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In this article, Alexius talks about the ancient Scandinavian summer solstice festival bringing together Europeans to commemorate the arrival of summer.
the summer solstice celebration
the summer solstice celebration
By : Alexius Burnett
By : Alexius Burnett
Midsommar is a widespread national Scandinavian holiday that celebrates the arrival of summer and its solstice during the midpoint of the harvest season in the north. The holiday is organized around the idea of fertility and nature, while also symbolizing light. During the few days of the celebration, people gather in the countryside or mountains and have maypole dances, feasts, and outdoor activities, bringing all Swedes together. It is one of their most loved holidays.
Originally, this commemoration was a Pagan celebration focused on having a successful harvest season, celebrating midsummer, and even the gods. Britannica notes that one of the main gods they were associated with was “Ukko, the Finnish god of thunder who controlled the rain and thus the fertility of the land.” There used to be sacrifices in honor of him at the beginning of the planting season, as it was believed he would then bless their crops with rainfall, if satisfied. Back then, Midsommar was also believed to be a time of magic, fortune, and healing, causing rituals to rise up from these conspiracies. People were convinced that evil spirits were around, so to drive them away, they spread the idea of lighting bonfires and being boisterous. In addition, love spells were commonly practiced on multiple occasions. There was the placing of flowers under pillows so they could dream of their future partner, or looking into a well at midnight to see their future lover; baths in springs and decorations with greenery were thought to bring good health, as it was believed plants had healing powers.
Photo by: Engelsberg Ideas
Photo by: Campervan Sweden
To start this celebration, participants pick flowers and branches to make wreaths and place them as decoration or even wear them as accessories. They also devour traditional Swedish food, like meatballs, chives, and potatoes with dill. Of course, some light beer and vodka accompanied by drinking songs are sung all day and night, intensifying each time. However, on top of these customs, there was also the Maypole dance, where people would gather and perform traditional dances around a 20-foot pole with two loops on top and decorated with flowers and plants. On the website Borton Overseas, it is noted that this tradition likely "originated as a symbol of fertility, while others believe it represents a link between the underworld, earth, and the heavens.”Subsequently, with the spread of Christianity, the original traditions of Midsommar soon got a few adjustments. Around the 1500s, an addition to the festivities was the feast in honor of the Baptist Saint John. Then, there were also changes regarding the dates of celebration, as it now always lands on the weekend, so that more people in the modern world can enjoy the festivities.
Ultimately, this beloved Scandinavian holiday is full of life and festivities that hold many rituals and celebrations from Pagan days. It is a beautiful time to celebrate the beginning of the summer with feasts, alcohol, and greenery exercises. From flower crowns to bonfires and sacrifices, this holiday captures the spirit of the summer season, bringing communities together in the abundance of the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere.
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