In Sweden, we celebrate Midsummer Eve this Friday. Once upon a time it used to always be on 23rd June, whatever day of the week that happened to be. But in 1953 it was decided to always celebrate Midsummer Eve on a Friday; and Midsummer Day on the Saturday. So that's the way it's been my whole life. (Midsummer Eve is not a public holiday, but Midsummer Day is. So Midsummer Eve is treated much like a Saturday as to what's open or closed etc.)
This is a scheduled post; but this year I'm not very likely to attend any big Midsummer celebration. The museum park that I have sometimes visited to listen to some traditional music and watch folk dance performances on this day is too far away for me to walk to now - plus it's always very crowded at Midsummer, so one can't count on finding anywhere to sit down either.
I think my best photos from such a Midsummer celebration are those I took back in 2014. One of them copied above, and if you want to see some more, you can revisit my post from 2014 here.
But this year I'll most likely just be going for one of my usual shorter walks closer to home, and then celebrate quietly at home...
... with Barbie and Skipper... ;)
Happy Midsummer, any way you celebrate! I hadn't really considered doing something special for myself, but now I'm thinking about it. Some ginger-beer (non-alcoholic Jamaican) and maybe something with chicken thighs which I purchased yesterday. I might turn a stir fry or something with some veggies, and rice...nothing like an international style celebration!
ReplyDeleteBarbara, traditional Midsummer food in Sweden is pickled herring and new potatoes - and fresh strawberries for dessert. I don't like pickled herring though, so had salmon for lunch (microwave cooked - extremely easy), with mixed salad. I did have strawberries, but probably not Swedish. (It's been too cold here in June for them - or enough of them - to ripen in time.) To drink, sugar free non-alcoholic apple cider (Swedish).
DeleteCelebrating things at home is so much nicer these days I think, have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy. I really do not feel any longing for big celebrations with lots of people at the moment. ;)
DeleteThanks Ginny. "There's a time for every purpose under heaven..." is one quote I frequently return to! ;)
ReplyDeleteSometimes a quiet Midsummer spent on a gentle walk and with fond memories of past celebrations can be just as meaningful as joining the crowds.
ReplyDeleteRo, I agree! :)
DeleteBarbie and Skipper are fine friends to spend it with, no crowds to deal with. I like the costumes and would like to see it from afar, but not in the crowds. the good thing about living in today's world, is we can attend many things on TV or phone in the comfort of homes and even if we feel out of sorts
ReplyDeleteSandra, you're right about that, of course. This midsummer live Swedish television seems more interested in live football, though (World Cup) - which I am not!! (I do also have Netflix + other "play" options, though...)
DeleteWe have our winter solstice this weekend, I don't think there will be any dancing in parks, it's way too cold.
ReplyDeleteRiver, Midsummer Eve turned out rather clammy, as in foreboding thunder and lightning - so I was glad to just stay home and not having to go anywhere. Thunder did not actually break loose just here, neither yesterday nor today - but today other parts of Sweden has had all the more of it.
DeleteI looked at your previous post - your national dress is so attractive, though I did smile at the one dancer in a very short skirt - I guess it was a hot day!
ReplyDeleteI don't think we mark Midsummer in any obvious way, though some villages will have fairs. Of course, the Druids will have been at Stonehenge, as they always are, come rain or shine.
Janice, I think the girl in the very short skirt (in the 2014 post) was probably just standing in temporarily for someone else in the folk dancing team ;)
DeleteYay, Barbie & Skipper!! They look as pretty as always, and I am sure your Midsummer celebration with them was much nicer and more relaxed than anything outside with throngs of people could have been :-)
ReplyDeleteMeike, dressing up the dolls and taking out that flag was my only Midsummer decoration, and together with a box of strawberries felt festive enough... :)
DeleteOur country doesn't officially celebrate midsummer, most people are barely aware. There are many individuals that do though (like me) but this means the practices vary.
ReplyDelete