St Canute's Day

Christmas tree is thrown out

Contrary to most other countries, in Scandinavia they have different days, which are considered to end Christmas: Epiphany and St Canute's Day.
In Aland St Canute's Day is definitely looked upon as the day when the Christmas tree is thrown out and the decorations tucked away. This special tradition is still very much alive.

Feast day of the Danish king Canute

St Canute's Day is the feast day of the Danish king Canute the Holy, which was originally on 7 January, that is the day after Epiphany.
Epiphany has on the whole considerably longer traditions. This was the day when Christmas ended in the 17th century. To prolong Christmas St Canute's Day was moved in 1708 to 13 January, which still today remains Canute's name-day. However this was limited only to Sweden and Finland.

Stamps in detail

Issue: 2 January 2002
Design: Anni Wikberg
Denomination: 2.00 euro

More information

Stamps Aland
Postage Stamps 2002