födelsedagssången

Födelsedagssången is the Swedish version of the song "Happy Birthday to You". It is sung in Sweden and other Nordic countries on birthdays. The lyrics are typically "Ja, må han/hon leva, ja, må han/hon leva, ja, må han/hon leva uti hundrade år. (Yes, may he/she live, yes, may he/she live, yes, may he/she live for a hundred years.)". This is often followed by "Visst ska han/hon fira, visst ska han/hon fira, visst ska han/hon fira med tårta och kalas! (Surely he/she shall celebrate, surely he/she shall celebrate, surely he/she shall celebrate with cake and party!)". The song is a staple of birthday celebrations and is sung for people of all ages.

The melody of "Födelsedagssången" is the same as the internationally recognized "Happy Birthday to You". The origins of the "Happy Birthday to You" melody are attributed to American sisters Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill, who wrote the original lyrics "Good Morning to All" in 1893 as a kindergarten song. The "Happy Birthday to You" lyrics are believed to have emerged later, though the exact authorship is debated.

In Sweden, "Födelsedagssången" is a beloved tradition, evoking a sense of joy and communal celebration. It is customary for the birthday person to stand while the song is sung, often surrounded by friends and family. The inclusion of the "tårta och kalas" verse emphasizes the festive nature of the occasion. The song's simplicity and familiar melody make it accessible and enjoyable for everyone, cementing its place in Swedish birthday culture.