The Mystical Pagan Traditions of Swedish Midsummer Celebrations
Introduction to Swedish Midsummer
Swedish Midsummer, celebrated during the summer solstice, is one of the most significant cultural events in Sweden. This festive period is marked by joyous gatherings, traditional dances, and ancient rituals that date back to Norse pagan times. From the iconic frog dance to the lavish Midsummer lunch, this celebration is steeped in history and cherished by Swedes of all ages.
The Essence of Midsummer Celebrations
Perhaps you’ve seen Hollywood actress Alicia Vikander explaining Swedish Midsummer to talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, including the famous “frog dance.” Midsummer is indeed a big deal in Scandinavia, and while other Nordic and Eastern European nations also celebrate the summer solstice, Sweden’s festivities are uniquely vibrant and deeply rooted in tradition.
Traditional Midsummer Festivities
Gathering at the Summer House
Midsummer is typically spent with friends and family at a summer house. Nearly every Swede dreams of owning a red-painted cottage surrounded by nature. The celebration kicks off with a traditional lunch featuring a smorgasbord of pickled herring, dill-seasoned new potatoes, smoked salmon, cheese quiches, meatballs, and a strawberry and whipped cream cake for dessert. Aquavit shots, accompanied by traditional snaps songs, are a must.
Dancing Around the Maypole
Before the feast, the centerpiece of Midsummer celebrations is the maypole, adorned with birch leaves and wildflowers. Dancing around the maypole, holding hands and singing traditional songs, is a beloved activity. The highlight is the “Little Frogs” dance, where participants hop around like frogs, waving their hands to mimic the lack of ears and tails while making quacking noises.
Historical Roots of Midsummer
Pagan and Medieval Origins
The tradition of raising a maypole dates back to the Middle Ages, while the summer solstice celebration has roots in Norse paganism. Midsummer night was considered magical, a time when the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds was thin, and plants were believed to possess potent healing properties.
Mystical Practices and Beliefs
Young women would pick seven types of wildflowers and place them under their pillows to dream of their future husbands. Wearing a flower wreath symbolized rebirth and fertility, and these wreaths were often dried and kept for health rituals. Walking barefoot in dewy grass or rolling naked in it was believed to ensure good health.
Midsummer at Skansen: The World’s Oldest Open-Air Museum
Celebrations at Skansen
Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum in Stockholm, showcases the diverse regions of Sweden through historic buildings and farmsteads. Midsummer at Skansen begins with wreath-making and a Midsummer market. The maypole is raised mid-morning, followed by dancing and games set to traditional folk music performed by Skansen’s musicians. The folk dancers, dressed in colorful provincial costumes, lead the routines, including the frog dance.
Inclusive Celebrations
With a large number of international visitors, the program at Skansen is presented in both Swedish and English, ensuring everyone can participate. Skansen also hosts evening dances reminiscent of the public dances popular in the 1950s and ‘60s.
Modern-Day Relevance and Adaptations
Continued Traditions
Midsummer continues to captivate Swedes, even if certain rituals, like rolling in the morning dew, are less common. Girls still pick wildflowers to dream of their future spouses. These traditions, though ancient, remain a vital part of Swedish culture.
Culinary Celebrations
Midsummer is also a culinary celebration. Historically, it marked a welcome change from the monotonous winter diet of soup and oatmeal to a feast of freshly harvested, seasonal produce. Today, it signifies the start of the vacation season, with many Swedes taking several weeks off to relax, visit friends and relatives, and enjoy their summer cottages.
Midsummer Celebrations Abroad
Swedes Abroad
Swedes living abroad, especially in cities like London and New York, also celebrate Midsummer. In London, a “flash mob picnic” in Hyde Park has become an annual tradition, attracting hundreds or even thousands of people. These gatherings are informal but spirited, often featuring a small maypole and lasting until the park closes at midnight.
Organized Events
For a more formal celebration, the expat community LondonSwedes hosts gourmet dinners and lunches at Swedish chef Niklas Ekstedt’s restaurant, complete with flower garlands, live music, and plenty of snaps and singing.
Conclusion
Swedish Midsummer is a celebration that blends ancient pagan traditions with modern festivities. From the enchanting frog dance to the communal maypole dances and sumptuous feasts, it remains a time of joy, cultural pride, and social bonding. Whether in Sweden or abroad, Midsummer continues to be a beloved occasion that invites everyone to join in the celebration of light, life, and togetherness.
