On November 6, Sweden celebrates a day dedicated to one of the most revered historical figures in the history of the country. On this day in 1632, King Gustav II Adolf ( Swede died in the battle of Lutzen. Gustav II Adolf, 1594-1632 ), who ruled the country from 1611 to 1632.
Gustav Adolf Day ( Swede. Gustav Adolfsdagen ) – is one of the official flag days in honor of which the state flag rises in places established by law. In Finland, the celebration of Swedish Culture Day ( Fin has been timed to coincide with this date. Ruotsalaisuuden päivä, Swede. Svenska dagen ).
The board of King Gustav Adolf is considered one of the brightest pages in the history of Sweden. In world history, this person also left a noticeable mark, like an outstanding politician, commander and reformer. Thanks to descendants, as well as all Swedish citizens to this day, keep their memory of him.
The son of King Charles IX of Sweden was born in 1594. At 17, the post of death of his father, Gustav Adolf becomes king. Parenting, thanks to the efforts of his father, Gustav received a versatile one. He was perfectly educated, fluent in five or six languages. The enthusiasm for mathematics and history also left their mark on the ability and future character of the monarch’s reign. Gustav Adolf was engaged in horse riding and fencing, military science. Also, as a teenager, he took part in the meetings of the Sejm, where his father took him with him.
In a difficult period, Gustav Adolf ascended the throne. Sweden waged wars with Denmark, Russia and the Commonwealth for strengthening its position in the Baltic States and territorial seizures on the coast of the Baltic Sea. These wars significantly depleted the country's resources, and the young king managed to adequately withdraw Sweden from them, expanding its ownership through territorial acquisitions in Russia, the Commonwealth and Germany. He personally participated in military campaigns, showing general talent, valor and courage, which earned the respect of soldiers, and among friends and enemies received the nickname « Leo of the North ».
In addition to achievements in the military field, Gustav Adolf managed to deal with the solution of internal state issues. He carried out a reform of public administration, administrative, military, financial, judicial reforms, initiated the active construction of the fleet and new cities, among which the second largest city in Sweden – Gothenburg. The development of the education system under the king was expressed in the construction of schools, the restoration of Uppsala University, the foundation of Derpta University.
Gustav Adolf raised the status of Sweden on the foreign policy stage to the level of leading European powers, strengthened the country's position in the Baltic, and modernized the internal political structure of his state. The country's participation in the Thirty Years War ( 1618-1648 ) brought the Swedish king a new glory, but also became the end of his bright reign and life.
On November 6, 1632, leading the attack of the Swedish cavalry in the battle of Lutzen, Gustav Adolf died. His embalmed body was delivered to Sweden and buried in a crypt in the most famous Stockholm church on the island of Riddarholmen.
For more than a hundred years, Sweden celebrates the memorial day – Gustav Adolf Day. According to tradition that arose at the beginning of the 20th century, confectioners are baking cakes with the image of a portrait of the king for this day, which are very popular with Swedes. It is believed that this tradition was born in Gothenburg, founded by the monarch himself. Here, in the 19th century, at the initiative of the inhabitants, the main square, named after the tradition of the Great, established in the country, was renamed the Gustav Adolf Square, and in 1854 a monument to the illustrious king was erected in its center.