On 6 June Swedes Celebrate Their National Day With Flags and Royals

Normally, the King and Queen of Sweden take part in a ceremony at Skansen, Stockholm’s open-air museum, on the National Day. The yellow and blue Swedish flag is run up the mast, and children in traditional peasant costume present the royal couple with bouquets of summer flowers. Special ceremonies welcoming new Swedish citizens are also usually held around the country on National Day.

The last time people in general took an active interest in Sweden as a nation-state was at the turn of the century (around 1900, that is) when national-romantic winds were blowing through the country and folklore societies and local history museums were established. It was then that 6 June first became a day of celebration. It is the date on which Gustav Vasa was elected king in 1523.

This laid the foundation of Sweden as an independent state, and on the same date in 1809 a new, important constitution was adopted.

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