Swedish Midsummer: A Celebration of Sun, Herring, and Hilarity
For Swedes, the arrival of summer is a big deal, and they celebrate it in style with a holiday known as Midsommar. This event marks the longest day of the year - a time when the sun hardly sets and Swedes come together for a day of singing, dancing, and, of course, eating!
A Festive Pole and Some Quirky Dances
The centerpiece of any Midsommar celebration is the maypole (or 'midsommarstång' as the Swedes call it). This is a tall wooden pole decorated with flowers and leaves, erected in the middle of an open field. And once the pole is up, it's time to dance! One of the most famous dances is the "Små grodorna" (Little Frogs), where everyone, adults and children alike, hops around the pole while singing about the strange habits of little frogs. Trust us, it’s even more fun than it sounds!
A Feast for the Ages
After working up an appetite dancing, it's time for the Midsommar feast. This meal is typically a buffet (known as a 'smörgåsbord') with a wide variety of dishes. However, a few foods are particularly associated with Midsommar:
- Pickled herring: Swedes love their herring, and Midsommar is no exception. The herring is often pickled and served with fresh dill, chives, and sour cream.
- New potatoes: These are another must-have for Midsommar. The potatoes are boiled and then served with butter, dill, and sometimes a little sour cream.
- Strawberries: What better way to celebrate the height of summer than with fresh, sweet strawberries? Often, they're served with a dollop of whipped cream or made into a cake, famously known as 'jordgubbstårta'.
A Toast to the Sun
No Swedish celebration would be complete without a toast (or several). At Midsommar, the drink of choice is snaps, a strong spirit that's often infused with herbs and spices. To make the toast even more fun, it's usually accompanied by a traditional drinking song (or 'snapsvisa') - the sillier, the better!
So, there you have it - a whirlwind tour of Swedish Midsommar celebrations. It's a day of joy, laughter, and community, where the sun shines bright, and the spirits are even brighter. So why not add a little Swedish flair to your summer this year? Raise a glass of snaps, don your floral crown, and dance like a little frog under the midnight sun!
Skål and happy Midsommar! 🌼🌞🇸🇪
