Midsummer’s Eve is one of the important holidays in many Christian communities. In Sweden, the holiday may also be referred to as St. Hans Day. It is commonly celebrated on or around June 23 to mark the summer solstice, which is known to be the longest day of the year. As a holiday celebration, Scandinavians usually have outdoor festivities which include bonfire on the beach, raucous picnics, outdoor dinner parties, traditional drinking songs, and dancing in the evening mist. Food is flowing throughout the celebration, and people decorate their homes as well so that the Midsummer’s Eve atmosphere can also be felt in their own homes.
Midsummer’s Eve background
Midsummer is the period of time centered upon the summer solstice, particularly the northern European celebrations that accompany the actual solstice, which is in fact the day on which the period of daylight has the longest. Given that Scandinavian countries experience long and dark winters, the arrival of summer is a big deal throughout the region. The festive spirit and traditions of Midsummer’s Eve can be compared with that of Christmas.
Originally, Midsummer was celebrated on June 24. which is the feast day of St. John the Baptist. The holiday can also be traced back to pre-Christian solstice festival. Eventually, to erase its pagan image, the early Catholic Church associated it with Christian celebrations. Biblical references say that St. John the Baptist was born 6 months before Jesus was born. Therefore, the Midsummer’s Eve is celebrated every June. In 1952, the Swedish Parliament has decided that Midsummer should be celebrated on a weekend. As a result, Midsummer celebration varies between June 20 and 26.
How Midsummer’s Eve is celebrated
In most countries which are observing the Midsummer, the celebration is held outdoor, usually with huge outdoor bonfires. However, in Sweden, bonfire is mostly associated with Walpurgis Night celebrations on April 30. The focus of Midsummer celebration is the maypole or commonly referred to as the Midsummer pole. The said pole is decorated with greenery and flowers. Another traditional game is the competition of archers in shooting at a bird placed at the top of a tall pole. People also dance around the Midsummer pole, which is also one of the oldest traditions in Sweden. The celebration also include exhibition of folk dancing in traditional costumes, as well as as ring dances and games for people of all ages. Another popular tradition is the Sma grodorna, a dancing game wherein the participants hop around the pole while singing about little frogs.
Midsummer is also about magic, power and anything that has to do with nature. As such, flower gathering and weaving them into wreaths and crowns is believed to harness the power of nature to ensure good health throughout the year. Feel the beauty and vibes of Midsummer all year round by decorating your home with lovely floral wallpapers.
Midsummer’s Eve home decorating ideas
Midsummer’s Eve celebration is abundant when it comes to food. If you are going to throw your own party, serve pickled herring and small, succulent North Sea shrimp on open-faced sandwiches and boiled potatoes with fresh dill, soured cream and chives. Do not forget grilled salmon as well as strawberries of summer with cream for dessert. These are usually accompanied with cold beer and schnapps.
Candles are also very important for Scandinavians, therefore decorate the tabletop with lots of candles. Since flowers are also important, flower wreathes and maypole dances are part of the tradition, particularly in Sweden. It is also a tradition for girls to pick seven various species of flowers and lay them under their pillow and dream of their future husband. In addition to these, place seven different kinds of flowers on the table, each placed in their own vase.
The addition of paper cut out ornaments will also set the atmosphere of your home as this is an old Danish tradition. Example of which are whimsical cutout place cards. Other table top ornaments include votive holders, art glass serving bowls, festive dinnerware, butterfly place cards, stainless steel flatware, nature inspired table runner, white linen napkins, beer glasses, and colorful schnapps glasses.