Calendars & Dates - In Sweden, This Is How We Do It

by - Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Calendars --- oh, they are a huge part of every Swedish home, school, and business establishment.  There are some who get copies from bookstores however many prefer to visit their favorite calendar printing shops [http://www.nextdayflyers.com/] [if not, order them online] to get personalized calendars.  Sometimes, they order extra copies to send as gifts to their families and friends.  I, for one fancy ordering a personalized copy or two online.

Talking about calendars, I am a resident of Sweden for four years now and yet, I still get confused with the Swedish calendar.  I mean, it’s not that intricate.  It’s just that I am not used to referring to week numbers instead of the dates when making and checking out schedules.  Here’s a vivid example of a Swedish calendar [details have been translated into English].

swedishcalendarSeptember 2011 – Sept. 1-4 falls on the 35th week of the year while 5-11 on the 36th and so on.  If my teacher says she’ll be away on weeks 37 and 38 and that she’ll return on the 39th, that means she’s not around from September 12-25 and that she’s be back on September 26.  Yes, that’s how they do it here.  Instead of mentioning the specific dates, they inform you the week number/s.  If you’re not used to it, you’ll definitely get baffled. 

A couple of nights ago, in a dinner birthday party [will post photos of the cakes and the celebrant later], Bebe, his mom and his older brother were discussing about their vacation and planned trips.  Whenever they mentioned week numbers, my brain went “Huh?”I don't know smile all the time.

Aside from keeping track of the week numbers, another reason why calendars are essential in this country is because of the Swedish name day.  Swedes enjoy celebrations which is why here, we don’t only celebrate our birthdays, we also commemorate name days.  Take for example this daily Swedish calendar I have on my iPhone:

bild (1)Today is Wednesday [onsdag], July 6, week 27 [v.27].

Below the month JULI, you’ll find two names there.  So today, individuals with names Esaias or Jessika or something similar to these two are celebrating their name day.  Nothing extravagant.  A cup of coffee and a slice of cake with e-mail, Facebook and text greetings saying “Happy name day!” --- already perfect!

Extra information:  The list of the Swedish name day is updated every 15 years.  Most names are associated with the names of saints, martyrs or traditional feasts.
There goes a little information about how calendars here in Sweden work and why they are necessary.

How about in your country, do you also use week numbers instead of dates?  Do you have name days?

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19 comments

  1. Ron Leyba7 July 2011 at 07:11

    I learned a lot of things about their calendar. Swedish Calendars are kinda out of this world eh? Haha. Unique indeed.

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  2. Monica7 July 2011 at 08:06

    :* :* :*

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  3. Monica7 July 2011 at 08:12

    ohh so this is how the Swedish calendar works...here, we use dates instead of week numbers :)

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  4. Bingkee7 July 2011 at 08:13

    The U.S. does print out calendars like the Swedish ones but you know , to add variety to the merchandise coz there are people who still buy them anyway. It's for people who are keeping track of weeks, 
    Also, the name inclusion is similar to Philippine calendars where names of saints are included.  :)

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  5. Monica7 July 2011 at 08:14

    have a great week ahead sweetie! :* :*

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  6. MaxiVelasco8 July 2011 at 14:28

    Hello Ron. Yup. it's kinda different but once you get used to it, you'll know that it's not that different after all... it's just a calendar with a few added features :)

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  7. MaxiVelasco8 July 2011 at 14:28

    Thanks for the kisses, Monica  :*

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  8. MaxiVelasco8 July 2011 at 14:29

    Yes, Monica. We use weeks instead of dates.  Kinda weird but I think it's cool. :)

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  9. MaxiVelasco8 July 2011 at 14:29

    You, too Monica. Have a great weekend! hugs!

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  10. MaxiVelasco8 July 2011 at 14:31

    Here, there are many who still buy them.  Oh, got it now.  But there isn't a name of names per day, right?  Here, it's everyday :)   Hugs!

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  11. Ron Leyba9 July 2011 at 09:42

    I hope so. When I go there in Sweden. Hehe. Its my 2nd time here at your blog. Looks nice and neat. I love it.

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  12. vhen9 July 2011 at 15:12

    very informative :)

    just dropping by... have a great weekend!

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  13. MaxiVelasco10 July 2011 at 13:35

    Thank you Vhen :)  You have a great weekend, too :)

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  14. MaxiVelasco10 July 2011 at 14:20

    Thank you Ron for visiting.  I've been to your blog, too. It's nice!

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  15. Mariuca10 July 2011 at 15:53

    :'( :'( :'( :'(

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  16. Mariuca10 July 2011 at 15:54

    Maxi!!! I cant comment on ur fish ball post!!!! >:o >:o >:o >:o

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  17. Mariuca10 July 2011 at 15:54

    I can see the box and Jean's comments there but I can't type anything inside.. smiley also cant use... *DONT_KNOW* *DONT_KNOW* *DONT_KNOW* *DONT_KNOW*

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  18. Mariuca10 July 2011 at 15:56

    Wow 4 yrs in Sweden edi, how awesome! I wanna go to Sweden too sweetie! :* :* :*

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  19. Ron Leyba11 July 2011 at 09:31

    THanks for the visit and for the nice comment. I just update my blog whenever I like lol. Sometimes, it takes me, 2 weeks or so to update it haha.

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