Tomorrow is Midsummer's Eve, one of the most important dates in the Swedish calendar and second only to Jul (Christmas). Up and down the country, our Nordic friends are flocking to Systembolaget (the state-owned off-licence) to pick up beer and schnapps before it closes for the holidays. Midsummer celebrations usually take place in the countryside so tomorrow the city streets will be deserted. Sadly, this year dancing like 'frogs' (long story) around a maypole on the village green won't be on the agenda. But this won't stop the revelry! Inte alls! Famous for experiencing all four seasons in one day, nothing yet nothing gets in the way of raising a glass (or two) to the summer solstice! Devoted to eating, drinking, dancing and other assorted pagan rituals, Swedish midsummer has been around since the 1500s. Why not channel the swedes and hold your own midsummer celebration? As with all things Scandinavian, its super simple and doesn't require a lot of effort. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Midsommarkrans (Midsummer crown): In my humble opinion, the most beautiful floral crowns are handmade with whatever you have to hand from nearby meadows or hedgerows. Above, Elsa Billgren is in the process of creating a daisy crown on the island Gotland - and below are a few snaps of my daughters and I gathering wildflowers last year near our summer cottage. Wilted, bent and some very far from perfect, but oh so pretty all the same! Here's a simple tutorial on how to create a floral crown.
2. Set a simple table: the midsummer table is rustic and understated. Think wildflowers, candles for when the revelry continues well into the early hours and a spot for everyone - young and old and even furry friends - at the table.
It wouldn't be midsummer in Sweden without a down pour - so anoraks are a must! But if the weather really is THAT bad, it might be time to reluctantly move the festivities indoors, in which case, it's all about bringing the summer in!
3: The drinks: Think refreshing ice cold water infused with elderflower, cucumber and lemon, Swedish craft beers and of course, a 'nubbe' of akvavit - taken with a nubbevisa (akvavit song).
4. The midsummer feast! Dine on sill (pickled herring), boiled new potatoes with dill and a variety of salmon before tucking into some deliciously sweet, juicy summer strawberries (FYI the recipe for the layered strawberry cake can be found over at Honestly Yum).
5. Single? According to Swedish tradition, pluck seven types of flowers and place them under your pillow. You'll dream of your future husband or wife!
Wishing you a 'glad midsummer'!
See you Monday!
Niki
Photography:
1. Emily Slotte 2. Elsa Billgren 3-5 My Scandinavian Home 6, NĂ¥de studio, 7&8 Homespo, 9 Abby Mitchell Events, 10 Wedding Chicks 11 & 12 - Honestly Yum.
It all sounds like so much fun. I have been reading the Noisy Village Children books to my kids and there is a chapter about celebrating Midsummer in one of them. Made me wish we celebrated it here in Australia ☺️❤️
ReplyDeleteWe do not celebrate Midsummer but I enjoy looking at the photos not only here but also in my Instagram feed, from my Scandinavian buddies.
ReplyDeleteIt always reminds of one of Maeve Binchy's best books, titled Firefly Summer. So if you have any time to read or if you on vacation, I suggest you get the book at your local library and give it a try. It's the perfect Midsummer read.
The Swedish Midsummer is an extraordinary celebration of beautiful flowers and food that brings together families from across the world. This particular blog, unlike what I have read earlier, certainly justifies the feeling by mentioning various ways you can make the event all the more attractive and memorable. Beautiful traditional home-cooked meals along with the faint smell of flowers can brighten up space to a large extent. This was a lovely read!
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