Midsummer pagan traditions and customs involve the celebration of the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year. This ancient celebration has roots in various pagan cultures and continues to be observed in many parts of the world. The main idea behind these traditions is the honoring of the sun and the abundance of nature during this time of the year. One common custom is the lighting of bonfires, which represents the power of the sun and its ability to bring warmth and light to the world. This tradition is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune for the year ahead. In some cultures, people would also jump over the bonfire to symbolize the purification of the body and spirit.
In some cultures, people would also jump over the bonfire to symbolize the purification of the body and spirit. Another important aspect of midsummer pagan traditions is the gathering of herbs and flowers. It is believed that during this time, the energy of the plants is at its peak and collecting them can bring healing and protection.
Midsummer traditions
Like many European countries, Sweden’s holidays and celebrations are based around the Christian calendar: Christmas, Epiphany, Twelfth Night, Easter and Ascension day are all public holidays. So it may seem peculiar that the Swedes also celebrate a holiday rooted in pagan rituals that predate Christianity. But the summer solstice, or Midsummer’s Eve, is one of the biggest and most anticipated occasions of the year, second only to Christmas.
Celebrated on the Friday closest to the summer solstice (21st of June) it has been a national holiday since the 1950s and is a mix of new and old customs, including some that may seem strange to a foreign on-looker. For Swedes however, it has become an opportunity to mark the start of summer with friends and family and to enjoy dancing, singing and silly games along with a feast of herring and snaps on a day when the sun hardly sets.
The exact origins of ‘Midsommarsafton’ are a little unclear: no one can quite agree on why it is celebrated. Many think the day is connected to ancient fertility rituals that were believed to guarantee a successful harvest. Bonfires were often lit to ward off evil sprits and the darkness of the winter months, a practice dating back to the 6th century AD. These bonfires are still lit in other Nordic countries who also mark the solstice, although the pagan elements of Midsummer have been blurred with the feast of St John the Baptist on the 24th of June. The Finns mark the day as Juhannus, the Danes have Sank Hans Aften and the Norwegians Sankhasaften. However, it is only really in Sweden where Midsummer has remained a major annual event, with uniquely Swedish features and many of the ethereal elements holding firm.
Many thought Midsummer’s Eve had magical properties, with emphasis placed on the healing and health-giving powers of flowers and herbs. Magical events that could occur on Midsummer’s Eve included water turning into wine, ferns into flowers and hidden treasures to be found. It was also a night fortelling futures, for example, young girls would eat salted porridge and go to bed thirsty so that their future husbands could bring water to them in their dreams. A tradition that remains is for young people, often children, to pick seven or nine different flowers and put them under their pillow in order to dream of their future spouse.
Greenery was an important feature of Midsummer’s Eve and to this day, the celebrations centre around a maypole decorated with leaves and flowers, which is erected in a local park or open space. Many households also decorated their homes with branches and flowers. This probably arrived with German merchants who settled in Sweden in the 1600s and brought their tradition of raising a maypole with them. However, in Sweden there are few flowers in May, so the celebration was moved to later in June and merged with Midsummer. Today the maypole is more commonly referred to as a Midsummer pole and has become as symbolic of the holiday as the fir tree is of Christmas.
These days few Swedes feel the need to chase away evil sprits and turn to the healing properties of plants but they relish the opportunity to herald the arrival of warmer, lighter days which is hardly surprising given the amount of the year that the country is plunged into darkness. Many Swedes take their five-week annual leave in the weeks following Midsummer’s Eve, so shops, restaurants and organisations shut altogether while everyone makes the most of the long days at their summer cottages or on their sailboats.
Being outdoors is still an important part of Midsummer’s Eve and an opportunity to enjoy the holiday fully, so urban dwellers always flee to the countryside to celebrate. Cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg resemble ghost towns on Midsummer’s Eve as the mass exodus happens the day before, with many residents clocking off half way through Thursday to beat traffic and prepare for the festivities.
The day will usually start with a family breakfast before collecting flowers to decorate the midsummer pole. Birch tree branches are also used as decor and people make flowery garlands to wear throughout the day. The main event of the day is without doubt a long lunch of pickled herring, complete with crispbread, the season’s first new potatoes with dill, sour cream, chives and more dill. The herring can be flavoured with an array of different tastes: soured cream, curry, chilli, garlic, herbs, pretty much anything goes! There are even recipes for japanese-inspired, teriyaki versions for the more adventurous. Matjes, or soused, herring is also enjoyed in a kind of savoury cheese cake made with rye bread and cream cheese and, of course, more dill.
