They say that if you are a true globetrotter is this one of the world festivals that you shouldn’t miss – up there with Rio, Madi Gras and the Carnival of Venice. 
Sweden’s Midsummer (‘Midsommar’ in Swedish) is the quintessential summer celebration and something that we look forward to throughout the year.
Midsummer celebrations originally developed from a Christian holiday for John the Baptist, which took place on 24 June. Rather than having Midsummer always fall on a different day of the week, it was decided in 1953 that it should always be on Friday between 20 and 26 June. Though Midsummer itself wasn’t celebrated in pagan, pre-Christian times, it’s likely there were other ceremonies and celebrations dedicated to the summer solstice. 
The iconic midsommarstång, or maypole, which is at the center of the festivities, actually originated in Germany, most likely in the late 17th or early 18th century.
Many of us also make and wear a midsommarkrans (Midsummer wreath) is a ring-shaped wreath made of flowers and leaves.
We celebrate of course with food too – herring, herring, herring, herring and more herring, sour cream, smoked salmon, caviar and new potatoes (Swedish only) – followed with fresh strawberries (Swedish only) and cream/ice cream. Of course, the BBQ has come into the picture too – and then the snaps and it has be ice cold.
Us, single girls are supposed to pick 7 flowers during the Midsummer night – one flower from 7 different fields and under silence (okay – if you’re alone) – then put the flowers under the pillow and dream about our future husband. I will give the advice to put 7 guys under the pillow instead and no sleep at all. It has never worked for me with the flowers and I wish I had tried with the guys instead.
The successful midsummer never-ending lunch party formula involves flowers in your hair, dancing around a pole, singing songs while drinking unsweetened, flavored schnapps.
All in all, a grand day out.
“A tradition is kept alive only by something being added to it.”
Henry James
myguiltypleasures 
Looks like good fun is had by all, Vivi!
Yes, Midsummer in Sweden …. we are allowed to behave silly and the schnapps helps. *laughing – and the whole country goes silly for 3 days.
😄😄💕
Lovely photos, Viveka. What a fun celebration!
Thank you so much …. it’s the main event in Sweden … and there aren’t many totally sober Swedes around that weekend.
😅
Guys under the pillow made me laugh Viveka 🙂
*laughing …. I think it would work better because it never worked with the 7 flowers for me.