by indulging in too many of these cream-filled calorie bombs? Get ready for this year's Day of the Semla by learning the answers to these questions and more!