Svenska dagen  or Swedish Finn Heritage Day is a unique holiday that was established in 1908 by the Swedish People’s Party of Finland—nine years before Finland gained independence. November 6th was chosen because it was the date of the death of King Gustavus Adolphus. He had become a symbol of Swedish pride in the centuries following his death and on the 200th anniversary it became popular in Sweden to commemorate the day. In Sweden it is called Gustavus Adolphus Day. The holiday is also celebrated in Estonia by their Swedish-speaking minority. Since 1979 November 6th has been an a recognized flag day in Finland.

Svenska dagen has many traditions. Modersmålets sång (Mother Tongue Song) is sung on Svenska dagen. Modersmålets sång was sung on the first Svenska dagen in 1908 but was written in 1898 by Johan Fridolf Hagfors. It became very popular in the Swedish-speaking countryside. Estonian Swedish-speakers also celebrate with this song.  There are many beautiful renditions you can enjoy online. Enjoy the following example!

In Finland The Swedish Assembly of Finland organizes Svenska veckan or Swedish Week around November 6. Cultural events are offered in Swedish in 18 Swedish-speaking regions of Finland. Visit their website to see the offerings all over Finland: svenskaveckan.fi

Svenska dagen is your holiday! Work some Swedish phrases into your day. Start with wishing everyone a Glad Svenska dagen! Reflect on how amazing it is that you are a Swedish Finn. In a world of 7.9 billion people, less than .05%* of the population can make that claim.

*approximate calculation based on estimated size of descendant population