National holiday of Sweden - Definition and Overview

The Flag of Sweden

The National Day of Sweden formerly known as the Day of the Swedish flag or Sveriges nationaldag and Svenska flaggans dag, occurring on June 6, is the national holiday of Sweden. Starting 2005 it is also an official Swedish public bank holiday (replacing the Whit Monday, which no longer has the status of official holiday).

The day was adopted by the Riksdag, Swedish parliament, as the National Day of Sweden in the 1980s. This was concurrent with a tradition established in the 1920s of celebrating the Day of the Swedish flag, on June 6. The main reason for picking that date had been the election of Gustav Vasa as King of Sweden in 1523, who is seen to have established the modern Sweden. The Constitution of 1809 and Instrument of Government of 1974 were also promulgated on this date.

Anniversaries and related events

• 1523 - Gustav Vasa is elected King of Sweden, marking the end of the Kalmar Union.
• 1654 - Charles X succeedes his cousin Christina to the Swedish throne after the former having abdicated.
• 1809 - Sweden promulgates a new Instrument of Government, which restores political power to the Riksdag of the Estates.
• 1857 - Sophia of Nassau marries the future King Oscar II of Sweden-Norway.
• 1974 - A new Instrument of Government is promulgated making Sweden a parliamentary monarchy.

See also

• Flag of Sweden
• National anthem of Sweden
• Three Crowns
• Mother Svea
• National holiday