SWEDISH GAIETY

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 234, 1 July 1939, Page 6

SWEDISH GAIETY

Description At E.S.U.

Afternoon

Special trains were run in Sweden on “Show Sunday,” a few days before Christmas, to enable country people to see the wonderfully decorated shop windows, said Aliss Sahiberg, speaking on Sweden at the monthly social afternoon yesterday of the English-Speak-ing Union, Wellington. Traffic was not allowed in ; certain streets on that day so that the visitors might wander freely about and enjoy themselves without danger of accident to themselves. The usual artificial lighting was not used anywhere at Christinas time, caudles supplying appropriate and “live” illumination. Even streets in Stockholm were elaborately decorated and garlanded, and competitions were held to decide which thoroughfare had obtained the best effects.

Shops closed at midday ou Christmas Eve, aiid instead of the festive dinner as It was known in Englishspeaking countries, Swedish people partook of a supper on the eve of Christmas a' er which presents from the tree were handed round.

Everyone went to early service on Christmas morning, Miss Sahiberg said, even though the temperature might be 20 degrees below zero. In country districts where old-time customs still prevailed the churches were picturesquely decorated with candles and Christmas trees. Miss Sahiberg described a drive to one of these services in the early njorning. with thick snow everywhere and the sleigh bells ringing as the horse trotted along. In the darkness lighted festival trees gleamed at every window along the route, and on arrival at church each party threw burning flares on to a great pile round which the congregation warmed itself before going home. In the midsummer season, with its golden days and silvery nights, more "elebrations were beki Maypole dancing, open air theatres, and dancing, created amusement for the people, none of whom went to bed at all on midsummer night, the whole time being given up to festivity. ■ An English visitor, Miss Whiting, who recently retired from the medical staff of the London Borough Council, also spoke. Miss Whiting was organizer of the midwifery work for 15 years, joining the staff when there were only 15 members. By the time she left that number had grown to thousands.

Airs. K. Preston welcomed the visitors and guests. Recitations were given by Mrs. Miller and a pleasant social hour was spent when afternoon tea was served.