Sweden

Prior to watching a fireworks show broadcast on television, many Swedes watch a showing of the 1969 British slapstick show Grevinnan och betjänten (in English this translates to “Dinner for One / The Countess and the Butler”), this is also broadcast in Denmark.¹ Following the comedic laughter, the Swedes transition to a live poetry reading from Skansen Museum in Stockholm. It’s usually “Nyårsklockana”, a Swedish translation of Tennyson’s “Ring Out Wild Bells” read by a famous actress or actor. This entertainment is followed by a choir performance then finished with a celebratory fireworks display.

Denmark

Early in the evening the Danes listen to their Queen’s address which is followed by the Prime Minter’s address. There are often bets taken on what the Queen will mention in her speech. After the addresses, champagne is opened and toasts are made. The glasses have to be constantly replenished until midnight. The television is turned back to a countdown at Copenhagen’s City Hall. Dinner is usually duck and enjoyed with good company.

One of the best parts of the Danish celebrations is physically jumping into the New Year. When the countdown becomes close Dane’s hurry to the nearest chair, sofa or furniture of some nature to perch themselves upon. They jump off on the stroke of midnight. After the perching and jumping they join arms and sing “Vær Velkommen Herrens År” (We Welcome the Lord’s Year) and both national anthems: Der Er Et Yndigt Land (There is a Lovely Land) and Kong Christian Stod Ved Højen Mast (King Christian Stood By the Lofty Mast).¹ After the toasts, jumping and singing Danes will smash plates at their friend’s and neighbor’s (if they are good terms) doorsteps, yes smash plates. The Danes New Year may be a bit more loud than some of the neighboring countries.

Norway

Norwegians tune into an address from their Monarch which is broadcast from the Royal Palace in Oslo and Prime Minster follows with an address just as done in Denmark. Their dinner preference is usually turkey, or fish. The festivities usually include risalamande, a rice pudding dish. A nut, often an almond is hidden in the risalamande whom ever gets the nut must show it and they will receive good luck for the year to come.

Finland

The Finns seem to have their own flare for celebrations. The biggest gathering takes place at Helsinki’s Senate Square where many musicians, artist and politicians play and give speeches.

Unlike neighboring countries there are no fireworks, they are prohibited at the square. The Finns seem to take a more individualized role in the New Year. Many celebrate with friend and family, where they have smaller firework shows. A Smörgåsboard (buffet) of cold and hot foods are placed out for people to enjoy, and lots of alcohol is customary.
Another interesting and possibly less observed tradition is known as the “uuden vuoden tina” which is the melting of metal as a way of telling the fortune to come in the New Year.²  Individuals who participate in this tradition choose a piece of metal to melt down and once in a liquid state it is tossed into cold water where it reshapes back into a solid. The shape of the new formed metal will predict future events that may happen in the following new year. For example: a ring = marriage, baby doll = children, coin = wealth.

It can be fun to find the similarities and differences in countries that reside so closely and have histories that intertwine. Do you as a family celebrate with any of the above traditions? Do you have a Scandinavian tradition for the New Year not mentioned above? Will you be trying any of the traditions you learned about? We would love to know what you do, and will be doing for this New Year’s Eve.

What Scandinavian country would you pick to party in this year?