In 2024, Midsummer Eve falls on 21 June and there are celebrations throughout the whole weekend. On the longest day of the year, countries around the world hold joyous, ritualistic and mystic celebrations. But there’s one nation that seems to feel the greatest affinity with the summer solstice.
Sweden explodes with midsummer festivities in June, many of which derive from centuries-old traditions. In 2024, Midsummer Eve falls on 21 June and in many places, there are celebrations throughout the whole weekend. Here’s why Swedes consider it the biggest celebration of the year.
Sweden’s midsummer festivities began in the late Middle Ages when people celebrated by dancing around a and greenery-decorated pole known as a maypole. For agrarian communities, the summer solstice was thought to be a moment of magic and mystery. Plants were imbued with healing powers and could be used to tell the future.
barefoot through the morning dew after the shortest night was said to bring good health while wearing a wreath of flowers on your head was a symbol of rebirth and fertility. “It's a festivity that is shrouded in superstitious and old-timey magic,” says Gabriella, a Swede living in Malmo. Many of these traditions still take place.
One previous midsummer, Gabriella and her friends reenacted an ancient practice where young would tuck seven different flower varieties under their pillows, which was said to make them dream of their future husbands. “It was so much fun to go around th.
