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Adding local short description: "Mid-January Christmas tradition in Sweden", overriding Wikidata description "mid-January Christmas tradition in Sweden, ending the Christmas and holiday season"
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{{Short description|Mid-January Christmas tradition in Sweden}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}} |
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{{Infobox holiday |
{{Infobox holiday |
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|imagesize = |
|imagesize = |
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|caption = Knut's dance or Dancing out Christmas, by Swedish artist Hugo Hamilton (1802–1871) |
|caption = Knut's dance or Dancing out Christmas, by Swedish artist Hugo Hamilton (1802–1871) |
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|official_name = |
|official_name = julgransplundring |
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|nickname = |
|nickname = |
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|observedby = [[Sweden]] |
|observedby = [[Sweden]] |
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|date2016 = |
|date2016 = |
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|date2017 = |
|date2017 = |
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|celebrations = |
|celebrations = Dancing around the [[Christmas tree]], children's party, removing Christmas decorations |
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|observances = |
|observances = |
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|relatedto = [[Christmas]], [[St. Knut's Day]] |
|relatedto = [[Christmas]], [[St. Knut's Day]] |
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}} |
}} |
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A '''Knut's party''' or '''Knut's dance''' ({{lang-sv| |
A '''Knut's party''' or '''Knut's dance''' ({{lang-sv|julgransplundring}}, literally: "Christmas tree plundering") is a tradition in Sweden on [[St. Knut's Day]] (13 January), which marks the end of the [[Christmas and holiday season]], which includes [[Advent Sunday]], [[Saint Lucy's Day]], [[Christmas]], [[New Year]] and [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]]. It is also known as "Dancing out Christmas" (''dansa ut julen'') or "Throw out the Tree" (''kasta ut granen'').<ref name="dansa">{{Cite web |title=Dansa ut julen med Nordiska museet |trans-title=Dance out Christmas with the Nordic Museum |url=http://www.nordiskamuseet.se/kalendarium/dansa-ut-julen-med-nordiska-museet |website=www.nordiskamuseet.se |publisher=[[Nordic Museum]] |accessdate=10 January 2016}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="knut">{{Cite web |title=Tjugondag Knut |trans-title=St. Knut's Day |url=http://www.nordiskamuseet.se/aretsdagar/tjugondag-knut |website=www.nordiskamuseet.se |publisher=[[Nordic Museum]] |accessdate=10 January 2016}}</ref> |
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== Origin == |
== Origin == |
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Traditionally since the 17th century, Christmas ends on the 20th day after Christmas in Sweden.<ref name="knut" /> The feast held in connection to this was originally in celebration of the Danish duke [[Canute Lavard]].<ref>{{ |
Traditionally since the 17th century, Christmas ends on the 20th day after Christmas in Sweden.<ref name="knut" /> The feast held in connection to this was originally in celebration of the Danish duke [[Canute Lavard]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Weibull |first=Lauritz |title=Sankt Knuts gille: historisk framställnning |date=1956 |publisher=Allhems förlag |location=Malmö |language=Swedish |trans-title=Knut's feast: a historical representation |id={{LIBRIS|8549235}}}}</ref> During the [[Middle Ages]] the celebration shifted to the [[martyr]]ed King [[Canute IV of Denmark]], [[patron saint]] of Denmark and ''Knutsgillen'' ("Knut's [[guild]]s"), a form of Medieval trading companies. The guilds sometimes organized [[Ball (dance party)|balls]] and the Swedish word for the gatherings, ''gille'', may have influenced the tradition of the feasting since it also means "party".<ref name=knut /> |
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It is mentioned in the ''[[Old Farmer's Almanac]]'' that "King Knut asked them for help to drive out Christmas". In the old Swedish [[agrarian society]], children would run from farm to farm to "call out Christmas" (''ropa ut julen''), that is call out that Christmas had ended and beg for food and drink.<ref name=knut /> |
It is mentioned in the ''[[Old Farmer's Almanac]]'' that "King Knut asked them for help to drive out Christmas". In the old Swedish [[agrarian society]], children would run from farm to farm to "call out Christmas" (''ropa ut julen''), that is call out that Christmas had ended and beg for food and drink.<ref name=knut /> |
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The present day tradition has changed very little since the 1870s.<ref name=fira>{{ |
