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Get ready to celebrate the longest day of the year on June 24 with Midsummer! This ancient festival has been celebrated for centuries, marking the arrival of summer and the peak of the growing season. It's a time for fun, feasting, and festivities, with traditions varying from country to country. From bonfires and flower crowns to delicious seasonal dishes, there are many ways to embrace this magical day. So gather your loved ones and join in on the Midsummer celebrations – it's sure to be a joyous and memorable occasion!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2900 BC</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Midsummer's Ancient Beginnings</div><div class='timeline-text'>Archaeological evidence, notably the Stonehenge in England, indicates the observance of midsummer rituals by ancient civilisations, highlighting their understanding of the solar cycle.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1300s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Midsummer Celebrated in Sweden</div><div class='timeline-text'>Sweden's historical documents show that Midsummer has been celebrated in the country since the 14th Century, marking the start of summer holidays.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Popularization of Midsummer Maypole</div><div class='timeline-text'>The iconic Midsummer Maypole tradition grew popular during the 19th Century in many cultures, a symbol celebrating fertility and life during this summer festival.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1952</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Swedish Midsummer National Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>Sweden declared Midsummer's Eve as a national holiday in 1952, solidifying its importance in the country's cultural celebrations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Spread of Midsummer Festivities</div><div class='timeline-text'>Supported by the growth of multiculturalism, Midsummer festivities began to be celebrated more widely around the world during the 1970s.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UNESCO Heritage Listing</div><div class='timeline-text'>The tradition of the Swedish Midsummer was listed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2016, recognizing its cultural significance on a global stage.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a bonfire</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family and celebrate Midsummer with a traditional bonfire. Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and enjoy the warm summer night together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate with flowers</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Midsummer is all about celebrating nature, so decorate your home or outdoor space with beautiful flowers. You can even make flower crowns to wear for the day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a traditional Swedish feast</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In Sweden, Midsummer is celebrated with a big feast of traditional dishes such as pickled herring, boiled potatoes, and meatballs. Try making these dishes at home or visit a Swedish restaurant to experience the flavors of the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Dance around a maypole</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>A traditional Midsummer celebration involves dancing around a maypole. You can make your own maypole with ribbons and flowers and have a dance party with friends and family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore nature</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Midsummer is all about celebrating the beauty of nature. Take a hike, go for a bike ride, or have a picnic in a park to fully appreciate the natural world around you.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Midsummer is a time for friends and family to gather and celebrate the longest day of the year. Communities come together for festivals, bonfires and traditional dances. It's a beautiful way to connect with loved ones and your community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of nature</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Midsummer is rooted in nature and celebrates the bounty of the earth. It's a time to appreciate and honor the beauty and importance of our natural surroundings. From flower crowns to traditional herbal remedies, Midsummer brings us closer to mother nature.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>There are endless traditions and activities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From dancing around maypoles to picking wildflowers, from making wreaths to hopping over bonfires, there are so many fun and unique traditions associated with Midsummer. No matter where you are in the world, you're sure to find something special to do on this day.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Midsummer Marks the Summer Solstice</h3><p class='facts-content'>Midsummer celebrates the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Due to the Earth's tilt on its axis, the summer solstice is the day when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted closest to the sun.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Midsummer Was Once a Pagan Holiday</h3><p class='facts-content'>The holiday was originally pagan and celebrated the fertility provided by the sun god. The Christian church later syncretized the festival, making it a celebration of St. John’s Day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Midsummer Night Holds Mystical Significance</h3><p class='facts-content'>In many cultures, Midsummer Night is considered a magical time full of mystical properties. It's often associated with love spells and future-telling ceremonies.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Finland Celebrates With a Major Carnival</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Finland, Midsummer is one of the most celebrated holidays. Finnish people retreat to their summer cottages to celebrate 'Juhannus' with bonfires, barbecues, and carnivals.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Midsummer Festivities Vary Across the Globe</h3><p class='facts-content'>While the core celebration of Midsummer is universal, its interpretation varies across geographies. Some may light bonfires, others raise Maypoles, some engage in ancient rituals, while others hold music and dance festivals.</p></div></div>
Midsummer is celebrated on June 24 every year. In 2024, Midsummer will occur on a Monday.
2023
Jun 24
Saturday
2024
Jun 24
Monday
2025
Jun 24
Tuesday
2026
Jun 24
Wednesday
2027
Jun 24
Thursday
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