As winter blankets the world in snow, why not bring a little light and magic into your surroundings? One of the most charming and heartwarming traditions in Sweden is the creation of a snölykta, or Swedish snow lantern. These beautiful cone-shaped lanterns made from snowballs are not only a delightful winter activity, but they also hold deeper meaning—symbolizing warmth, light, and togetherness in the darkest months of the year.
In this blog post, we'll show you how to make your very own snow lantern, and explore the tradition and meaning behind this Scandinavian custom.
What is a Snölykta?
A snölykta (pronounced snoo-lyuk-ta) is a stunning, pyramid-like snow sculpture made from stacked snowballs. These snow lanterns are typically built during the winter months and are illuminated by a small tea light or string lights placed in the center. The soft glow they give off creates an enchanting and serene atmosphere, bringing light to the snowy, wintery landscape and symbolizing hope and warmth.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Swedish Snow Lantern
Creating your own snölykta is simple, fun, and a wonderful activity to enjoy with family or friends. Here’s how to do it:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Fresh snow (preferably powdery, not too wet)
- A flat surface (like a yard, garden, or even a park)
- Tea lights or small string lights for the inside
- A shovel or your hands for shaping the snowballs
Instructions:
- Find a Flat Surface: Begin by selecting a flat area where people can admire your snow lantern. Ideally, this spot should be visible in the evening when it’s time to light up your creation. This could be in your backyard, front yard, or even a public park, as long as you have access to fresh snow.
- Create the Base Ring: Start by making a ring of snowballs on the ground. These snowballs should be about the size of an apple (roughly 4-6 inches in diameter). The key to a great snölykta is consistency, so make sure each snowball is roughly the same size to create a smooth base. The first layer of snowballs will form the widest part of the lantern.
- Build Upwards: Once your base ring is complete, begin adding additional layers of snowballs, gradually making them smaller as you move inward toward the center. Each layer should be slightly closer to the center than the last to create the characteristic cone shape of the snölykta. Continue building until you’ve stacked a few layers.
- Leave Space for Lights: On the second and third layers, leave a small gap in the snowballs—this will allow you to place a tea light or string lights inside the snow lantern later on. Be careful not to make the opening too large, as the snow lantern will lose its charm if it becomes unstable.
- Finish with a Single Snowball: Once you’ve finished layering the snowballs to create your cone shape, add one final snowball at the very top to close off the lantern. This will complete the structure of your snölykta.
- Light It Up: Finally, carefully place your tea light or string lights inside the lantern. If you’re using a tea light, make sure it’s positioned in a stable spot in the center. If you’re using string lights, gently arrange the wires so the light source sits inside the lantern. Then, light your tea light and watch your snow lantern glow!
Tips for the Perfect Snölykta:
- Snow Quality Matters: The best snow for snowballs is dry and powdery. Wet, heavy snow will not hold its shape well, so try to wait for the right conditions.
- Take Your Time: Building a snölykta is about enjoying the process, not rushing to finish. Take your time shaping the snowballs and making sure each layer is stable.
- Get Creative: If you want, you can add decorations around the lantern or use colored lights for a festive touch.
The Meaning Behind the Snölykta
The tradition of making snow lanterns is more than just a fun winter activity—it's deeply symbolic. In Sweden, during the long, dark winter months, the snölykta serves as a beacon of warmth and light. The soft glow from within represents hope and joy, bringing light into the cold and dark evenings.
In Swedish culture, light plays a vital role in battling the winter blues, and the snow lantern is a perfect example of how nature, art, and light can come together to uplift the spirit. It's also a symbol of togetherness, as families and communities often gather to build and enjoy these lanterns, sharing warmth and happiness during the cold months.
Why You Should Try Making a Snölykta
Making a Swedish snow lantern is a perfect way to embrace the winter season and spread a little light and cheer. Whether you're looking for a fun family activity, a peaceful way to enjoy the winter weather, or a unique decoration for your yard, a snölykta offers all of that and more. The sense of satisfaction you get from building something beautiful with your own hands, combined with the joy of seeing it light up, is unmatched.
And remember, when you create your own snölykta, don’t forget to share it with us! Tag us at @outdoorschoolshop so we can celebrate your creation and spread the magic even further ☃️✨