Fred

The story behind the pattern "Fred"

From enemies to brother nations – a Nordic legacy of peace.

For centuries, the Nordic region was shaped by war and rivalry. Borders shifted, power balances changed, and neighboring countries met as enemies. But in the early 19th century, history took a new direction. With the Convention of Moss in 1814, the foundation was laid for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Sweden and Norway. The agreement became not only a ceasefire, but the starting point for a long period of stability and mutual understanding.

Since then, Sweden has lived in peace for over 200 years. This is a historical exception in Europe and clear evidence that conflicts can be resolved through negotiation, compromise, and respect for the will of the people. The union between Sweden and Norway was later peacefully dissolved in 1905 – another example of dialogue replacing violence.

The idea of peace also gained strong international expression through Alfred Nobel, who established the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901. An important influence was peace activist Bertha von Suttner, whose commitment to disarmament and peaceful coexistence deeply affected Nobel. She also became the first woman to receive the Peace Prize – a symbol of courage, conviction, and moral strength.

Today, this Nordic legacy of peace continues. Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland consistently rank highly for stability, safety, and low levels of conflict. Iceland in particular is repeatedly ranked as the world's most peaceful country according to the Global Peace Index. This shows that peace is not just history, but an active choice that can be made, preserved, and developed.

In the Fred pattern, designer Åse Öjbro interprets this journey: from war to unity, from division to consensus. Here, people stand side by side, united through the peace symbol and the dove of peace – symbols of hope, responsibility, and trust in the future. The vibrant colors reflect the warmth that emerges when we choose cooperation over conflict.

- For me, Fred is a tribute inspired by Scandinavism – a time when former enemies became brother nations. A pattern that honors peace, community, and Nordic unity, proudly referencing the Nobel Peace Prize. Here you find all of us peace-loving people with the peace symbol as our emblem, expressed in life-affirming colors. A reminder that peace is not self-evident – but possible, when we care for it together.