For the second year in a row I attended the Swedish Christmas Market in Lausanne last weekend. An old colleague of my mine is in charge for the delicatessen stand and I pop in to help out. In 30 minutes we had sold 8 kilos of Swedish caviar which is the big seller in this stand. It was busy, needless to say, cutting pieces of smoked eel, warm smoked salmon and handing over cured cheeses, liver wurst, elk sausages and much more...
This market is full of Swedishness, just the way I love it, and seldom do I feel more Swedish than during this event. With my Carl Larsson apron on over a white blouse I might not look as pretty as the ladies in the wonderful folk costumes, but I still feel very Swedish and special.
And I spend money... Well, lets say you should fill your wallet big time when coming to this market. Because who can resist the cute little Santa decorations, the Swedish Pick n' Mix candy, classic stories by Swedish authors like Astrid Lindgren and Sven Nordquist, not to mention all the Swedish food specialties. Here you find the ingredients you are looking for when baking and making all those typical Swedish dishes and pastries.
And there is music. Lovely Christmas carols sung by everyone. A Lucia parade which sets the Christmas spirit right in place. There are games for the small children and a Christmas Craft Workshop. Yes this event is something special. A place to socialize and reconnect with your roots. And I'm seriously thinking of finding me one of those Folk costumes... Just for this event. They are so beautiful, aren't they.
PS Blogger is having a grumpy day... Sorry about funny spacing and what ever... :)
Kärlek
Annette
Annette
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This looks so cosy and a lively market. Here in the UK in London we have a weekend of markets hosted by the Swedes, Fins and Norwegians and it's a great (expensive!) experience too
ReplyDeleteOh how wonderful! Thanks for sharing! I imagine it was a special day for you. I can totally see getting one of those costumes.
ReplyDeleteIt all looks so festive and traditional. I wish we had something similar locally that could help us to keep some British traditions going. Thank you for sharing. x
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful, Annette! I love the costrumes and decorations.
ReplyDeleteMy country is so diverse - which is great - but there's no real representative "South African - it would be such a mixed grill! And sadly one often see the extremes, and not the real - caricaturing, in the end.
I've started buying beaded ornaments the last couple of years, usually at markets or on the street - at least my tree is getting a more distinct African flavour ;-D
I loved the pics of the ornaments. I swear we have some of those, especially the figure on the sled. My mum and I used to go to the Harvest Festival which is all independent craftsmen/women. It's Christmas festive also.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like an absolutely lovely day and one I would very much like to experience. I love the traditions you have shared.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
Again so many memories invoked by your post. My friend and her husband used to organise a Lucia festival each year, both my sons used to take part, the eldest played piano one year. They dressed as Star Boys- not impressed with that bit as they got older though. I have a lot of the decorations you show in your photos. Eaten many of the delicious foods you mentioned - including eel and elk. X
ReplyDeleteSo warm and cosy! I hope you are feeling less grumpy by now. All the best and take care of yourself! Regula
ReplyDeleteÅh, så härligt med lite svenskt kan jag tänka mig! Hoppas ni får en härlig jul med massor av kärlek! Kram!
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