National Day of Sweden

National Day of Sweden is a national holiday observed in Sweden on the 6th of June every year. Prior to 1983, the day was celebrated as Svenska flaggans dag (Swedish flag day). At that time, the day was renamed to the national day by the Riksdag .The tradition of celebrating this date began 1916 at the Stockholm Olympic Stadium, in honourof the election of King Gustav Vasa in 1523, as this was considered the foundation of modern Sweden.

Swedish National Anthem- Du gamla Du fria

Lyrics: Richard Dybeck, 1844  Music: Traditional song originally from  Västmanland

 

1.Du gamla, Du fria, Du fjällhöga nord
Du tysta, Du glädjerika sköna!
Jag hälsar Dig, vänaste land uppå jord,
/: Din sol, Din himmel, Dina ängder gröna.:/

2.Du tronar på minnen från fornstora dar,
då ärat Ditt namn flög över jorden.
Jag vet att Du är och Du blir vad Du var.
/:Ja, jag vill leva, jag vill dö i Norden.:/

ENGLISH ( literal translation)

 1. Thou ancient, thou free, thou mountainous North

Thou quiet, thou joyful

[and] fair!

I greet thee, most beautiful land upon earth,

/:Thy sun, Thy sky, Thy meadows green.:/

2.Thou art enthroned upon memories of great olden days,

When honored thy name flew across the earth,

I know that thou art and wilt remain what thou wast,

/:Yes, I want to live I want to die in the North:/

 

Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden and Queen Silvia