What is midsummer tradition?

What is midsummer tradition?

Midsummer is one of the most celebrated holidays in Sweden. People traditionally pick flowers and create their own floral crowns which they wear throughout the day. It is also said that if you place seven types of flowers under your pillow at midsummer, you will dream about your future spouse.

What traditions in midsommar are real?

Many of the rituals performed in Midsommar, like the dancing around the maypole and the crowning of the May Queen, were drawn from a mix of Swedish, German, and Christian traditions. Others, like some of the ritualistic sacrifices, are a mixture of Aster’s imagination and Viking folklore.

What customs were practiced on midsummer’s Eve?

Midsummer’s Eve activities in Sweden include gathering around a flower-festooned maypole (majstång) to sing and dance, an ancient custom probably related to fertility rites. Before the holiday Scandinavians thoroughly clean their houses and decorate them with flowers and other greenery.

What are summer solstice traditions?

It includes all of the bonfire, dancing and flower collecting traditions of solstice celebrations in the Northern Hemisphere – but they also erect a pau-de-sebo (maypole) and celebrate marital union. The celebrations usually take place in a thatched-roof tent called an arraial.

Why do we celebrate midsummer in Sweden?

In agrarian times, Midsummer celebrations in Sweden were held to welcome summertime and the season of fertility. In some areas people dressed up as ‘green men’, clad in ferns. They also decorated their houses and farm tools with foliage, and raised tall, leafy maypoles to dance around, probably as early as the 1500s.

Is midsommar a true story?

But for horror fans, Swedish Midsummer only means one thing, at least since the past couple of years: the movie Midsommar (2019). Ari Aster’s gruesome depiction of part-fictional, part actual Swedish lore in the small community of Hårga was divisive among critics and audiences at its release.

What does the Midsummer pole symbolize?

The Midsummer maypole (Midsommarstången) Others say the shape has its roots in Norse mythology, and that it represents an axis linking the underworld, earth, and heavens.

What do you eat on Midsummer?

Common foods and flavors on the midsummer table are pickled herring, potatoes, sour cream, dill, salmon, strawberries, cheese, and an assortment of breads. I like to do a variety of small dishes, so that there’s a little bit of everything.

Why is Midsummer’s day important?

Historically, this day marks the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvest. It is traditionally known as one of four “Quarter Days” in some cultures. The night before Midsummer Day is called Midsummer Eve (June 23) which is on or near the shortest night of the year!

How do you celebrate a midsummer solstice?

Here are some fun ways to enjoy the summer solstice.

1. Meditate. The summer solstice is a great time to reflect on the past season and set goals for the season ahead.
2. Go for a swim. The summer solstice is the first official day of summer!
3. Play some outdoor games with your family.
4. Have a bonfire.
5. Exercise outside.

How do you celebrate the Summer solstice spiritually?

How you can celebrate the summer solstice:

1. Wear yellow or gold.
2. Meditate under the sun.
3. Do something that brings you joy.
4. Have an outdoor hangout.
5. Bring nature indoors.
6. Give to your loved ones.
7. Check in with yourself.