Danish Royal Family Christmas: 2003, 2004, 2006-2014, 2016-2023

[Prinsara]

The pointy white hats are a little cuter when you're Oscar's size.

Also, the real candles are awesome, but make me think lawsuits must not exist in DK.

But for whatever reason it managed to survive in the Nordic and very Protestant countries.

Probably because it's so dark there right now that somebody said 'not light more candles? Are you crazy?'

[An Ard Ri]

Originally Posted by Muhler

The Lucia processions stems from a Catholic custom, I'm led to believe. But for whatever reason it managed to survive in the Nordic and very Protestant countries.

Yes its the Saint Lucy's Day of Feast of St Lucia and I didn't know it was celebrated in Denmark.

Did Queen Ingrid introduce the Swedish customs in Denmark?

[Frelinghighness]

She was a Christian martyr who was persecuted and killed in the early fourth century. She is celebrated in many Christian sects, Lutheran, Anglican and catholic. The Swedes have mixed in a little of pagan of winter solstice into their tradition which many of our traditions have. Christmas trees are one example.
Celebrations for saint Lucy are also very big in Italy

[eya]

Today 14 December!!

"Nyborg Castle has sat close by the Great Belt for more than 800 years. Of course, it’s also there on this blustery winter day in December when the Christmas Angel and Elf Father drop by Denmark’s oldest preserved royal palace to continue their Christmas journey through the Royal Lineage."


https://www.instagram.com/p/CXc-_IcjOP_/

https://www.kongehuset.dk/julekalender-2021/14-december

[Izzie]

Video of lit up kayaks down Copenhagen canals ro celebrate St. Lucia. Looks very pretty.
https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1...NSBTcictw&s=19

[JR76]

Since you asked, one of the forum resident Swedes obliges with a short story about our celebration of St Lucia.
The Swedish celebrations of St Lucia is a modern reinvention and blend of pagan customs and pre-reformation customs. The night between the 12th and 13th of December was believed to be one when the border between the realms of the living and of the dead was particularly weak. Therefore people stayed awake all night to be on guard against the spirits that was believed to roam outside. To be able to stay awake the night developed into a feast. The modern tradition to celebrate St Lucia has it's origins in the upper-classes of Western from where it spread around the country from the 18th century onwards. There was a widespread tradition at the male-only universities for an all male Lucia procession. The candles are said to symbolize the fire that took St Lucia's life, the red belt the blood she lost during torture and the white dress the traditional dress of Christian martyrs. The candles also symbolizes the victory of light over darkness as the night ends on the morning of the 13th and the borders against the realm of the dead have closed.
The modern processions include stjärngossar (star boys) which originates in another pre-reformation custom of priestly novices parading around town dressed as the wise men on Epiphany. It wasn't until the late 19th century that the two traditions merged. There are still Epiphany professions in Stockholms archipelago and the Swedish speaking areas of Finland.
The celebrations were widespread from the late 19th century, but didn't became a public celebration until the conformed "traditionally Swedish" customs were promoted in the early 20th century. After that it has become one of Sweden's most popular traditions.

Today many still celebrate by partying on the night between the 12th and 13th of December. On the 13th most towns, schools, big workplaces, hospitals etc have a Lucia procession and the televised celebrations are very popular. The beauty contest aspect of it is becoming increasingly rare. Not as a result of wokeness, as certain right leaning sympathisers both in Sweden and abroad try to spin, but because people in general aren't interested in entering the contests and watching them.

[Muhler]

Originally Posted by Prinsara

The pointy white hats are a little cuter when you're Oscar's size.

Also, the real candles are awesome, but make me think lawsuits must not exist in DK.



Probably because it's so dark there right now that somebody said 'not light more candles? Are you crazy?'

Thanks, JR76.

There are always someone in the know here on TRF.

Even though LED candles are now very common, real candles are still much loved here. In fact DK remains the country in the world where most candles are consumed per capita.

As for lawsuits. You pretty much nailed it.

Should a girl's hair catch fire, it's pretty unlikely her parents would sue the school (typically the school).
It would be a matter for the workplace health and safety board and the girl is likely to be awarded a reimbursement.
The school is likely to get a fine. At worst the teacher/headmaster responsible would be sacked . But that's about it.
Alternatively the insurance company of the school would simply compensate the girl.

