Midsummer

Midsummer is a happy holiday that welcomes the start of summer. It is celebrated in late June each year. People in Sweden, Finland, and other northern countries love this holiday the most. It happens on the longest day of the year, when the sun hardly sets at all.

Flowers and Maypoles

A maypole is the star of every Midsummer party. People cover a tall wooden pole with green leaves and fresh flowers. Then they raise it up in a field or town square. Kids and grown-ups hold hands and dance in circles around the pole. Many girls wear crowns made of flowers on their heads.

Sunshine and Food

In the far north, the sun barely goes down on Midsummer night. This means people can play outside all evening long. Families have big picnics with foods like pickled fish, potatoes, and strawberries. They sing songs and play games in the long sunlight. Many people go to the countryside to celebrate with friends.

Fun Facts

• In Sweden, Midsummer is almost as important as Christmas.
• Some people say if you put seven flowers under your pillow, you will have magical dreams.
• The holiday is so old that people celebrated it before there were any churches.

Did You Know?

In parts of northern Sweden and Finland, the sun does not set at all on Midsummer. This is called the Midnight Sun.