June 6 is the national holiday of Sweden. It used to
be the Day of the Swedish Flag. At least back then, we knew what we were
supposed to celebrate! These days, we have no idea. Apparently, June 6 1523 was
the day when Gustav Vasa was elected king of Sweden and broke the
centuries-long "Kalmar Union" with Denmark and Norway, but that means
nothing to modern Swedes. These days, Denmark and Norway are friendly nations,
while Gustav Vasa is widely seen as a fat tyrant who suppressed rebellious
peasants. Lucia or Advent Sunday probably means more to the average Swede than
June 6. It's also annoying that all good lunch places are closed... OK, end of
my annual 6 June lamentation. I'll be back next year again!
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