Midsummer Day in Sweden

Midsummer Day (Midsommardagen) in Sweden is a national holiday celebrated on the Saturday that falls between June 20th and 26th, closely following the summer solstice. It is one of the most important holidays in the Swedish calendar, comparable only to Christmas in its significance.

History

The origins of Midsummer celebrations date back to pre-Christian times, with roots in pagan rituals associated with fertility and the worshipping of the sun. The day was believed to be a time of magic when evil spirits were active, and various customs evolved to protect against these spirits. With the advent of Christianity, the holiday was later tied to the feast of St. John the Baptist on June 24th, but many of its pagan elements persisted.

Traditions

• Maypole (Midsommarstång): Central to Swedish Midsummer celebrations is the raising and dancing around a maypole (or 'majstång'), which is a large wooden pole decorated with flowers and leaves.
• Flower Crowns: Women and girls often wear crowns made from wildflowers, which are picked earlier in the day.
• Music and Dancing: Traditional folk music accompanies dancing around the maypole. The dances are often playful, with well-known routines like "Små grodorna" (The Little Frogs).
• Food: A typical Midsummer menu includes pickled herring, boiled new potatoes with fresh dill, sour cream and chives, followed by a dessert of fresh strawberries and cream.
• Schnapps: Drinking songs (snapsvisor) are sung before taking shots of schnapps or akvavit.

What People Do

On this day, Swedes flock to the countryside or archipelagos for family gatherings or communal celebrations. Many towns hold public events where locals can participate in traditional dances and games. The long daylight hours allow festivities to continue well into the night.

In summary, Midsummer Day is a vibrant blend of historical traditions that mark the height of summer in Sweden. It's a time for joyous celebration outdoors centered around food, drink, dance, and mystical traditions celebrating light and life.