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Welcome!! Swagat, Dumela, Valkommen, Jee Aayan Noo, Tashreef, Bula, Swasdee, Bienvenido, Tashi Delek. Thanks for joining me......


Friday, January 15, 2021

Tjugondedag Knut: Breaking of the PapperKakkor Hus


 Shot in 2012, First published in 2012, then in 2020, here it is at the right time.  Tjugondagknut---20 days after Christmas: January 14-----


Tweet from Jan 13, 2019


First published on December 12, 2012--here it is again another Swedish Celebration. Tjugondag Knut--20 days after Christmas!!

For everything that is born, death is certain
                                                                                                Bhagwad Gita





L, building the pappor kakkor hus. December 2011

Tjugondedag Knut, which falls twenty days after Christmas is the day set to wrap up christmas and put all x-massy paraphernalia back in the boxes, and throw out the trees.  Tjugo dag, literally twenty days in Swedish, is the time allowed to enjoy the post christmas glow of lights.  L, my colleague reminded me that it was also the day when the papporkakor hus, the gingerbread houses were smashed and eaten. 





So, following are a few videos breaking of the pappor kakkor hus.   The christmas tree is shaken hard that day, the candies come down, the ginger bread house is broken.  Both candies and pieces of gingerbread house are eaten.  The house, people, mind and spirit are ready for spring.  



L takes pride in all these traditions and rituals.  I have learnt much from her.....


When you are new in a country, it is such a joy to have someone be so excited to share aspects of their culture that seem mundane to them.  Here E is asking if I am making a video or simply taking pictures..E is our newest faculty member. 



G, is another one who has helped me learn much about Swedish culture.  

Although this posting is very late, I can still feel a sense of 'newness' arriving as they smash the gingerbread house.  Happy Spring to you all....

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