And should the parents file a civil lawsuits the compensation awarded would be nowhere near those we see in say USA. I'd say 60.000 DKK would be very generous. (About 10.000$)

Having said that I can't recall a story for many years where a girls hair or dress caught fire.
I've been told some stories of girl's hair catching fire back in the 60's, perhaps also the 70's.
One reason, I think, is that the use of hairspray for young girls was much more widespread - and concentrated! Hair that was pretty much embalmed by hairspray would of course be more likely to catch fire.

---------

Nyborg Castle in the town of Nyborg is currently being restored to some semblance of former glory.It went from being a castle guarding a vital ferry-crossing to indeed being very much an administrative and political focal point from the Renaissance and up to the introduction of Absolutism in 1660.
The reason being that the castle was fairly large and had a very central location, pretty much in the center of the realm. While also guarding the then secondary route through Danish waters.
The reason was that prior to the introduction of Absolutism, Denmark really didn't have a capital. The monarch was the government and civil administration and supreme court, encompassed in one big retinue.
And the monarch was constantly on the move throughout the kingdom, and being located where it is, Nyborg was visited very often.
It was also a natural place for political meetings to be held because everybody in the Danish realm sailed in order to go anywhere.

There were roads, but they weren't particularly good and as Denmark is full of islands and fjords and straits, you had to sail anyway.

[Prinsara]

Thanks Muhler. It's interesting to note that like ski jumping at Holmenkollen in Norway, Lucia candles are safer than they look. Not just the girls themselves, but it would seem to run the risk of somehow burning someone else or setting something on fire.

(And for cultural comparison, it would never, ever be allowed in modern North America. The risk would be viewed as too high and an unnecessary danger around kids. And a big risk of lawsuits.)

But since there aren't regular stories every December in Denmark of kids with terrible burns or things catching fire, it must really be fine.

[Muhler]

Indeed. Some level of risk is beneficial. Without being foolhardy of course. It teaches caution
Like children in forest kindergartens routinely handling knives and tools. And of course accidents happen, but rarely more than a broken arm or a cut needing a few stitches.

BTW what do you all think of the DRF calendar this year?

I don't find it particular audience-friendly. It works on the premise that the viewer has a good knowledge about Danish history. And I'd say few have.
Last year the journey of the Nisser was more of a fairy tale. This year it's more a trip to some, not always obvious, historical locations with a vague reference to a monarch or two.

[Prinsara]

Originally Posted by Muhler

BTW what do you all think of the DRF calendar this year?

I don't find it particular audience-friendly. It works on the premise that the viewer has a good knowledge about Danish history. And I'd say few have.
Last year the journey of the Nisser was more of a fairy tale. This year it's more a trip to some, not always obvious, historical locations with a vague reference to a monarch or two.

I like it because it goes back to the theme of "stuff the DRF has that people may not get to see" from the original two years ago. Last year's was more of a travelogue, which can be equally unfamiliar to people not from the region. So I prefer this year.

Should we place wagers on HM showing up at the end?

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by Muhler

Indeed. Some level of risk is beneficial. Without being foolhardy of course. It teaches caution
Like children in forest kindergartens routinely handling knives and tools. And of course accidents happen, but rarely more than a broken arm or a cut needing a few stitches.

BTW what do you all think of the DRF calendar this year?

I don't find it particular audience-friendly. It works on the premise that the viewer has a good knowledge about Danish history. And I'd say few have.
Last year the journey of the Nisser was more of a fairy tale. This year it's more a trip to some, not always obvious, historical locations with a vague reference to a monarch or two.

As a non-Dane I was hoping that I get a better insight into the monarch line, but even with the English translation, it is confusing to follow. Plus, it is difficult to understand what location these photos are from. I personally do not get what they are actually trying to achieve tbh. Maybe it should have been done as video shorts, with the content being spoken instead of having to be read, which the captions are super long. As a non-Dane who was hoping to get a better understanding of the progression of the monarchy, I'm disappointed. Of course, this is just my opinion and impression based on what my expectations were. Don't anticipate anyone agreeing with me.

[Muhler]

I think I'll skip that one.

As I see it by tomorrow or at the latest Thursday we will reach the Reformation.
And that means we will soon visit Sønderborg Castle, where Christian II was held captive in connection with the Feud of the Count. Probably the most viscous civil wars in DK - even counting the two Schleswigan Wars.
And Reformation was introduced pretty much as a sideshow.

We may also see this painting: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped..._Slot_1871.jpg

It depicts Christian II as prisoner at Sønderborg Castle. According to legend, he walked around this table during the years of his captivity and eventually carved a groove in the table with his thumb.
A fine story but unlikely. - His thumb would wear out before the table anyway. And his captivity was suitable for a man of his rank, even if he was a disposed king.

