Photo: Anders Wahlström |
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Mid-Summer's Eve
The longest day of the year is celebrated on the Saturday that falls between June 20th and June 26th. Each Scandinavian country celebrates this tradition in their own unique way. The Swedes dance around a maypole, a symbol of fertility, that is trimmed with garlands of flowers. The celebrants join hands and dance around it to tunes played on an accordion and a fiddle. In Finland midsommar is known as Juhannus and is celebrated with a bonfire by the lakeshore with dancing into the morning hours. Juhannus is also Finland's Flag Day.
In Norway and Denmark bonfires are also an important part of the celebration. The customs date back to pagan times when tribute was paid to the powers of the sun god with bonfires signifying the defeat of darkness. The Norwegians also form processions early in the evening, usually led by a musician.
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