My Experience Celebrating A Birthday In Sweden

As someone who has had the privilege of celebrating birthdays in different countries, I can say that each one has its own unique traditions and customs. However, my experience celebrating a birthday in Sweden was particularly special.

The Swedish Happy Birthday Song

One of the most unique aspects of celebrating a birthday in Sweden is the Happy Birthday song. In Swedish, it’s called “Ja, må hon leva” which translates to “Yes, may she live”. The melody is the same as the English Happy Birthday song, but the lyrics are different.

The song goes:

“Ja, må hon leva, ja, må hon leva, ja, må hon leva uti hundrade år. Javisst ska hon leva, ja, levva, hurra, ja, må hon leva uti hundrade år!”

Which translates to:

“Yes, may she live, yes, may she live, yes, may she live for a hundred years. Of course she shall live, yes, live, hooray, may she live for a hundred years!”

Step-by-Step Guide to Celebrating a Birthday in Sweden

If you’re planning to celebrate a birthday in Sweden, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Sing the Swedish Happy Birthday song, “Ja, må hon leva”.
Light candles on a birthday cake, usually one candle for each year of age.
The birthday person blows out the candles and makes a wish.
Cut and serve the cake.
Enjoy the rest of the celebration!

Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Celebrating a Birthday in Sweden

Here are some tips and ideas to make a birthday celebration in Sweden even more special:

Decorate with Swedish flags and colors (blue and yellow).
Serve traditional Swedish foods like meatballs, potatoes, and lingonberry sauce.
Have a “fika” (coffee break) with Swedish pastries like cinnamon buns.
Play traditional Swedish games like “kubb” (a lawn game) or “speak-out” (a guessing game).
Take a group trip to a Swedish sauna or spa.
Have a potluck where everyone brings a dish from their home country.
Go on a birthday scavenger hunt around town.
Make homemade Swedish decorations like paper lanterns or woven heart baskets.
Have a “kräftskiva” (a crayfish party) if it’s in August.
Do a group activity like kayaking, hiking, or skiing.

Pros and Cons of Celebrating a Birthday in Sweden

Like with any tradition or custom, there are pros and cons to celebrating a birthday in Sweden.

Pros:

The Swedish Happy Birthday song is unique and fun to sing.
Swedish cuisine offers a variety of delicious foods to try.
Swedish traditions like “fika” and “kräftskiva” are unique and enjoyable.
Swedish celebrations often involve spending time outdoors and enjoying nature.

Cons:

Swedish winters can be cold and dark, making outdoor celebrations less enjoyable.
Traditional Swedish games like “kubb” require a lot of space and may not be feasible in small apartments or homes.
Some Swedish celebrations like “kräftskiva” may not be familiar to non-Swedes.
Swedish cuisine may not be to everyone’s taste.

My Personal Review and Suggestion for Celebrating a Birthday in Sweden

Overall, I had a wonderful experience celebrating a birthday in Sweden. The Swedish Happy Birthday song was a fun twist on the traditional song, and I enjoyed trying traditional Swedish foods. I would highly recommend incorporating Swedish traditions like “fika” or “kräftskiva” into your celebration, as they add a unique and enjoyable aspect to the festivities.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Is the Swedish Happy Birthday song difficult to learn?

A: Not at all! The melody is the same as the English Happy Birthday song, and the lyrics are simple and repetitive.

Q: What if I don’t like Swedish food?

A: That’s okay! You can always incorporate foods from your own culture or try other Swedish dishes that may be more to your liking.

Q: Can I celebrate a birthday in Sweden if I’m not Swedish?

A: Absolutely! Swedish people are welcoming and inclusive, and would be happy to share their traditions with others.