You can read about the Feud of the Count in English here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Count%27s_Feud

[An Ard Ri]

I was reading further on Nyborg Castle and its royal associations with King Eric V and Christian III.

[eya]

Today 15 December!!


"In just four weeks, Her Majesty The Queen will have occupied the Danish throne for 50 years. And during Elf Father’s Christmas journey through the Royal Lineage, the cardboard elf has often speculated about which one of the many sovereigns has occupied the throne for the longest time."

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXflTX8Aamp/

https://www.kongehuset.dk/julekalender-2021/15-december

[Muhler]

So we went straight to Christian IV.

The undoubtedly most well known monarch among the Danes.
He reigned for 60 years, but ruled for 52, because he was a minor when he became king.
During his upbringing he was occasionally spanked as was custom back then - there was no such thing as a whipping boy in the DRF.

He was an enterprising and energetic king, actually a micromanager who worked very hard and long hours all his reign.
He was behind many if not most of the most well known and monumental buildings seen today in Copenhagen.
He certainly made his share of mistakes, dragging DK into the Thirty Year War being unquestionably the worst.

Well educated, intelligent and a devout Christian he took a very keen interest in witchcraft an interest he shared with his brother-in-law the later King James I, with whom he is known to have discussed the matter. King James I also being well educated and intelligent. - And with a fascinating personality.
As such Christian IV was the Danish king who oversaw most witch-trials in Danish history. That investigation, including torture, prosecution and eventual burning of people found guilty of witchcraft. - It wasn't only women even though they constituted the majority. (*)
He feared and was convinced that witchcraft was behind some of his accidents and failures during his reign.

He was also very much a Protestant king in the sense that from a religious perspective it was back to basics. As such he saw it as his duty to educate his people to become devout Christians and adhere to the rules and Commandments - they weren't after all expected to actually understand the theological, but no matter as long as they had faith and went to church to be told what to do...
There is no doubt that he genuinely saw it as one of his first duties to protect his people and realm from Devil and his cohorts.

- His son, Frederik III, quietly did away with witch trials and de facto ended execution of witches during his reign.

Of course being king, normal rules don't apply to you, or rather they can better be bend to suit your needs - Anyone objecting?!? Thought so!
Result having at least 25 children! And getting married to his left hand. (Which was a serious thing, involving a genuine commitment as well as legal rights for the mistress. I'll return to that if there is an interest in that concept.)

No matter what. Christian IV was a fascinating king with many facets of his personality.

(*) In Sweden they have an interesting concept of the period that can best be described as: Suicide by execution.

[Izzie]

Thank you Muhler. You're explanations are greatly appreciated! Helps to understand the chronology! I am quite curious about the "left hand" concept. Would you mind elaborating?

[Muhler]

Originally Posted by Izzie

Thank you Muhler. You're explanations are greatly appreciated! Helps to understand the chronology! I am quite curious about the "left hand" concept. Would you mind elaborating?

I will, tomorrow.

I think I'll be asked about the Swedish concept as well.

[Prinsara]

Originally Posted by eya

Today 15 December!!


"In just four weeks, Her Majesty The Queen will have occupied the Danish throne for 50 years. And during Elf Father’s Christmas journey through the Royal Lineage, the cardboard elf has often speculated about which one of the many sovereigns has occupied the throne for the longest time."

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXflTX8Aamp/

https://www.kongehuset.dk/julekalender-2021/15-december

I like the reminder of how Christmas was definitely not always a family-friendly holiday, which is why the Puritans banned it in the UK and the US! But I didn't know Christian was first.

[eya]

Today 16 December!!


"An elf made of cardboard weighs precisely three grams. So, when Elf Father meets up with three large silver lions weighing 130 kilos, it may well be that he feels like David standing in front of Goliath. Luckily, the little elf isn’t in a duel; to the contrary, he’s on a peaceful – but really important – Christmas mission, which today puts him in pursuit of King Frederik III.
“The three lions that stand and keep watch over the throne in the Knights’ Hall here at Rosenborg Castle – Frederik III had them made after he, with his adroitness, got the elective monarchy abolished in favor of hereditary, absolute rule,” says the Christmas Angel."

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXiKDKRAWal/


https://www.kongehuset.dk/julekalender-2021/16-december

[Blog Real]

Does the Royal Family of Denmark often release Christmas cards?