Why do people celebrate midsummer

For the Vikings it was the time to pray for an abundant harvest from the Norse gods of fertility, Freyia and Freyr. To increase their chances of success, Pagans would carry out certain rituals during Midsummer. They believed that the presence of evil spirits was strong during the longest day of the year, so they would light huge bonfires to ward off dark forces. They may have also visited stone circles, such as Stonehenge.

Additionally, plants were thought to have magical powers during the solstice. It is said that they will dream about their future husbands. You may be familiar with St. This Christian holiday eventually superseded the Pagan event a few centuries ago. John the Baptist. Some of the Christian and Pagan rituals merged over time, so today the summer solstice can be a fascinating blend of the two. Go on holiday to Sweden during the summer solstice and you can join the locals as they revel in one of their favourite events of the year.

Midsommar is an official holiday here, taking place every year on the closest Friday to 23 June. Many Swedes flock to the countryside for Midsommar.

During your visit you might join in the party, enjoying a typical Swedish picnic laden with pickled herring and other local specialities. The summer solstice festivities continue all day long. Get ready to dance around the maypole too, holding hands and spinning in circles. Head to Finland to experience the summer solstice rituals of this national holiday, named Juhannus after St John.

The long weekend involves the lighting of large bonfires — kokko. Traditionally this was done to ward off evil spirits and encourage an abundant harvest throughout summer. Similarly, the more a Finn drinks on Midsummer, the better their harvest will be that year. During this three-day weekend, many Finns like to retreat to a summer home and relax in the sauna with some cool beverages.

Since the holiday is so connected with a retreat to nature, those remaining in the cities are also likely to get some peace and quiet over Midsummer. If you want to celebrate Midsummer in Norway , time your visit for the 23 June, as the date is always the same. Swedes and many northern peoples celebrate a solstice holiday known as Midsummer Day.

In mid-June, school is out and nature has burst into life. It seems like the Sun never sets. Historically, this day marks the midpoint of the growing season , halfway between planting and harvest. The night before Midsummer Day is called Midsummer Eve June 23 which is on or near the shortest night of the year! Dancing, feasting, bonfires, and general merrymaking are hallmarks of the night! Astronomically speaking, summer begins on the solstice. In , the solstice arrived Saturday, June In late December, the Sun appears to stand still again, when we experience the winter solstice—the shortest day.

Read more about Summer Solstice! Weatherwise, some folks especially farmers recognize the days around the solstice as the height, or middle, of summer. Crops were well under way and looking promising, so growers celebrated their anticipated harvest at Midsummer festivals. At some point, Christian church authorities assigned June 24 as the birthday of St.

John the Baptist, who foretold the birth of Christ which would occur 6 months later in the calendar, during the darkest days. In this way, the period took on both secular and religious symbolism, giving everyone reasons to celebrate.

All in all, a grand day out. Last updated 26 February Strawberry cake and the taste of Swedish summer If you want to know what Swedish summer tastes like, look no further than Swedish strawberry cake. When is Midsummer? Midsummer Eve in is on 25 June. Where can you usually celebrate Midsummer?

Show image on full screen. Midsummer flower crown Midsummer is one of the most celebrated holidays in Sweden. Who can celebrate midsummer?

How to do Midsummer like a local Get invited by a local. Midsummer is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Sweden. Traditionally a May pole is raised which people gather around to dance and sing.

Some people wear folk costumes to honour their regions while celebrating. Midsummer in Sweden — a cherished tradition Play video.