Midsummer
This festival, most commonly (but not exclusively) celebrated in Scandinavian countries, marks the summer solstice.
This festival, most commonly (but not exclusively) celebrated in Scandinavian countries, marks the summer solstice.
Kashinda Carter
Reviewer URLNames: Midsummer, Midsummer’s Eve
Pronunciation: Mid-suh-mr
This festival, most commonly (but not exclusively) celebrated in Scandinavian countries, marks the summer solstice.
Origin
Formally known as “Litha,” Midsummer began as a holiday for Pagans celebrated during the summer solstice. Over the years, the meaning and date behind the holiday changed to fit prominent Christian beliefs. In 1953, Swedish officials decided the holiday should fall on a Friday between June 20 and 26, sharing the date with St. John’s Day, a Christian holiday celebrating John the Baptist.
When it is observed
Each year, Midsummer is observed on a Friday between June 19th and 25th in Sweden. In Finland, it is celebrated on a Saturday between June 20th and 26th. In the United States, it is celebrated on or around the day of the summer solstice.
Traditions
From bonfires to picking herbs, Pagans partook in specific rituals on Midsummer’s Eve to receive an abundant harvest and increase fertility. German customs from the Middle Ages brought in new traditions, such as “midsommarstång,” or maypole. Another popular custom, “Små grodorna” (The Little Frogs), is a traditional Swedish dance.
Today, current Midsummer participants incorporate these traditions into the annual celebration. The night before the Midsummer, women place seven flowers under their pillow in the hopes of dreaming of their future husband and walking around barefoot to help festival-goers to stay healthy.