The present day tradition has changed very little since the 1870s.<ref name="fira">{{Cite web |title=Julgransplundring |trans-title=Christmas tree plundering |url=http://www.firajul.nu/lattlast/julgransplundring |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121205193907/http://www.firajul.nu/lattlast/julgransplundring |archive-date=5 December 2012 |publisher=Fira jul |language=Swedish |accessdate=20 December 2012}}</ref> During the 20th century, the Knut's party became mainly associated with children and candy. The observance of the feast peaked during 1950–70.<ref name=knut /> |
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== Party == |
== Party == |
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[[File:Fiskdamm.JPG|thumb|A Swedish "fishing pond" for children is used on many occasions, here on Midsummer's eve.]] |
[[File:Fiskdamm.JPG|thumb|A Swedish "fishing pond" for children is used on many occasions, here on Midsummer's eve.]] |
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In private homes, there is often a party mainly for children. The [[Christmas decoration]]s are then put aside. Such parties are also common in schools, [[kindergarten]]s, churches and other places. In many towns, the [[Christmas lights|illumination]] of the public Christmas tree is switched off, accompanied by an outdoor Knut's dance for the community.<ref name=rocking>{{ |
In private homes, there is often a party mainly for children. The [[Christmas decoration]]s are then put aside. Such parties are also common in schools, [[kindergarten]]s, churches and other places. In many towns, the [[Christmas lights|illumination]] of the public Christmas tree is switched off, accompanied by an outdoor Knut's dance for the community.<ref name="rocking">{{Cite web |date=3 January 2014 |title=Julgransplundring: Rocking around the Christmas Tree |url=http://www.yourlivingcity.com/stockholm/cultural/events/julgransplundring/ |publisher=Your Living City |accessdate=13 January 2015}}</ref> In some areas the feast is known as ''Julgransskakning'' ("Shaking the Christmas tree").<ref>{{Cite web |title=Årsmöte 2009 |url=http://www.sverigestomtegille.se/content/%C3%A5rsm%C3%B6te-2009 |website=www.sverigestomtegille.se |publisher=Sveriges Tomtegille |accessdate=10 January 2016}}</ref> |
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Party activities involve singing and dancing around the [[Christmas tree]], "looting" the tree of ornamental candy and apples, smashing the [[gingerbread house]] into pieces and eating it, opening Christmas crackers that have been used as decorations in the tree, lotteries, creating a ''[[:sv:Fiskdamm|fiskdamm]]'' ("fishing pond") where children will "fish" for toys and candy or a treasure hunt. The songs and dances are essentially the same as those performed at [[Jul (Sweden)|Christmas]] and [[Midsummer#Sweden|Midsummer]], and some songs with verses about the end of Christmas, such as ''[[Raska fötter springa tripp, tripp, tripp]]'', may especially emphasize such verses.<ref name=dansa /><ref name=kalas>{{ |
Party activities involve singing and dancing around the [[Christmas tree]], "looting" the tree of ornamental candy and apples, smashing the [[gingerbread house]] into pieces and eating it, opening Christmas crackers that have been used as decorations in the tree, lotteries, creating a ''[[:sv:Fiskdamm|fiskdamm]]'' ("fishing pond") where children will "fish" for toys and candy or a treasure hunt. The songs and dances are essentially the same as those performed at [[Jul (Sweden)|Christmas]] and [[Midsummer#Sweden|Midsummer]], and some songs with verses about the end of Christmas, such as ''[[Raska fötter springa tripp, tripp, tripp]]'', may especially emphasize such verses.<ref name=dansa /><ref name="kalas">{{Cite web |last=Delgado |first=Rebecca |date=22 December 2015 |title=Julgransplundring – en guide |trans-title=Christmas tree plundering – a guide |url=http://www.kalasdags.se/artiklar/aktivitet/julgransplundring.htm |website=www.kalasdags.se |publisher=Kalasdags |accessdate=10 January 2016}}</ref><ref name="ica">{{Cite web |title=Fixa julgransplundringen! |trans-title=Fixe the plundering of the Christmas tree! |url=http://www.ica.se/buffe/artikel/julgransplundring/ |website=www.ica.se |publisher=[[ICA AB]] |accessdate=10 January 2016}}</ref> |
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== "Throwing out" the tree == |
== "Throwing out" the tree == |
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During the 20th century, Christmas trees were literally thrown out of the window or from the balcony, onto the street once they had been "plundered" and stripped of all [[Christmas ornament|ornaments]].<ref>{{ |
