The Midsummer Celebration: Sweden's Biggest Party of the Year

Once a year, Sweden goes a little bit crazy. June 21st is the longest day of the year, which is something when you live in the land of short summers. Since much mayhem and delightful debauchery happens this time of year, the country has named the day a National Holiday. The Friday between the 19th and the 25th of June is set aside for the eating of herring pickled in various sauces, dancing around the Maypole (I'll get to that), drinking copious amounts of Vodka, and singing about frogs. This Midsummer celebration lasts pretty much all weekend. It is the biggest party of the year in Sweden.

As to the origins of this Midsummer celebration, it is of course pagan. The church here has tried really hard to tie it to worship of Saint John the Baptist or something (much like they did with every other holiday; ie christmas, Easter, etc...) but have failed miserably. No. Midsummer is and always will be a celebration of the Earth, as it should be. Personally, I think the church should have been stopped from usurping the Winter Solstice and Eoster too, but that's mud under the bridge now, pretty much.

Many folks will tell you that the Maypole which is danced around each year represents the tie between the world of the dead and the living, joining them together. That's baloney. That pole is just about as phallic as you can get and in some areas of Sweden gets down right blatant about the erection of said pole. This is a fertility symbol, and is not likely to change no matter how many prudish Americans migrate here. The reason the Maypole makes its appearance for Midsummer rather than on May 1st as with the rest of the world has to do with the blooming seasons in Sweden. Quite simply, it is a matter of convenience. The flowers required do not make an appearance here until June.

I mentioned frogs, didn't I? Now I have to admit that I have no clue where this part of all the partying came from, but I imagine is closely tied to all the booze. See, what happens is you get schnockered and dance around the pole... or hop, rather, while singing this song about frogs called Sma Grodorna, or Small Frogs. It is quite the grown up song with lyrics such as:

"Little frogs are funny to look at/ They don't have ears or tails"

This frog thing is all very important. I have no clue why, and have been unable to ferret out the info on it. When I ask the locals, they just start to laughing and singing the damned song at me. Again, I say it had to have stemmed from a couple of really drunk guys acting silly and just got blended into the annual tradition. It is rather fun to watch grown men hopping about and falling all over the place.

Brannvin is the drink of choice during the Midsummer party. Brannvin is a Swedish alcohol made from potatoes and usually called a vodka, although one of the key ingredients is Wormwood... which makes it a close cousin to Absinthe. No wonder they're all jumping about like frogs. Of course, this being Sweden and all, any ol' Vodka will do as long as it is a Swedish brand.

But oh that herring. Traditionally, a huge smorgasbord will set up with lots of yummy Swedish food. Among this will be herrings galore in a variety of sauces. I tried a few last year. Let's just say I will be skipping the herring this year. Blasphemy, I know. I may even get deported for it! But hey, to make up for it I will savor the new potatoes with creme fraiche (sour cream) and copious amounts of Absolut Vodka. that should save me.

If you aren't too drunk to pick flowers by the time you're ready to hit the sack, then do grab 7 different flowers and put them under your pillow. It is said that if you are single, you will dream of your future spouse. It doesn't work any other time of year. (but then, I have no idea if it actually works during Midsummer, either... but it's fun at any rate.)

Lastly, do not go swimming during the Midsummer partying. It is rumored that th Nacken will get you. He is the evil spirit of the water. This one likely arose from the many drowning deaths surrounding the Midsummer celebrations, but is likely more attributable to the hellish drinking than the Nacken... drunks and swimming don't mix real well.

If you like large country parties, then by all means schedule your trip to Sweden to cover the Midsummer celebrations. The party is happening all over the country, but in the country. Those poles and stumbling drunks require large fields in which to revel. If you don't like the silliness of crazy drunken Swedes, though, then it is best to stay in a large city and lock your hotel door for the weekend...

ribbit.