Ringdans

The story behind the pattern "Ringdans"

The Ringdans pattern is inspired by the classical song "Och jungfrun hon går i ringen" ("And the Maiden Walks in the Circle"), written by Hugo Alfvén (1872-1960). Alfvén, one of Sweden's most prominent national romantic composers, left behind a legacy of more than 200 works. Most of his compositions are orchestral pieces and choral works based on Swedish folk songs.

His songs and choral works are still performed today and have become part of Sweden's cultural heritage. In particular, his arrangements of folk songs are frequently included in choirs' repertoires across the country. Who can forget "Och jungfrun hon går i ringen med röda gullband," often sung during the dance around the Christmas tree?

Designer Åse Öjbro, founder of Öjbro Vantfabrik, creates with wearable art as her foundation. She previously worked as an artist for many years before deciding to express herself through functional design. She created this pattern to illustrate the joy of ring dancing, featuring dancers framed by red ribbons and frogs.

In Scandinavia, ring games and folk dances such as "The Little Frogs" have existed since the 18th century. Ring dancing has been part of Christmas traditions since the 19th century.

- I still remember so clearly from my childhood when my family and I danced around the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. Everyone hand in hand – children, parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents. The warm, joyful sense of family that the dance created is the feeling I hope to convey in this pattern. I am grateful that Ringdans has been so well received; it is one of the first patterns I ever made.