A study examined the curricular event in Swedish preschools known as "circle time," a daily event in most schools during which children, teachers, and sometimes parents gather in a circle for 20-30 minutes and share songs, discussion, music, storytelling, and group play. A special theme, such as the environment or a holiday, may also be dealt with during circle time. The practice began in Swedish kindergartens as early as the 1880s and has spread to preschools throughout the country. Through survey questionnaires, ethnographic observations, and interviews at 5 day care centers, the study sought to determine what actually happens during circle time and what the implications are for the participants. The results indicate that the activity is both a ritual, providing security for participants, and a meeting. To the staff, circle time corresponds to a need for structuring activities and indicating obvious changes during the day. To the children, circles are an asset entailing affirmatory meetings, but also a restraint in which discipline and coercion are prevalent. Contains 16 references. (MDM)