It’s one of the biggest events in the Scandi calendar. And no, it’s nothing like Ari Aster’s movie masterpiece, we promise
For many of us celebrating the much-cherished holiday of Midsummer, the occasion feels almost as important as Christmas (and for some, even more so). It’s an excuse to don a flower crown, a floaty dress and waft about your garden barefoot – and who are we to refuse. Plus, as the event naturally brings with it copious quaffing of snaps, it’s certainly a hard one to skip.
Often when the tail end of June rolls around, Scandi cities, experience a mass exodus and are left deserted, tumbleweed rolling, with many of the inhabitants upping sticks to their summer houses. But if you’re new to the festivities or just simply want to clue-up on how to mark the occasion the Scandi-way, here’s our run-down to the upcoming merriment.
Things really begin to kick off on the evening prior to Midsummer’s day, known as Midsummer's eve, which happens to fall on Friday 24 June this year. And for many of those celebrating, this signifies the start of a long summer holiday stretch and a chance to relax and unwind as the long evenings roll in.
Photo: Benjamin Tarp
So what makes these few days so special exactly? Well, first things first: the flower crowns. And no, this isn’t quite Coachella festival, but floral tributes – symbolising rebirth and fertility – are a b-i-g deal when it comes to Midsummer. The story goes that young women would pick seven different types of flowers, hiding the blooms underneath their pillow for goodluck, and dream sweetly of their future husband. Today, we’ll skip the patriarchal nonsense, but happily keep the sweet-scented flowers atop our crowns – tack.
Like most major events in our calendar, food plays a significant role in the proceedings and a typical traditional lunch consists of pickled herring, potatoes, known as 'färskpotatis', seasoned with dill and chives, helping to line the stomachs before the drinks start to flow. While other variations can include smoked salmon, gravlax or meatballs. The main meal is followed up by fresh strawberries and cream (only local strawberries will do) and washed down with lots (and lots) of snaps, sometimes flavoured with dill, elderflower or even honey.
Photo: Getty
Decoration-wise the maypole, the midsommarstågen, is a central focus of the day’s entertainment. Often the wooden pole is decorated with coloured flowers and ribbons and is then usually raised up – typically in a grassy spot – with revellers proceeding to dance around it singing songs. One such Midsummer music staple is the hilariously named ‘Små Grodorna’, which sees attendees act like little frogs and skip around the pole, naturally.
Singing (however in tune those dulcet tones might be) is also crucial, so clear out those pipes now as there are hundreds of drinking songs to choose from. Try drowning out the neighbours with the popular 'Helan går' meaning ‘The whole one goes down’, or alternatively opt for 'Till Spritbolaget', 'Feta Fransyskor' or 'Midsommarvisan' - other popular choices - as you slug back another timble of snaps.
And then round out the night rather daringly with a refreshing skinny dip. Granted, not everyone does this, but the idea is there for the taking. Skål.
Photo: Benjamin Tarp