välsignelse

Välsignelse is the Swedish word for blessing, referring to the act of invoking divine favor, protection, or approval. The concept is used in religious contexts and in everyday language to denote good wishes and positive regard.

In Christian contexts, particularly within the Church of Sweden and other Lutheran communities, a välsignelse is a formal rite conducted by a licensed clergy member. It can accompany rites of passage such as baptism, confirmation, or marriage, or be performed for individuals, families, homes, or objects. Typical elements include prayers, Scripture readings, and a liturgical pronouncement of blessing; in some traditions, the laying on of hands may occur. A välsignelse is generally understood as a spiritual benediction rather than a sacrament, and it does not itself constitute a legal contract, though it may form part of religious ceremonies connected to family life.

In the context of marriage, couples may receive a välsignelse from the clergy after or in addition to the civil or church wedding, seeking divine blessing on their life together. Outside formal worship, the term is also used more broadly to express good wishes for a person, project, or place, reflecting its secular dimension.

Across Christian traditions, the form and significance of a välsignelse vary, but the underlying idea remains: to acknowledge or request divine favor and to affirm a hoped-for outcome.