Swedish Midsummer Celebration: Most Popular Tradition in Sweden
The Swedish Midsummer celebration (‘Midsommar’ in Swedish) is one of the biggest celebrations in Sweden, and it is celebrated every year on the summer solstice. This celebration has a long history, and there are many traditions that are observed during this time.
One of the most common traditions is to gather around a maypole and dance around it. There are also many foods that are traditionally eaten during this time, including pickled herring served with new potatoes, chives, and sour cream.
The Midsummer Eve 2022 is on Friday, 24th of June, and everyone can come and celebrate it!
History of Swedish Midsummer celebration
The history of the Swedish Midsummer celebration goes back centuries. It is thought that this celebration originated as a pagan festival to honor the sun god. Over time, it has evolved into the popular tradition that is observed today. There are many rituals and traditions that are observed during Swedish Midsummer, and it is a very festive time for the Swedes.
The Midsummer festival was formerly a church celebration dedicated to John the Baptist on June 24. In 1953, it was decided that Midsummer’s Day would be observed on a Saturday, and it is now set between 20 and 26 June.
Traditional foods that are eaten during Swedish Midsummer
The traditional foods that are eaten during the Swedish Midsummer celebrations vary, but some of the most common items include pickled herring, new potatoes, chives, and sour cream. These foods are all typically served together, and they are all considered to be very flavorful and delicious. Many people look forward to eating these foods during Swedish Midsummer, and they are a big part of the tradition.
Activities that are commonly done during the celebration
Many common activities that are done during the celebration include dancing around a maypole, eating traditional foods, drinking lots of beer, and singing the famous drinking songs.
One of the traditions is to wear a midsummer wreath on midsummer eve. Most make these themselves by binding flowers and leaves around a steel thread.
There are no rules for which flowers or leaves to use while making the midsummer wreath. People often use colorful and pretty summer flowers mixed with green leaves!
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Swedish Midsummer celebration in Skansen
The biggest celebration and one of the most traditional celebrations happens in Skansen. You will also find midsummer celebrations in parks!
Skansen is an open-air museum and zoo in Sweden, located in Djurgården, Stockholm. Every year, this is where you’ll find the city’s biggest midsummer celebration. It starts at 10, but the raising of the grand Maypole starts at 14.
If you want to skip the long queue at the entrance, arrive at Skansen before 10 AM. Or, pre-book your tickets online. The ticket costs 220 SEK per adult. Read more about the opening hours and ticket prices here.
Swedish midsummer celebration schedule in 2022
- Midsummer’s Eve – 24 June 2022
- Midsummer’s Day – 25 June 2022
- Midsummer continues – 26 June 2022
Maypole/Midsummer pole
The famous midsommarstång, or maypole, which is at the heart of the celebration, originated in Germany during the late 17th or early 18th century. People said it’s a phallic symbol and that the holiday was originally intended to celebrate fertility, but it’s just a myth.
After the raising of the maypole, people started dancing around it and did the frog dance. This dance imitates the frog and hopping around the maypole while singing a classic tune ‘Små grodorna’
It felt surreal when I saw the Maypole standing. After that, people started to dance around the Maypole. People did the frog dance where they imitate the frog and hop around the Maypole while singing a classic tune ‘Små grodorna’ (Little Frogs).
Midsummer is the most popular tradition in Sweden and it’s easy to see why. This celebration of summer features music, dancing, food, and plenty of sunshine. If you have the opportunity to attend a Swedish midsummer celebration, be sure to take advantage! You won’t regret it.
If you’re looking for more things to do in Stockholm, you can visit a lot of museums in Stockholm for free!
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