Midsummer, or Midsommar in Swedish, is one of the most popular and iconic celebrations when the summer comes to Sweden. The central feature of this festival is the Midsommar pole (midsommarstång or maypole). It is not an ornamental pole, but a pole with a fertile history, tradition and community.
The Origins of the Midsommar Pole
The Midsommar pole is a tradition with roots in the Middle Ages and links to the old Germanic pagan traditions. Although the tradition was originally associated with May Day celebrations elsewhere in Europe, in Sweden it became associated with Midsummer since the country did not bloom as early.
The pole is also covered with greenery and flowers, a tradition called maja, which means fertility, rebirth and the happiness of the plenty of nature. To some historians, the pole symbolizes fertility, whereas to others, it is a symbol of connection between the earth and the sky, as well as the underworld. Whichever the understanding, it has always been perceived as an act of life, growth, and renewal.
Raising the Pole: A Community Affair
The lifting of the pole is one of the highlights of Midsummer and is performed in a village square, a park or an open field. It is a gathering of the whole community, everybody helping to put up the high wooden framework adorned with fresh leaves, flowers and ribbons.
The pole being in place, the true fun then commences:
- Circle Dancing: Families and friends circle the pole, and typically hold ribbons or hands.
- Folk Songs and Music: The lively rhythm is created by Swedish folk songs that are usually played on fiddles or accordions.
- Små grodorna Dance: The best known dance, in which the participants jump about like frogs, singing of little frogs. It is humorous, amusing, and liked by children and adults.
The Magic of Midsummer Night
Midsummer is not only about dancing and singing, but also has an air of mystery and folklore. Midsummer night was a magic time, according to old tradition:
- Flower Legends: You were supposed to pick seven different types of wildflowers and put them under your pillow and then you would dream of your future husband.
- Walking Barefoot in the Dew: It was thought that this rite would lead to health and vitality.
- Flower Crowns: Wearing flower wreaths was a symbol of fertility, protection and renewal.
Today, these traditions are still practiced by many, which introduces a bit of magic to the celebrations.
A Feast to Remember
As with any good holiday, Midsummer is also a food holiday. The classic menu represents the Swedish summer harvest and tastes:
- Fresh new potatoes with dill
- Pickled herring in various flavors
- Gravlax (cured salmon) and Swedish meatballs
- Crispbread, cheese, and butter
- Swedish strawberries for dessert, often served with whipped cream or in strawberry cake (jordgubbstårta)
To go with the meal, most people take a glass of Aquavit, and traditional drinking songs (snapsvisor) – a distinctly Swedish custom, in which every toast is sung.
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Games and Family Fun
Swedes do not stop the celebration after eating but play games and light competitions. These may include:
- Kubb: A lawn game where players throw sticks to knock down wooden blocks.
- Femkamp: A “five-event challenge” with activities like sack races or egg-and-spoon runs.
- Cookie-balancing and spoon races for children.
This leads to Midsummer being a delight to all and the spirit of togetherness is increased.
Why the Midsommar Pole Still Matters
Midsommar pole is not only a historical item, but a current part of Swedish culture. It represents:
- Connection to nature at the peak of summer.
- Community and togetherness, as families, friends, and neighbors celebrate side by side.
- Heritage and identity, keeping Swedish traditions alive in a modern world.
To Swedes Midsummer has become regarded as the true national holiday, even more dear than the official National Day. It is the season when days are longest, nights are enchanted, and summer celebrations are in the air.
Learning the Midsommar pole tradition is as if one has entered the core of Swedish culture. It is a mix of history, folklore, music, food and community. Raising the pole, dancing to Smagroda, or picking strawberries in the Midsummer sun, Midsummer in Sweden is indeed a different world. Glad Midsommar!
