Midsummer
June 24, Tuesday
Historical roots
“Midsummer” has its roots in ancient pre-Christian traditions, when people marked the solstice as an important moment in the annual cycle. Later the holiday absorbed Christian elements associated with St John the Baptist’s Day (24 June), but most traditions retain pagan characteristics.
When is it celebrated?
The official date of the holiday is 24 June, but in most countries “Midsummer” is celebrated on the Friday nearest to that date, to allow people to rest and spend time with family and friends.
Traditions and customs
• Erecting a maypole (maypole or midsommarstång in Sweden), decorated with greenery and flowers, around which people dance and sing folk songs.
• Lighting bonfires, which symbolise light and protection from evil spirits.
• Preparing and sharing traditional dishes: pickled herring, new potatoes with dill, berry pies.
• Singing folk songs and performing traditional dances.
• Gathering wildflowers and herbs, and in some places — fortune-telling and rituals related to love and fertility.
• Swimming and bathing in lakes or the sea, to cleanse oneself and gain strength.
Significance of the holiday
“Midsummer” is a time of unity with nature and family. It symbolises the joy of life, light and renewal. For many, it is the most important holiday of the year, a chance to relax from work, enjoy the summer and strengthen social bonds.
Modern celebrations
Nowadays “Midsummer” is marked by large gatherings, festivals and cultural events. In Sweden, for example, many people leave the cities to celebrate in the countryside, hold picnics and observe the holiday in a traditional way. Similar traditions exist in Finland, Norway and Estonia.
Interesting facts
• In Sweden, “Midsummer” is considered more important than Christmas.
• In some places there is a belief that the fern flower, which blooms only once a year on the night of the solstice, brings happiness and fulfils wishes.
• In Finland and Sweden this holiday symbolises the midpoint of the year and the natural cycle of life.