Swedish midsummer is one of the most celebrated and traditional holidays in Sweden. It is usually held on the third Friday in June and marks the beginning of summer in Sweden. Swedes take this celebration seriously, and it is a time when friends and family come together to celebrate, sing, and dance around the maypole. But if you’re not from Sweden, celebrating midsummer can be a bit daunting. So, if you’re planning to visit Sweden during midsummer, here’s a guide on how to celebrate this special day Like a local.
1. Dress the Part:
Midsummer is a time when Swedes dress up in their traditional clothes. For women, it is white dresses and flower crowns. Men wear white shirts and trousers, and sometimes a hat. If you’re not Swedish, don’t worry; you can still dress up in a white dress or shirt. You can also add a flower crown to your outfit. Most shops in Sweden sell flower crowns. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be dancing around the maypole.
2. Find a Midsummer Celebration:
If you’re in Sweden during midsummer, you’ll find celebrations all over the country, from small villages to big cities. The best celebrations are the ones in the countryside, where you’ll get to be part of a more intimate celebration. You can check local newspapers, and events on social media, or ask locals for the best midsummer celebrations in the area.
3. Participate in the Midsummer Rituals:
Midsummer is not just about dancing around the maypole. There are a few other traditions that you can participate in to make it a real Swedish experience. One of the traditions is picking seven different flowers and putting them under your pillow. It is said that if you do this, you’ll dream of your future spouse. Another tradition is making a bonfire and jumping over it. This is said to bring good luck for the coming year.
4. Try Swedish Food and Drink:
No celebration is complete without food and drink, and midsummer is no different. Swedes love their herring, and you’ll find different types of herring served with potatoes, sour cream, and chives. You can also try traditional dishes like meatballs, gravlax (cured salmon), and knäckebröd (crispbread). For drinks, you can try snaps, a Swedish spirit that is usually drunk before the meal, or Swedish beer or cider.
5. Learn the Midsummer Songs:
Finally, no midsummer celebration is complete without singing traditional midsummer songs. Most Swedes know the songs by heart, and you’ll hear them being sung throughout the day. You can find the lyrics to the songs online, and if you’re lucky, you might even get to learn some dance moves. Don’t be shy; join in the fun.
Swedish midsummer is a unique and enjoyable experience that every traveler to Sweden should experience at least once. By following these tips, you’ll be able to celebrate midsummer like a local and have a memorable time in Sweden. Just remember to dress the part, find a midsummer celebration, participate in the rituals, try Swedish food and drink, and learn the midsummer songs. Whether you’re a traveler or a local, midsummer is a day that brings people together and celebrates the start of summer. So, go out and have fun!
