Fat Tuesday is fast approaching and several bakeries around the country have already started selling buns. However, Swedes are not completely in agreement when it comes to what time you can sell and eat rolls.
News24 have spoken to the university lecturer Christer Eldh from Lund University who is appointed “semmel professor” to sort out when you can start selling and eating rolls. He says that the tradition of Fat Day is found in the Nordic countries, England and Germany.
That’s why it’s called Fat Day – and that’s why we eat buns
Professor Semmel: Traditions are relevant as long as they are discussed
– When traditions change, it is common that some people do not think it is good. Compare with Christmas, where I understand that many people bring in and dress the tree before Christmas Eve, and even put up Christmas decorations during Advent!, he tells Nyheter24.
Did King Adolf Fredrik die because he ate too many rolls?
The tradition can be traced all the way back to Sweden’s time as a Catholic country. As for traditions, Eldh believes they will be relevant as long as we talk about them.
– As long as we discuss them, they have a chance of survival.
It used to be forbidden to eat rolls too early in Sweden
Should you wait until Fatsday to eat semla?
There is no clear limit for when one should or should not eat semla. But the semmel professor himself always waits until Fatsday.
– Personally, I always wait until Fatsday to eat semla.
Craving semla and beer? Here is the recipe for you