Midsummer Eve: An important tradition in Swedish culture

Midsummer Eve is an important weekend in Sweden and other Nordic countries, which is celebrated on the longest day of the year. It is a time of joy, celebration and the arrival of summer. The weekend has its roots in paganism, when it was celebrated as a holiday in honor of the sun. Today Midsommarafton is one of the most loved weekends in Sweden, and the celebration differs between different parts of the country.

The celebration of Midsummer Eve through the ages: From paganism to modern festivity

Midsummer Eve has its origins in paganism, when it was celebrated as a holiday in honor of the sun. The weekend was a symbol that summer had arrived and that the warmth and light would return. Over time, the celebration of Midsummer Eve has evolved and adapted to the Christian faith, but many of the traditional activities have been preserved. In modern Sweden, Midsummer Eve is celebrated on June 20-22 every year, and the weekend is one of the most popular weekends in the country. Many people take time off from work and go home to their families to celebrate together. There are also many public celebrations and events that are arranged, such as dancing around the Maypole and picnics in nature. Midsummer Eve has also become an important tourist attraction, with many visitors traveling to Sweden to participate in the celebrations. The weekend has also become a symbol of Swedish culture and tradition worldwide.

How Midsummer's Eve is celebrated in Sweden: A guide to the traditional activities

Midsummer Eve is known for its traditional celebrations, which have been preserved through generations. One of the most iconic activities is the Maypole Dance, where people sing and dance around a pole decorated with flowers and ribbons. The dance symbolizes the sun's path through the sky and is an important part of the celebration. Another tradition is to pick flowers and make wreaths to wear on the head. Many people choose to go out into nature and pick their own flowers, while others buy ready-made wreaths. There are also a variety of traditional dishes eaten during Midsummer Eve, such as herring and smorgasbord. Herring is a type of pickled fish that is very popular in Sweden, while smörgåsbord is a meal consisting of a variety of starters, main courses and desserts.

Memories from Midsummer Eve: A personal story about the celebration of the summer holiday

Midsummer Eve is a weekend that has always been special to me. I remember how as a child I always woke up early in the morning to go out and pick flowers with my family. Then we went home and cooked a big dinner together, with all the different kinds of herring and smorgasbords that we loved. After dinner it was time to dance around the Maypole, and I remember how happily I laughed as I twirled around with my friends. Even though I am no longer a child, Midsummer Eve is still one of my favorite holidays of the year. I always look forward to seeing my family and friends and celebrating together, and enjoying all the wonderful traditions that come with the weekend.

Midsummer Day

Midsummer Day and Midsummer Eve fall between June 20-26. It can be argued that this holiday today is one of the most important in Sweden, next to Christmas. Unlike Christmas, Midsummer is usually celebrated with acquaintances rather than just the family. Friends and friends of friends. The celebration originates from John the Baptist's birthday, June 24. The midsummer pole, or maypole, is one of the most important symbols of the holiday. It was used by deacons (students) during the 1600-1700s who moved around in cities, villages and sang / begged. It is believed that the midsummer pole comes from Germany. The word "maypole" does not originate from the month of May, but from the fact that the "maypole" was cut; thus it was covered with leaves. The symbolism of the Midsummer pole is not really definite. Some believe it is a phallus symbol, while some believe it is a depiction of the Christian cross. Around the bar, people dance and sing classic midsummer songs such as "The Little Frogs". Historically, midsummer night is associated with magic. Plants are said to have a certain magical attribute during this evening, after which it is extra good to collect medicinal plants this evening. Rituals associated with midsummer include putting seven kinds of flowers under the pillow, after which you should dream about the one you are going to marry, or that the magic of the flowers is saved after you make a wreath. The magical mystique surrounding midsummer is believed to have something to do with the fact that midsummer night is usually especially bright and symbolizes the beginning of summer. 

Much of the food eaten at other holidays is also consumed during midsummer. However, there is much more fresh food available. Fresh potatoes, strawberries, herbs and fish and more. Something that also belongs is stored cheese, butter, crispbread and at the right time nubbe. A classic dish eaten at the midsummer celebration is herring, new potatoes and sour cream. Midsummer is the holiday when most people gather in the same place from different circles of friends, who are all there to participate in a big party. Midsummer celebrations in Sweden have also become an internationally known phenomenon and are something that many outsiders in the country not least associate with Sweden but also travel to Sweden to experience.