What does the Swedish Midsummer pole symbolize?
The Midsummer maypole (Midsommarstången) Others say the shape has its roots in Norse mythology, and that it represents an axis linking the underworld, earth, and heavens.
How do Swedes celebrate Midsummer?
Midsummer is one of the most celebrated holidays in Sweden. People traditionally pick flowers and create their own floral crowns which they wear throughout the day. It is also said that if you place seven types of flowers under your pillow at midsummer, you will dream about your future spouse.
Why do Swedes celebrate Midsummer?
In agrarian times, Midsummer celebrations in Sweden were held to welcome summertime and the season of fertility. In some areas people dressed up as ‘green men’, clad in ferns. They also decorated their houses and farm tools with foliage, and raised tall, leafy maypoles to dance around, probably as early as the 1500s.
What are the rituals in Midsommar?
Many of the rituals performed in Midsommar, like the dancing around the maypole and the crowning of the May Queen, were drawn from a mix of Swedish, German, and Christian traditions. Others, like some of the ritualistic sacrifices, are a mixture of Aster’s imagination and Viking folklore.
How important is midsummer in Sweden?
In Sweden, Midsummer’s Eve is one of the most important days of the year, rivaling Christmas with its festive spirit and traditions. Traditionally, Midsummer was celebrated on June 24, the feast day of St. In 1952 the Swedish Parliament decided that Midsummer should always be celebrated on a weekend.
Is Midsummer Eve a public holiday in Sweden?
In Sweden, Midsummer Eve (June 25th) is not an official holiday but it is almost always treated as official holidays by employers. Some stores may be closed these days.
How important is Midsummer in Sweden?
Is Midsommar an actual thing?
But for horror fans, Swedish Midsummer only means one thing, at least since the past couple of years: the movie Midsommar (2019). Ari Aster’s gruesome depiction of part-fictional, part actual Swedish lore in the small community of Hårga was divisive among critics and audiences at its release.
When is Midsummer’s Eve in Sweden?
Apart from the Christmas season, midsummer’s eve is probably the biggest celebration in the country as every man, woman and child celebrate the longest day of the year. Midsummer’s eve is celebrated between June 20th and June 25th. Keep these dates in mind, especially if you are in the region of Dalarna in central Sweden.
What is the origin of Midsummer?
Historic Swedish festival According to Sweden’s Nordic Museum, Midsummer celebrations originally developed from a Christian holiday for John the Baptist, which took place on 24 June. Rather than having Midsummer always fall on a different day of the week, it was decided in 1953 that it should always be on the Friday between 20 and 26 June.
Where to celebrate Midsummer Eve in 2021?
Midsummer Eve in 2021 is on 25 June. Where can you usually celebrate Midsummer? Skansen, public parks, gardens, summer cottages, in fact, anywhere in Sweden will do as long as it is outdoors. Midsummer is one of the most celebrated holidays in Sweden.
What is Sweden’s Midsommar?
Sweden’s Midsummer (‘Midsommar’ in Swedish) is the quintessential summer celebration and something that people look forward to throughout the year, especially during the long, dark Scandinavian winters.