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Subject:
How is mid summers eve celebrated in Sweden?
Category: Relationships and Society Asked by: niklas-ga List Price: $3.00 |
Posted:
14 Jun 2005 14:43 PDT
Expires: 14 Jul 2005 14:43 PDT Question ID: 533326 |
I will attend a mid summers eve celebration in Sweden. How should I think about and how should I behave to "melt in" ? |
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There is no answer at this time. |
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Subject:
Re: How is mid summers eve celebrated in Sweden?
From: eatlanta-ga on 14 Jun 2005 19:25 PDT |
Scandinavia In the far north the longest day of the year (twenty to twenty-four hours of sunlight as compared to zero to six mid-winter) is a joyous occasion! In Finland the day is called Juhannus Day and is conveniently fixed on a Saturday so that everyone can spend it in the country. On Midsummer's Eve the celebration begins with a sauna, followed by the midnight lighting of great bonfires on lake and sea shores and outdoor dancing through the night. The birch tree takes the place of the Christmas evergreen; great branches are cut and used to decorate cars, homes, and churches. Superstitions abound, such as you must have a birch tree in the house to insure future happiness, and you should hang a birch wreath to your cow's horns for protection. Hundreds of fires can be seen on the highest promontories throughout Finland and Norway with shadow-like figures dancing around them. Boats decorated with flowers and green branches float down fjords, giving passengers a good view of the lighted hilltops. In Sweden, where the festival is called Midsommar, houses are decorated inside and out with posies, wreaths and flower garlands. A midsummer pole, similar to the maypole is erected in a field and decorated with leafy branches and flowers. People of all ages gather around the pole to dance, led by fiddlers playing classic old tunes and children's favorites. In Sweden, as in many other countries, the magic of Midsummer includes divining the future, especially one's future spouse. The young girl who goes out into the fields, and (in silence) picks seven different kinds of flowers and places them under her pillow that night, will dream who her husband will be. |
Subject:
Re: How is mid summers eve celebrated in Sweden?
From: waukon-ga on 15 Jun 2005 01:25 PDT |
Ah, the song. It's not Santa Lucia, but yes, it's the fesival of holy light (i.e., Santa Lucia). |
Subject:
Re: How is mid summers eve celebrated in Sweden?
From: myoarin-ga on 15 Jun 2005 08:54 PDT |
Well, in Sweden that was a worthy old tradition, but even back in the late fifties in Leksand the girls were doing more forward things to see who could be their mate (maybe not for life). But that might have gone out a style - or not be limited to Midsummer night. Be prepared for beer and aquavit. If all the Swedes are having a good time, they are not going to notice if you blend in, unless you make an effort not to. 1/2 Swede Myoarin |
Subject:
Re: How is mid summers eve celebrated in Sweden?
From: andreasbengtsson-ga on 21 Jun 2005 04:48 PDT |
Melting in will be easy. Midsummer eve is the highlight of the year for many Swedes, so everyone will probably be happy and in celebration mode. We usually eat herring and potatoes for lunch, and barbecue in the evening. And be prepared to drink lots of beer and "snaps" throughout the entire day. There are usually no dress codes on midsummer eve celebrations. Most people wear casual clothes in light colors. Have a nice evening! Greetings from Andreas in Stockholm, Sweden. |
Subject:
Re: How is mid summers eve celebrated in Sweden?
From: krispy-ga on 03 Jul 2005 12:28 PDT |
Great link to answer your question www.religioustolerance.org/summer_solstice.htm |
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