What is Midsummer?
Midsummer is observed in Scandinavia as a celebration of the longest day of the year, summer solstice! The literal meaning of the word derived from old English, describes the “middle of summer”, which was also recognized as the traditional midpoint for the harvest season. Scandinavian midsummer traditions have been celebrated for centuries through song, dance, flowers, festivals, food and much more. Each country in Scandinavia has their own special way of welcoming in summer – so let the midsummer festivities begin as we start in Denmark!
Denmark
Sankthansaften (Day of St. John or St. John’s Eve) is celebrated in commemoration of Sank Hans, or Saint John the Baptist. It usually takes place on the night of Midsummer Eve – which is the shortest night of the year! In Christian tradition this marks the birth of St. John, believed to be on June 24th, exactly 6 months before the birth of Jesus on December 24th. In Denmark it is also tradition to gather around a bonfire in the evening and sing the song “Midsommervisen”. Written by Danish poet Holger Drachmann, it is otherwise known as “Vi Elsker Vort Land” or “We Love Our Country” – an ode to Denmark and a warm and happy summer.
Sweden
Swedish midsummer traditions are probably the most well recognized outside of Scandinavia. It is not uncommon for the celebrations to last all weekend long! One you might already know about is the maypole; a tall pole that is decorated with ribbons and flowers through singing and dancing. It is customary for maypole performances to take place on the 1st of May, although you might see them throughout the summer solstice. Midsommarkrans (Midsummer wreaths or flower crowns) are also the pride and joy of midsummer in Sweden, as flowers are central to the celebration of summer. They represent healing and love and are handmade with local flowers to be worn by men, women and children.
Norway
Norway also embraces bonfires as part of their midsummer celebration, and in fact, holds the world record for biggest bonfire ever recorded in the world. This is part of a famous annual bonfire spectacle called Slinningsbålet (or Slinning’s bonfire), which takes place in Ålesund, Norway. It is built by hand over several days, with the help of 30-40 people and no special tools! The phenomenon known as Midnight Sun can also be seen in the northernmost tip of Norway in Sommarøy. It is a 24 hour period where the sun never sets – so you can be out at midnight in broad daylight!
Iceland
In Iceland, Midsummer is known as Jónsmessa, again in reference to John the Baptist. This is unique to Iceland, as you wish each other a happy midsummer by saying “Gleðilegt Jónmessa!”. There is also rich Icelandic folklore surrounding midsummer traditions, woven with magic and mystery. Elves? Trolls? Rolling in the morning dew on midsummer? Well apparently it’s good luck and will keep you free from ailments the rest of the year!
Photography by Julius Jansson
Finland
Taking to the sauna is a big part of Finnish midsummer! There are over 3 million saunas in Finland, commonly expressed by saying that Finland has more saunas than cars! Midsummer is also not a fixed date in Finland. It is either always held on the Friday and Saturday that falls between June 19 – June 26, or sometimes the last week in June. Unlike some parts of Scandinavia, Midsummer is considered a national holiday in Finland. Most locals retreat to their summer cottages, cities practically emptying out! You can find people celebrating in places like Seurasaari Island or anywhere near the sea!
Midsummer with Lars
Midsummer is also an absolute party at Lars! While we can’t be in Scandinavia every summer, there are so many beautiful ways to bring midsummer to you! We have had different midsummer projects here over the years to honor and commemorate Scandinavian midsummer tradition. Here are a few of our favorite midsummer ideas that we hope you can be inspired by!
Festive Midsummer Dala Horse Baby Mobile
A Scandinavian twist on Lars beaded chandelier – Midsummer themed! This craft also has some Polish influence, based on pajaki, which are ornamental plant chandeliers hung out at special times of the year like Easter or Christmas. The colors are incredibly vibrant, and can be put on display practically anywhere in the house. The Festive Midsummer Dala Horse Baby Mobile makes for a pretty but perfect way to say, “Hey! It’s midsummer!”
Midsummer Pole Cake Topper
If it wasn’t in your plans to make a 10 foot tall maypole this year (which we have instructions for by the way), well then you can put one on your cake! This is about as midsummer as it gets – but is it just me or does everything just get better on a cake? The Midsummer Pole Cake Topper has got to be the most low maintenance food craft ever!
Make the Midsummer floral crown
I think I was born to ogle over flower crowns. I had one Swedish grandma and one Samoan grandma, and a flower world of all sorts to contemplate between the two. Naturally, I had to include how to Make the Midsummer floral crown, which is the sweetheart jewel of midsummer tradition. Weave and craft your way to midsummer with flowers and greenery to celebrate these sun filled summer months!
More midsummer ideas to explore:
- Midsummer at Lars
- Make a maypole
- A Midsummer Playlist
- How to throw the garden party of the century
- All You Need for A Midsummer Party
We adore midsummer and want to see everything you put together this year for the summer solstice! Tag us at #amidsummermingle!