Yesterday we celebrated Midsummer here in Sweden. Of all the holidays of the year, Midsummer is the one I enjoy the most. It’s such a beautiful time, and there is something special about a celebration that mostly takes place outdoors, unlike Christmas or New Year.
In our family, it has become a tradition to celebrate in Vaxholm, where my mother grew up. It’s a wonderful place for Midsummer, really the epitome of a Swedish celebration, and it’s very popular.
On the dining table, boiled potatoes and herring are a given, along with many other things. A schnapps or two usually appears as well. For dessert, strawberry cake is a must.
Then comes the central part of the day. The Midsummer pole is dressed with flowers and birch branches before being raised. After that, the dancing begins, which can seem a little odd to anyone seeing it for the first time. The “Little Frogs” dance is a good example.