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Costume
The basic costume for girls is a long sleeved high necked
white blouse worn under a tight fitting bodice. A brightly
flowered shawl is fastened at the neck or tucked into
the bodice. Skirts can be plain or striped, with aprons
varying according to the region, either plain, checked,
striped or sometimes flowered. An embroidered pocket
can be worn hanging from the belt, and hats are simple,
usually a neat bonnet, unmarried girls allowing their
hair to show. Red or white stockings are worn with strong
black shoes.
Men
wear yellow, black or dark blue breeches tied below
the knee with braids, with a red, brown or striped sleeveless
waistcoat buttoned to the neck with a white long sleeve
shirt. The most popular hat is a skull cap, although
in some areas a top hat or peaked cap is worn. Stockings
are white, blue or black worn with black shoes with
silver or brass buckles.
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Customs
As in all northern countries, the coming of spring
and summer are celebrated, and in Sweden large
spring and Easter bonfires are made to welcome
the return of the sun, and to protect the land
from the Nordic Sprits.
Midsummer
Eve is a holiday, and as there are hardly any
hours of darkness the celebrations go on all night.
One of the most popular Swedish traditions, known
all over the world, is Santa Lucia, or St Lucy's
Day, on December 13th. The eldest daughter of
a family is chosen as the Queen of Light, dressed
in white and with a crown of light candles, she
serves coffee and special saffron buns (lussekatter)
to everyone in the house.
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Christmas
trees have decorations of a Christmas gnome and
goat. Porridge or rice pudding is eaten on Christmas
Eve, with an almond hidden in the dish. If an
unmarried person finds the almond he or she will
be married in the New Year, or a married person
will have good luck in the coming year.
Where
will Fred and Ginger travel to next?
Come back soon to find out!
©1989
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
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