Make May a Happy May: A Swedish Take on an Old Saying
Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- The article suggests embracing May as a month of happiness, inspired by the old stock market saying "Sell in May and go away."
- It explains that "sälla" is an old Swedish word meaning happy or blessed, which is rarely used today.
- The author playfully connects the idea of happiness with the financial world, noting that a Google search for "sälla maj" suggests "sälja maj" (sell May).
Svenska Dagbladet, a respected Swedish newspaper, presents a unique perspective on the month of May. Moving away from the traditional financial advice of "Sell in May and go away," the author, Micael Dahlen, proposes a more uplifting interpretation: "Sälla maj" – make May a happy May.
Sell in May and go away
The piece delves into the linguistic nuances, highlighting "sälla" as an archaic Swedish term for happiness or blessedness. The author laments its disuse, noting how modern searches for the phrase are met with suggestions related to selling, a stark contrast to the intended sentiment.
Sälla maj
This commentary offers a cultural reflection on how language and tradition can be reinterpreted. It encourages readers to find joy and well-being, even amidst the sometimes-cynical financial adage, suggesting a more optimistic outlook for the month ahead.
Säll är ett gammalt svenskt ord som är synonymt med lycklig eller salig.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Svenska Dagbladet in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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