Monday, June 23, 2008

Midsummer's

In 2008 Midsummer Day falls on Saturday June 21, but the festivities start the day before, on Midsummer Eve. Swedes celebrate Midsummer with equal gusto to how most parts of the world celebrate Christmas. Midsummer's Eve is celebrated all over Sweden, with dancing and singing around the Maypole. Maypoles are part of an ancient fertility rite that would ensure good harvests.
(The MayPole)
The May pole is still risen in all parts of Sweden and people dance around it and sing old songs. In many parts of the country, people like to dress up in national costumes, play folk music and dance old dances.

Family and friends get together, eat pickled herring ('sill'), the first fresh potatoes of the season, sour cream, crisp bread and drink snaps (vodka) and beer. Fresh Swedish strawberries are also an important feature (for dessert) Yummy!!