Back in 1901, the Swedish Academy declared the name day calendar as being active and true. The calendar was a list of names next to a list of dates designating the days upon which certain names would be celebrated. The list included the already claimed Saints’ days. It was kind of like a birthday but for your name rather than your birth. Thus, the name: Name Day. Or, as we say in Sweden, namnsdag.
In 1972, for reasons I haven’t been able to ascertain, the list was dumped. A few more were implemented over the years but it wasn’t until 2001 that the still existing Swedish Academy decided to sanction a new list. This new, yet unofficial list, had new names added every now and then.
Today, July 24, was the name day for Kristina and Kerstin. We don’t know a Kerstin but we certainly know a Kristina and we headed over to the little house in the big wood, and joined KSP, Jonas, Charlie and assorted friends and colleagues, in celebrating.
Eva, (name day 24 December) is one of KSP’s work mates, and had car trouble. She reached out for a lift. We picked her up on the way through, then did the same with Nicoline who didn’t have car trouble but knew it made more sense to reduce the number of cars arriving at the house.
Lindy and Ulf (name day 11 April) didn’t have to worry about driving. They are neighbours and walked around the hill arriving to a flurry of KSP’s excitement as she announced that it was another Aussie arriving at the party. Lindy came and sat next to me and, with an Aussie drawl as broad as mine, chatted about home.
She lived on the North Shore so we had plenty to chat about.
There was a brief moment of consternation when Rollo, the dog that kills chickens, stole a cinnamon bun off a badly placed plate and dashed to the edge of the deck to devour it. KSP saved the day by getting another bun before it was too late.
The buns were, naturally, Jonas (name day 29 March) specials which went very well with KSP’s homemade strawberry cordial, a word she is currently searing into her memory. Cordial, not strawberry.
It was a glorious day, spent in some marvellous company. Obviously Anna Boom Boom (9 December) was there, and I spent sometime chatting with Charlie (12 May).
Then, of course, there was the ritual present opening.
KSP is wearing a wreath made fresh from the garden by Eva. The wreath smelled fantastic and looked brilliant.
Incidentally, I don’t have a name day. Neither does Mirinda or Jason or even Nicoline. Mind you, Nicoline claimed today as well, given her third name is Kristina. I’m not sure but that sounds a bit like cheating…
Oh, and Jason didn’t attend as he was doing parkour in Södertälje.
My favourite part was Rollo stealing the cinnamon bun. It was so craftily planned! Is there a name day for Rollo? My other favourite part was seeing Kristina in her blue floaty frock and the garland of flowers in her hair.