During the 20th century, Christmas trees were [[defenestration|literally thrown out of the window]] or from the balcony, onto the street once they had been "plundered" and stripped of all [[Christmas ornament|ornaments]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taras julgransskola |trans-title=Tara's Christmas tree school |url=http://www.tara.se/artiklar/Inredning/Taras-julgransskola/ |website=www.tara.se |publisher=Tara Magazine |accessdate=10 January 2016}}</ref> Since the beginning of the 21st century, areas for dumping the trees are designated by local authorities but in 2015, spontaneous and illegal dumping grounds were still a problem.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinsson |first=Karl |date=16 February 2015 |title=Här tog glada julen slut |trans-title=This is where the happy Christmas ended |url=https://mitti.se/har-tog-glada-julen-slut/ |url-status=dead |website=www.mitti.se |publisher=Mitt I Kungsholmen |accessdate=10 January 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013173018/https://mitti.se/har-tog-glada-julen-slut/ |archivedate=13 October 2016 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Volunteers from sport clubs and other organizations such as [[Lions Clubs International]] also help collect the discarded trees. These can be [[Recycling|recycled]] for heating or used in [[bonfire]]s at [[Walpurgis Night#Sweden|Walpurgis Night]] (''Valborgsmässoafton'') later in spring.<ref name="syd">{{Cite web |last=Ivarsson |first=Dan |date=3 January 2007 |title=Konsten att kasta en julgran |trans-title=The art of throwing out a Christmas tree |url=http://www.sydsvenskan.se/malmo/konsten-att-kasta-en-julgran/ |website=www.sydsvenskan.se |publisher=[[Sydsvenskan]] |accessdate=10 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Julin |first=Johan |date=5 January 2016 |title=Så återvinner du barrande granen bäst |trans-title=How to best recycle the shredding tree |url=http://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/atervunnen-julgran-kan-bromsa-vaxthuseffekten |newspaper=SVT Nyheter |publisher=[[Sveriges Television]] |accessdate=10 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 April 2015 |title=Majbrasa på Strandplan kl 18.00! |trans-title=May bonfire at Starndsgatan at 18! |url=http://www.haparanda.se/haparandastad/nyheter/nyheter2015/majbrasapastrandplankl1800.5.6c29ee8814cca98974e54e.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082026/http://www.haparanda.se/haparandastad/nyheter/nyheter2015/majbrasapastrandplankl1800.5.6c29ee8814cca98974e54e.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |website=www.haparanda.se |publisher=[[Haparanda Municipality]] |accessdate=10 January 2016}}</ref> Failure to dispose of the tree in a manner designated by the authorities can result in a fine or a sentence of up to one year in prison.<ref name="syd" /> |
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Since the late 1980s, [[artificial Christmas tree]]s have replaced a portion of the natural trees and thus eliminated the need to dispose of the tree. These are simply disassembled and put into storage after the Knut's party.<ref>{{ |
Since the late 1980s, [[artificial Christmas tree]]s have replaced a portion of the natural trees and thus eliminated the need to dispose of the tree. These are simply disassembled and put into storage after the Knut's party.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 December 2015 |title=Plastgran – Bra för allergiker |trans-title=Plastic fir – good for those suffering from allergies |url=http://www.expressen.se/leva-och-bo/jul/sa-valjer-du-ratt-julgran-for-ditt-hem/ |website=www.expressen.se |publisher=[[Expressen]] |accessdate=10 January 2016}}</ref> |
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A number of trees are {{As of|2012|lc=y}} disposed around [[Twelfth Night (holiday)|Twelfth Night]], almost a week before St. Knut's Day.<ref>{{ |
A number of trees are {{As of|2012|lc=y}} disposed around [[Twelfth Night (holiday)|Twelfth Night]], almost a week before St. Knut's Day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hedlund |first=Lillan |date=6 January 2012 |title=Dags att kasta ut granen |trans-title=Time to throw out the tree |url=http://lt.se/nyheter/sodertalje/1.1496718-dags-att-kasta-ut-granen |website=www.lt.se |publisher=Länstidningen Södertälje |accessdate=10 January 2016}}</ref> |
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== References in popular culture == |
== References in popular culture == |
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[[File:ChristmasCrackers 2.jpg|thumb|Christmas crackers are common during Knut's parties.]] |
[[File:ChristmasCrackers 2.jpg|thumb|Christmas crackers are common during Knut's parties.]] |
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⚫ | *The final verse of the 1901 [[Christmas music|Christmas song]] ''Raska fötter springa tripp, tripp, tripp'', written by [[Sigrid Sköldberg-Pettersson]] and [[Emmy Köhler]], describes the Christmas tree being carried out (''julegranen bäres ut''); a Knut's party may specially emphasize the final verse. |
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*[[Astrid Lindgren]] has depicted traditional Swedish Knut's parties in her books, such as ''[[Pippi Longstocking's After-Christmas Party]]'', (1979). |
*[[Astrid Lindgren]] has depicted traditional Swedish Knut's parties in her books, such as ''[[Pippi Longstocking's After-Christmas Party]]'', (1979). |
