Embedded Files
In July, a small group of reenactors arrived at the Ehrensvärd Museum in Suomenlinna with the intention of celebrating name day as they were celebrated in the 18th century. Due to the exceptional times, the number of participants was much more limited than usual.
The frame story of the event was Fredrik’s name day and because of this we raised our glasses in honor of King Adolf Fredrik. Adolf Fredrik ruled Sweden and Finland that was part of Finland from 1751-1771 which was the timeframe for the event.
Our activities were divided into different rooms for a variety of festive activities that museum guests could come to experience. In the museum setting, our reenactors could be compared to living museum objects who communicate with the museum guests if they make contact or want to ask something. Naturally, we moved among the exhibit keeping in mind our delicate museum surroundings.
Sveaborg, or Suomenlinna as it is known in the present day, was a modern fortress at it's time and naturally full of troops. The Ehrensvärd Museum, witch served as the official residence of the fort's commandants, also accommodated our musketeers who enjoyed the feast and maintained order in their own joyful and raucous manner. The gracious ladies in particular drew attention at the table to the happy nature of the soldiers and their coarse table manners.
Name days used to be a great cause for celebration and it was associated with special customs and traditions. Our jolly party got to decorate the name day tree with ribbons and bows. The tree looked festive on it's vase and spread the cent of summer inside the museum.
The musketeers stood in guard in front of the museum run by the Ehrensvärd Society and attracted passers-by to visit with their welcoming smiles.
Above: Facade of the Ehrensvärd Museum in the courtyard of the fortress.
The high society amused themselves by playing cards and by gambling. The Musketeers did not dare to sit at the same game table with the graces. Might they have been afraid that such sweet faces would win all their belongings from them when not used to such company!
A variety of delicacies were served in honor of the celebration; jellies, pudding, cake, pie, sweets and pastries. As a symbol of the celebration in the middle of the table there was an F-shaped name-day bun. Some of the party guests secretly tasted the forbidden brown gold, which the head of the maids discreetly served to those who so wished. Others law-abidingly drank tea.
After the celebrations, a beautiful summer weather and a wistful journey back home awaited the guests outside the museum.
Until we meet again!
We would like to warmly thank the Ehrensvärd Museum for their cooperation. We are also thankful to Ida Pedersen for the pictures.
A video of the event by Ida Pedersen!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zDCTzuB_xk
Google Sites
Report abuse