A celebration of the summer solstice (held during the year 2013 on June 21st), Svensk Midsommer formerly served as an opportunity to offer praise in hope of a good harvest. Although traditions have remained the same, the intent of the celebration has shifted to recognize both the dependence of Swedish culture on the sun as well as the timeless mysteries of summer love.
In Sweden, Midsommer is undoubtedly the largest celebration of the year! I was very fortunate to be able to indulge in and experience the rich Swedish heritage surrounding the festival and to come away with a better understanding of the country’s culture and traditions.
1. Party Prep
Although some parks and castles hold public celebrations of the holiday, Midsommer is typically reserved for smaller gatherings of close families and friends in private gardens. The Swedes labor for weeks potting flowers, plucking weeds, and trimming lawns to prepare a picturesque stage for the biggest production of the year. The star of the show? The Maypole. The Maypole is essentially a large wooden pole that is dressed in flowers, garlands, birch leaves, and branches. Although it can take on many shapes, it is most commonly erected as a tall cross with a sloping triangular roof and a circular wreath draped on either side. The carrying, dressing, and hoisting of the Maypole, which are all completed on Midsommer’s Eve, signify the true beginning of the celebration.
2. Dress for Success
During the public celebrations, it is typical to see Swedish men, women and children adorned in traditional Swedish garb. Young girls proudly display the colors of the Swedish flag through their floor length royal blue cotton dresses and canary yellow aprons. Men often don high knee socks, classic britches and buttoned vests in vibrant hues.
For ladies of all generations, a floral headdress is a necessity. These are worn both in the public celebrations and in the private garden parties. Making the floral headdresses by hand is the most traditional method, but in the present day, many Swedish women place orders at local floral shops in order to have elaborate blossoming crowns woven for the occasion.
3. Culinary Classics
Because Midsommer is a time to celebrate both the fruits of the earth and the fellowship of loved ones, hosting a classic Swedish feast is critical at any garden party. Meals are always hosted outside in fair weather and children are given Swedish candies as a special treat for this time of year. Below is a traditional Swedish Midsummer menu that was served at my office the day before Midsummer holiday!
4. Sing and Swing
Besides serving as a beautiful garden centrepiece, the Maypole’s serves as the center of the dance floor as well. Regardless of the number of guests at the party, everyone must join hands and frolic around the Maypole! Although the intricacies of the dances are more complicated, especially when the ring of dancers breaks apart to form pairs, generally skipping and running around the Maypole in a circle adequately mimics the traditional style. The direction of the circles movement changes in time with the music and the dancing is occasionally paused for theatrical acting interludes according to the song’s lyrics. Dancing around the Maypole not only celebrates the bounty of the lush Swedish wilderness, but it also fills the air with subtle messages of love and affection as the evening approaches. Apart from dancing, other activities like singing, hayrides, and lottery tombola are enjoyed during the festival.
5. Long for Love
As the long day draws toward a close and partygoers begin to wander home, the final Midsommer tradition is celebrated. As young girls pad through the meadows on their way home, they strive to collect seven different types of wildflowers whilst ascending over seven wooden fence posts along their journey. Not a word can be spoken during this solitary expedition, as the pristine condition of the wilderness and the magic of the forest should not be disturbed. When they finally arrive home, the girls tuck the flowers under their pillows in the last rays of the setting sun, hoping that the magic of the forest will inspire them to glimpse the face of their one true love in their sweet dreams.
A Jacket's Journey 