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*In the 1984 [[Gunilla Bergström]] book ''Klaga lagom, Alfons Åberg'' (later called [[Lycklige Alfons Åberg]]), no traditional Knut's dance is carried out. Instead, the Christmas tree is thrown down from the balcony of the [[Apartment|flat]] into the January snow: a modern variation for children in [[urbanization|urbanized]] 20th century Sweden. |
*In the 1984 [[Gunilla Bergström]] book ''Klaga lagom, Alfons Åberg'' (later called [[Lycklige Alfons Åberg]]), no traditional Knut's dance is carried out. Instead, the Christmas tree is thrown down from the balcony of the [[Apartment|flat]] into the January snow: a modern variation for children in [[urbanization|urbanized]] 20th century Sweden. |
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⚫ | *The final verse of the 1901 [[Christmas music|Christmas song]] ''Raska fötter springa tripp, tripp, tripp'', written by [[Sigrid Sköldberg-Pettersson]] and [[Emmy Köhler]], describes the Christmas tree being carried out (''julegranen bäres ut''); a Knut's party may specially emphasize the final verse. |
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== References == |
== References == |
Knut's party | |
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![]()
Knut's dance or Dancing out Christmas, by Swedish artist Hugo Hamilton (1802–1871)
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Official name | julgransplundring |
Observed by | Sweden |
Celebrations | Dancing around the Christmas tree, children's party, removing Christmas decorations |
Date | 13 January |
Next time | 13 January 2025 (2025-01-13) |
Frequency | annual |
Related to | Christmas, St. Knut's Day |
AKnut's partyorKnut's dance (Swedish: julgransplundring, literally: "Christmas tree plundering") is a tradition in Sweden on St. Knut's Day (13 January), which marks the end of the Christmas and holiday season, which includes Advent Sunday, Saint Lucy's Day, Christmas, New Year and Epiphany. It is also known as "Dancing out Christmas" (dansa ut julen) or "Throw out the Tree" (kasta ut granen).[1][2]
Traditionally since the 17th century, Christmas ends on the 20th day after Christmas in Sweden.[2] The feast held in connection to this was originally in celebration of the Danish duke Canute Lavard.[3] During the Middle Ages the celebration shifted to the martyred King Canute IV of Denmark, patron saint of Denmark and Knutsgillen ("Knut's guilds"), a form of Medieval trading companies. The guilds sometimes organized balls and the Swedish word for the gatherings, gille, may have influenced the tradition of the feasting since it also means "party".[2]
It is mentioned in the Old Farmer's Almanac that "King Knut asked them for help to drive out Christmas". In the old Swedish agrarian society, children would run from farm to farm to "call out Christmas" (ropa ut julen), that is call out that Christmas had ended and beg for food and drink.[2]
The present day tradition has changed very little since the 1870s.[4] During the 20th century, the Knut's party became mainly associated with children and candy. The observance of the feast peaked during 1950–70.[2]
In private homes, there is often a party mainly for children. The Christmas decorations are then put aside. Such parties are also common in schools, kindergartens, churches and other places. In many towns, the illumination of the public Christmas tree is switched off, accompanied by an outdoor Knut's dance for the community.[5] In some areas the feast is known as Julgransskakning ("Shaking the Christmas tree").[6]
Party activities involve singing and dancing around the Christmas tree, "looting" the tree of ornamental candy and apples, smashing the gingerbread house into pieces and eating it, opening Christmas crackers that have been used as decorations in the tree, lotteries, creating a fiskdamm ("fishing pond") where children will "fish" for toys and candy or a treasure hunt. The songs and dances are essentially the same as those performed at Christmas and Midsummer, and some songs with verses about the end of Christmas, such as Raska fötter springa tripp, tripp, tripp, may especially emphasize such verses.[1][7][8]
During the 20th century, Christmas trees were literally thrown out of the window or from the balcony, onto the street once they had been "plundered" and stripped of all ornaments.[9] Since the beginning of the 21st century, areas for dumping the trees are designated by local authorities but in 2015, spontaneous and illegal dumping grounds were still a problem.[10] Volunteers from sport clubs and other organizations such as Lions Clubs International also help collect the discarded trees. These can be recycled for heating or used in bonfiresatWalpurgis Night (Valborgsmässoafton) later in spring.[11][12][13] Failure to dispose of the tree in a manner designated by the authorities can result in a fine or a sentence of up to one year in prison.[11]
Since the late 1980s, artificial Christmas trees have replaced a portion of the natural trees and thus eliminated the need to dispose of the tree. These are simply disassembled and put into storage after the Knut's party.[14]
A number of trees are as of 2012[update] disposed around Twelfth Night, almost a week before St. Knut's Day.[15]