When my partner and I went to Sweden I was charmed by their colorful currency, the Swedish krona.
One, women are on it. On a common note. I love you Sacagawea coin, but I’m not about to use you, darling. I find US money bland and not exactly friendly to people with visual impairments. (This 99% Invisible piece on US paper money is worth a read/listen.)
Anyway, what struck me most was the back of the 20 krona. A red-capped boy riding a goose.
I couldn’t not look that up. I found out it was from the stories of Selma Lagerlöf. (The woman on the front on the bill.) Specifically, The Wonderful Adventures of Nils published in 1907. Of course, I found it, read it, and loved it. As I understand it’s on par with Alice in Wonderland in Swedish cultural consciousness.
Lagerlöf stealthily teaches kids about Swedish geography through Nils’ escapades. He’s a young boy that is cruel to animals (red flag anyone?). He gets turned into a tomte. (He’s tiny now.) So he has to relearn how to interact with his surroundings and the animals he once tortured. Those animals that could squish him if they wished.
There’s a lot of melancholy scenes and awareness of the sometimes immense loneliness life brings. That felt refreshing to read.
I’ve been away with Christmas madness and a trip to beautiful Virginia. And I’m working on a few projects so I wanted to do a more visual post.
Sweden’s currency has changed drastically since our trip just a few short years ago. They’re even thinking of switching to e-currency. But I’m so pleased it allowed me to discover The Wonderful Adventures of Nils.