Following lunch, it is time for everyone to dance around the Midsummer pole, singing traditional folk songs and playing silly games, the most famous of which is undoubtedly ‘Små Grodorna’ or ‘Little Frogs’ which involves jumping around and the lyrics ‘Small frogs are strange to see, they don’t have any ears or tails.’
It is then time to retreat for a restorative ‘fika’, a word to describe the quintessential Swedish coffee break, which normally involves a little something sweet as well. On Midsummer’s this is often a slice of layered Victoria sponge with strawberries and cream. After all this eating (and perhaps a nap) it’s time to think about dinner. Rain or shine, a BBQ is the classic dinner choice and an opportunity for the host to show off and be creative. In the wee hours, it’s time to hit the dance floor properly, ideally an outdoor one with a live band.
Midsummer’s Eve is unique in that it is celebrated with a large community rather than just within the family fold. It is also an occasion for every age: it’s a perfect day for children and families, with the excitement of dancing, singing, games and treats. But with a night that never seems to get dark and plenty of food and live music, it is also a celebration loved by adults. It is particularly well known for being a time for those who are unattached to perhaps find love.
Photo: Steffi Knowles-Dellner
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The exact origins of ‘Midsommarsafton’ are a little unclear: no one can quite agree on why it is celebrated. Many think the day is connected to ancient fertility rituals that were believed to guarantee a successful harvest. Bonfires were often lit to ward off evil sprits and the darkness of the winter months, a practice dating back to the 6th century AD. These bonfires are still lit in other Nordic countries who also mark the solstice, although the pagan elements of Midsummer have been blurred with the feast of St John the Baptist on the 24th of June. The Finns mark the day as Juhannus, the Danes have Sank Hans Aften and the Norwegians Sankhasaften. However, it is only really in Sweden where Midsummer has remained a major annual event, with uniquely Swedish features and many of the ethereal elements holding firm.
People would typically make wreaths and garlands out of these herbs and flowers to decorate their homes and themselves, as a way to bring blessings and ward off negativity. Additionally, dancing and singing are common activities during midsummer celebrations. These activities are believed to connect people with the earth and its natural rhythms. Many folk dances and songs have been passed down through generations, reflecting the joy and energy of this festive time. Lastly, midsummer pagan traditions often involve feasting and sharing of food. This is a way to celebrate the abundance of the season and to express gratitude for the nourishment provided by the earth. Traditional foods and drinks, such as mead and seasonal fruits, are enjoyed as part of the festivities. Overall, midsummer pagan traditions and customs are a way to connect with nature and celebrate the power of the sun and the earth during the summer solstice. They highlight the importance of community, gratitude, and joy in embracing the natural cycles of life..
Reviews for "Ancient Midsummer Customs: A Look at the Traditions of Our Ancestors"
1. Alice - 1/5 - I was really excited to experience the Midsummer pagan traditions and customs, but I was thoroughly disappointed. The activities felt strange and disconnected from their origins, and it seemed like people were just going through the motions without any understanding or reverence for the tradition. The event lacked authenticity and felt more like a commercialized version of a pagan celebration. I left feeling underwhelmed and disenchanted.
2. Michael - 2/5 - As someone who has a strong interest in pagan traditions, I must say that the Midsummer event I attended fell short of my expectations. The organizers seemed more focused on creating a spectacle rather than honoring the true essence of the customs. It felt like a watered-down version of the real thing, with over-the-top decorations and activities that lacked depth and meaning. I left feeling like I hadn't truly experienced the rich heritage of Midsummer celebrations.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I've attended other pagan events in the past and have always been captivated by the deep sense of spirituality and connection they offer. However, the Midsummer traditions and customs I witnessed at this particular event felt superficial and superficially presented. The organizers seemed more interested in the entertainment aspect rather than fostering a genuine spiritual experience. I found it disappointing and couldn't help but feel that the event did not do justice to the traditions it was meant to represent.
4. John - 1/5 - I was highly disappointed by the Midsummer event I recently attended. The pagan traditions and customs felt forced and inauthentic. The organizers seemed more concerned with creating a marketable event rather than preserving the true essence of the celebrations. The lack of depth and understanding was apparent, and the event left me with a sense of disillusionment. I expected so much more from an event that claimed to be rooted in ancient customs.