Celebrating Midsummer In Sweden
Yes, we are close to one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year in Sweden.
It is an old tradition that is embraced by young and old for different kinds of reasons. It is a feast of unification in this land of traditions. Many Swedes are reserved in expressing how they feel, Midsummer is one of these days where it’s accepted by everyone to have fun and enjoy life.
What is Midsummer all about?
Many people that know about Midsummer celebrations know it for the raising and dancing around a maypole. Old tradition also tells us that it’s common to place greenery over houses and barns. This is supposed to bring good fortune and health to people and animals. It has however faded in the past years maybe for environmental reasons and therefore one keeps decorating the maypole and sometimes some branches in front of houses and barns.
Having said this, it is actually a very significant detail when it comes to the traditional name of the maypole. To decorate with greens is called “att Maja” or “to may”. Experts believe this is where the name originates from, but there are also researchers that believe that the name comes from German tradespeople who raised the maypole in June. Swedes were of the opinion that they had enough greenery to decorate in May and kept doing so in May and therefore stick with the name Maypole.
The funny thing, however, is that nowadays one doesn’t even talk about Maypole anymore but it’s more commonly known as a Midsummer pole. Also, the time of celebrating has changed from May to the month of June. In Sweden, Midsummer’s Day is celebrated on a Saturday between June 20th and June 26th. The actual celebration takes place on the Friday before, Midsummer's Eve, which is common with most Swedish celebrations. Be aware that coming to Sweden as a Tourist that everything is closed as it is an official bank holiday in Sweden.
Girls be aware
It has been said that if a girl picks 7 different flowers in silence during the midsummer night and then puts them under her pillow, she will dream of her future husband or partner. I guess the guys have to drink to that! And that’s what most of them do…
A Swedish tradition?
As Beyondo, we are of course proud of our Swedish traditions. But you are going to be surprised how many countries have a form of celebration during Midsummer. To give you an idea here are some countries that have some form of celebration: Denmark, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Belarus, Germany, Flanders, Ireland, France, UK, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Ukraine, Canada, USA, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Australia and yes even in the Netherlands.
This makes us very proud and proves that Midsummer is a real feast of unification of all countries of the world.
Want to know what to eat on Midsummer Eve and other Swedish delicacies?
