Frequently asked questions

Here we have a collection of questions that may be of general interest. If you do not find an answer to your own question you are most welcome to ask us!
    Send an e-mail to webmaster@nattochdag.org and state your question and we do our best to answer it!

 How old is the Swedish nobility?
The Swedish nobility was established in 1280 when King Magnus Ladulås issued the Alsnö regulations. The law endorsed by Magnus Erikssons in 1347 decreed a certain order of precedence within the priveleged classes (the nobles). By the time of the coronation of Eriks XIV in 1561, counts and barons were appointed for the first time in Sweden. (translated text from the House of Nobility home page).

 What does 'Natt och Dag' mean?
Natt och Dag can be directly translated into 'Night and Day', and yes, there are also people in Sweden that tend to raise their eyebrowes when the family members state their name.

 How old is the Natt och Dag family?
It is not exactly known, but it is definitely old: the today oldest existing noble family of pure Swedish extraction. At the National Archives of Sweden in Stockholm there is a document from 1280 which confirms that the family is at least that old.
    Gabriel Anrep, en known Swedish genealogist from the 19th century, wrote: “That this family would be descended from Sigtrygg, a rich man, who, according to Sturlesson, around the year 1030 lived in Nerike and during the winter housed the Norwegian King Olof Haralsson the Holy, and that the son of Sigtrygg, Ivar, became a noble man, is plausible but without proof”. Thus, maybe the family goes as far back as to the Viking age!

 Isn't it about time to repeal the nobility?
The Riksdag decided April 11th, 2003 to repeal the constitutional regulations of the Nobility, which were introduced 1612 and left behind after abolition of the diet of the four estates in 1866. The decision has implied that the letters of patent for the Nobility have been revoked and that the House of Nobility regulations have been changed by removing the authority and obligations of the government. The decision came into effect by Juny 1st , 2003.
    With the new Instrument of Governrment (constitution) in 1975, the King's right to grant noble rank ceased to exist. Furthermore, since the abolition of the Estates Riksdag the Swedish nobility has lacked all political significance; but - like the nobility in Finland, incidentally - it possesses a status in public law. For example, the nobility has its own type of taxation right, the “capitation charge” or poll tax, that every male member of the nobility who has reached the age of majority (18) must pay once a year. This charge goes in full to pay for the maintenance of the Riddarhuset building, which receives no state or municipal grant whatsoever.
    Every three years, representatives of the nobility assemble at Riddarhuset to engage in discussions and a review of Riddarhuset's business transactions and activities. Each family has one vote, which is exercised by its head. At this meeting, directors are elected for the forthcoming three-year period to be responsible for administering Riddarhuset's activities.

 Why aren't women allowed to pass the name on?
They are. However, they are not allowed to pass the noble rank on.
    In the House of Nobility Decree from 1625 it says: “noble rank is passed on to son in marriage with noble father”. Children of cohabits, where the father is noble, do not become noble although they may carry their father's name. Apparently, these are rules that were formulated when man was considered to be superior to woman.
    Interestingly, the oldest known ancestor to the Natt och Dags of today was named Nils Sigridsson, which implies that he took his mother's name. In other words, the Natt och Dags ancestor is actually a woman!

 Is there anyone named Dag och Natt?
By the end of the 16th century, genealogists referred to the family as Dag och Natt. This was however changed into Natt och Dag in the 17th century. Thus, there exists no person carrying the name Natt och Dag. However, there once was a restaurant and night club in Helsingborg in the south of Sweden, named Dag och Natt. The confusion led unknowingly Swedes to call a Natt och Dag, resident in Helsingborg, and try to order a table!

 How many carry the name Natt och Dag?
According to the Swedish tax authories, by July 30th, 2002 there are 58 persons using the last name Natt och Dag, 31 women and 19 men. Furthermore, 8 of them have emigrated and do currently not live in Sweden (5 women and 3 men).

 How many Natt och Dags are there?
According to the Book of Noble Families there are 63 persons who are “true” Natt och Dags, i.e. born Natt och Dag or women married into the family. There are many more that belong to the family, but exactly how many is still not certain as the pedigree from 1900 and onwards is not yet finished. The family association is currently working in completing such a pedigree.

 How do I become a member of the association?
It must of course be possible to verify they you are a close descendant to a known member of the family. Welcome to contact a member of the board and state your wishes!