All over Sweden, people are celebrating Midsummer, an annual holiday that celebrates friends, food, and the glory of the summer solstice. Known as THE party of the year in Sweden, I was lucky enough to experience Midsummer myself last summer while I was visiting friends in Sweden. Having never heard of Midsummer, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but what I found was a day full of tradition, laughter, singing, and some very Swedish food.
Seen as the second most important holiday to Christmas, many Swedes flock to the countryside or coastal villages to enjoy the festivities of the day. I spent my Midsummer in the coastal town of Skärhamn, where the traditional celebration was alive and well. During the morning, I learned how to construct a traditional flower crown out of wild flowers and leaves, as well as prepare some traditional dishes for the feast in between relaxing on the cliffs that overlooked the sea. The overall atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and although it was overcast the whole day, it felt like the sun was still shining within the happy faces of everyone.
One of the best parts of Midsummer is the amazing Swedish feast that simply fills the table. One of the most traditional dishes seen on this special day is potatoes and sill (pickled herring). Although I must admit the sill was a little harder for me to love, by the end of the day I had found many different types of sill that I really enjoyed. Other amazing dishes can be found at Midsummer, such as a variety of cheeses, fish, crisp bread, deviled eggs, and more. The drink of choice: aquavit, of course. Although I couldn’t keep up, I loved listening to all of the drinking songs and chants the Swedes happily sang with each shot.
A giant Maypole is made every Midsummer and it is tradition to sing and dance around the looming construction. I remember being in such awe as I saw the maypole for the first time, being covered in wild flowers and greenery. Swedes of all ages held hands and danced merrily around the pole, and I couldn’t help but smile as well, realizing how wonderful of a time everyone was having. Although Midsummer may be symbolic for the summer solstice, it is also a time when everyone comes together and celebrates being with each other. Although I arrived to the celebration as a stranger, I left feeling like I was a part of this big Swedish family.
1. Eyelet Shirt Dress by Thakoon Addition: sweet and simple. 2. Etioloa Jacket by Malene Birger: a light jacket for cooler Swedish nights. 3. The Cendrillon Flat by Repetto: comfy flats for dancing around the maypole. 4. Snaps Visor book by Eriksson Leif: a perfect guide for singing along to all the traditional Swedish drinking songs. 5. Absolut: Elyx Vodka by Absolut: it’s always good manners to bring a a gift to your host. 6. Homemade Flower Crown: because what would Midsummer be without a crown of flowers?
Images courtesy of: The New York Times, Huffish Poodles, and Semiswede.
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