Although a larger portion of Danes are generally not very religious anymore, confirmation still remains an important tradition and a major event for many young people and their families.
But what exactly is confirmation, and why is it celebrated? We'll take a closer look at that in this article.
What is confirmation?
Let's start with what a confirmation is. Confirmation is a tradition where young people, around the age of 13 to 14, affirm their Christian faith, having been previously baptized. It is a religious ceremony that is followed by a large celebration.
Although many Danes today do not consider themselves religious, many still choose to adhere to Christian ceremonies and celebrations, such as confirmation.
Why is confirmation held?
Originally, confirmation had a religious purpose. The young person was to affirm their Christian faith and learn about the Bible.
Today, a confirmation is more so a celebration where people gather to mark a young person's entry into adulthood, surrounded by family and friends. It remains a very popular tradition, even though the religious aspect is less prominent.
Instead, it has become a social and cultural event, celebrating the young person’s transition into adulthood.
How Confirmation is Celebrated in Denmark
The way a confirmation is celebrated varies greatly from family to family. However, the confirmation itself almost always takes place in the church in the morning, with the young people dressed in fine clothes.
The traditional confirmation
Many choose to throw a big party where the entire family, along with friends and other close relations, gather. This can either be at home or in a banquet hall.
There's no denying that gifts are a big deal for the young person at a confirmation. The gifts are usually on the larger and more expensive side, and it is very common to give money in particular.
At many confirmation parties, there are speeches, songs, and other performances throughout the celebration.
Nonfirmation as an Alternative
In Denmark, an increasing number of young people are opting to celebrate a so-called "nonfirmation" instead of a traditional church confirmation. This is a non-religious way to celebrate the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Here, the young person does not participate in the religious ceremony, but a party is typically held afterward, which closely resembles the celebration seen at a traditional confirmation in terms of gifts, food, and speeches.
Common to both celebrations is that they are festive events characterized by a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere, with the confirmand or nonfirmand taking center stage. As a guest at a confirmation or nonfirmation, it's all about enjoying the day and joining in the celebration of the young person.