Midsummer
- Tinessa Johnsrud, HHP, CHNC, CWC
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
What Is Midsummer? A Celebration of Light and Heritage
If you have Nordic or Scandinavian ancestry, you might be curious about Midsummer, one of the most beloved and ancient holidays in countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. Midsummer celebrates the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, usually around June 21st, when the sun shines the longest.
Why Is Midsummer Important?
Long before the days of Christianity, people in Nordic countries celebrated Midsummer as a special time to honor the sun and nature. The sun was crucial for growing crops and surviving the long, dark winters. They believed that on this day, nature was especially magical, and that the plants, animals, and people were filled with energy and power. It was a time to welcome light and life.
How Did They Celebrate?
Bonfires: Lighting large fires was a key part of the celebration. These bonfires symbolized the sun’s strength and were thought to keep away evil spirits and bad luck.
Flowers and Nature: People gathered wildflowers and herbs, sometimes weaving flower crowns to wear. These plants were believed to have extra special powers on Midsummer.
Dancing and Singing: Music and dance were common, often around a tall, decorated pole called a maypole.
Why Should You Care?
If you’re exploring your Nordic or Scandinavian heritage, learning about Midsummer is a great way to connect with the past. It’s a celebration of family, nature, and light, values that are still important today. Many Americans with roots in these countries celebrate Midsummer by lighting bonfires, celebrating with food and drink, or just spending time outdoors with loved ones.
How to Celebrate Midsummer - Nordic Style, Right at Home
Make a Flower Crown Gather fresh flower like daisies, wildflowers, or any bright blooms you find and weave them into a crown. It’s a joyful tradition and wearing one makes you feel part of the celebration. (See Instructions below)
Raise a Maypole If you want to go big and have space, decorate a tall pole with greenery and flowers, then dance around it like they do in Sweden!
Light a Bonfire or Candle Circle
If you have a backyard fire pit, light a bonfire in the evening to honor the sun and create a warm, festive atmosphere. If not, lighting candles inside or outside also helps set the mood.
Play Music and Dance
Put on some traditional Nordic folk music or even modern songs from Sweden, Norway, or Finland. Dance, sing, or just enjoy the lively sounds that celebrate summer and life.
Spend Time Outdoors
Midsummer is all about nature and light. If you can, spend the day outside, at a park, lake, or even your backyard. Walk barefoot, smell the flowers, and soak in the long daylight.
Learn a Few Words or Songs
Try learning simple Midsummer songs or greetings in Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, or Danish. Even just a few phrases can deepen your connection to your heritage.
Enjoy Traditional Foods
Try making or buying some classic Midsummer dishes:
Pickled herring (if you’re feeling adventurous!)
New potatoes with dill (simple and fresh)
Gravlax (cured salmon)
Fresh strawberries and cream for dessert
You can also grill or cook outdoors, keeping it casual and fun.
Midsummer Recipes
Flower Crown Craft: How to Make Your Own
What you need:
• Fresh flowers (daisies, baby’s breath, wildflowers, etc.)
• Green floral wire or sturdy green string
• Floral tape or regular tape
• Scissors or garden shears
You can also gather your own wildflowers or fresh garden flowers if you have access to a garden or park (just make sure it’s allowed!).
Instructions:
Make the base Measure your head with the floral wire or string, leaving a little extra to twist the ends together. This will be your crown base.
Prepare flowers Cut flowers leaving about 2-3 inches of stem.
Attach flowers Start by taping or wrapping a flower stem to the wire base. Continue adding flowers side-by-side, overlapping slightly to cover the wire. Use floral tape to secure.
Fill in gaps Add smaller flowers or greenery to fill spaces and make it fuller.
Finish and wear Once the crown looks full and secure, twist the wire ends to close the circle, then wear it proudly!
Reliable Websites on Midsummer History and Traditions
The Nordic Museum has detailed articles and exhibits about Swedish Midsummer traditions, including historical background and cultural significance.
This site offers engaging cultural insights and guides about celebrating Midsummer in Sweden today.
Offers cultural articles about Finnish traditions like Juhannus (Midsummer), including historical context.
Explores traditional Norwegian festivals including Jonsok (Midsummer Eve).
Provides information on Danish Sankt Hans Aften and its customs.
Shares details about Icelandic summer traditions and how locals celebrate the midnight sun and Midsummer.
A concise overview of Midsummer celebrations, including historical and cultural notes.
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