Dag Hammarskjöld often responded to the cycle of holy days and holidays in the calendar by taking time to resituate himself. Here are a very few words from public statements and his private journal which can enhance our own holidays—without interpretation as none is needed. They are not all bright Christmas ornaments or diwali lights. They continue to reflect his engagement in the hard work for peace and reason. Linguists seeking exercise, and of course Hammarskjöld’s fellow Swedes, will appreciate the last beautiful text—surely a light for all traditions—in both English and the original Swedish.
