Mystic midsummer; the swedes’s 'holy’ holiday.
The tradition of celebrating midsummer is very ancient. It is especially widespread in northern Europe with some differences in the way of celebrating.
The reason for the excessive midsummer celebrations in Scandinavia is the enormously long summer days; the night is sometimes completely absent or, a slight nightfall exists for only a few hours. This means, more time for celebrating!
In Sweden the midsummer (Midsommar in Swedish) is officially from the 20th to 26th of June, but is usually celebrated for only three days. This year, celebrations will begin precisely on the night of June 19.
During the day all people in a village, community or family help in decorating maypoles (Midsommarstång or also majstång in Swedish). The maypole is decorated with green leaves and flowers, after that, the maypole is finally raised, and with it starts the games and children songs for the small ones, but everyone else participates as well.
After everyone is exhausted from dancing it is time for food, generally this takes place in the garden with an enormous “Smörgåsbord”. The dishes are brought from every kitchen in the village, the variety is immense; from the famous Swedish meatballs (also known as IKEA’s meatballs or köttbullar) to a large variety of different “sill” dishes (a kind of fish very appreciated in Sweden).
Usually meat pies, salads, shrimps, salmon and smoked salmon, strawberries, and special family recipes (which includes either strawberry cake or strawberry pie) are also part of the “Smörgåsbord”.
Later on, the evening continues with folklore music and this time, dances for the adults. In the never-ending night the youngsters and singles pick seven different kinds of wild flowers which they then put under their pillow hoping to dream about their future partner.
In the province of “dalarna” this mystic midsummer celebration lasts for an entire week, rather than the usual three days. I can, with great conviction, assure that this is one of the most beloved holidays for most, if not all swedes.
They will keep the memories, which will help warm their hearts during the long, cold winter nights.
Enjoy this years” midsommar”!!
En glad midsommar!!
