Wreaths of flowers in your hair, sun on your skin and good food: Midsummer in Sweden remains one of the best festivals in the north.
There are few celebrations that can look back on such a long tradition as those surrounding the summer solstice. In Sweden, the longest day of the year (and therefore the start of summer) has been celebrated since pre-Christian times. That's more than 2,000 years. After the birth of Christ, the date for the festivities was June 24, the birthday of John the Baptist.
The modern world and their obligations - such as arriving at work well-rested and the increasing insignificance of St. John's Day - led to the fact that people Midsummer in Sweden heute am Wochenende zwischen dem 20. und 26. Juni feiert. 2024 finden die “Midsommar” Festlichkeiten daher am 22. Juni statt.
As it's a non-denominational festival, there are hardly any people who don't celebrate Midsummer. It's often regarded as a family celebration or community celebration. In addition to private celebrations with family and friends, there are also public events in towns and villages. Because it also centers around nature, the celebrations usually take place outside in the garden, parks or public places.
Considering that it's a festive day, traditions also developed in terms of accessories and clothing. It's customary to wear light and airy clothing for the celebrations. Folkloristic elements are often incorporated into the outfit. For example, embroidery, traditional patterns or handmade accessories. In some parts of the country, people wear traditional costumes. However, the popular flower wreaths in the hair are indispensable. They are made from fresh flowers. Shoes should be as comfortable as possible, because you'll be dancing!
Similar to a maypole, the midsummer pole (Midsommarstång) in den Himmel. Sie ist mit Blumen und Blättern geschmückt und ein Symbol für Wiedergeburt und Fruchtbarkeit. Ist sie errichtet, tanzt man Volkstänze wie den “Froschtanz” (Små grodorna). Auch traditionelle schwedische Lieder und Live music are part of the festivities.
Who from the alleged “magischen Nacht” want to get the most out of it, walk barefoot in the dew on the morning after Midsummer's Eve - this is said to promote good health. And unmarried women set off to pick seven different flowers. They place them under their pillow to meet their future husband in a dream. Important: Do not chat while picking the flowers, otherwise the magic is gone …
Smoked salmon, herring, aquavit (schnapps), strawberries and young potatoes - it is customary to celebrate Midsummer with traditional dishes to celebrate. These are usually quite simple and are served as a smörgåsbord. This is a mixture of hot and cold dishes. The following should also not be missing Crispbreadcheese, butter and meatballs (köttbullar). Incidentally, drinking songs are an important part of Swedish customs. Accordingly, there are many of them. After the meal, the (adult) guests (also) compete in a few games. croquet, sack race oder das beliebte “Kubb” gehören ebenso dazu wie kreative Neuerfindungen. Sie werden oft als Femkamp (Fünfkampf) abgehalten.
In Swedish Lapland you can celebrate without the sun going down. However, this high up you'll have to dance around the maypole in snowshoes. The world's largest Midsummer festival is held in Sammilsdal. Here, 20,000 to 30,000 people gather for the festivities. The Skerry Gardens around Stockholm are well worth a visit - the scenery is incomparable. The open-air museum Skansen offers wreath-making, market stalls and live music. However, Midsummer in Sweden is always an experience, no matter where and with whom you celebrate.
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