Free Republic

Swedish producers are scouring the United States for Americans with Swedish ancestry to take part in a new reality television series that will bring participants to Sweden to compete in cultural challenges. With a nationwide casting call underway in the US, Swedish producers have put the shout out for fun, outgoing Americans with Swedish ancestry to participate in a new reality television series “The Great Swedish Adventure.” The series seeks to take Americans, who have even the tiniest fraction of Swedish lineage, on a journey throughout Sweden to discover the land, the culture heritage and their roots. “It's Americans who...

CHICAGO - The Andersonville neighborhood, long an enclave for the Chicago's Swedish population, comes alive during the holidays as Swedish Americans gather to celebrate the traditions of their homeland. At the center of the celebration is St. Lucia, a 4th century Sicilian saint revered in Sweden. It is not entirely clear why a Sicilian saint is so popular in Sweden. But some believe she wore candles in her hair when she brought food to Christians hiding from the Romans in underground caves. Another legend has it that when she was tied to the stake to be burned for her beliefs,...