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Finnish Midsummer is called Juhannus
Juhannus, or Midsummer Fest, is a traditional celebration of the summer solstice that takes place in Finland in June. It is very much an awaited family and friends gathering, when traditionally people vacate all major cities and gather around by the lakes, rivers and ponds on their summer cottages or countryside.
Juhannus is celebrated on a Saturday, in between 20 and 26 of June, and marks the longest day of the year. Some families have traditions of festivities beginning at sunset on June 23rd and lasting until sunrise on June 25th. This celebration is undoubtedly one of the most important holidays in Finland. As it marks the arrival of summer and the longest day of the year. After Juhannus, the days are shorter again and we are looking towards the rest of the year and upcoming winter season. Funnily enough - Finnish summer time has not even reached its midpoint at this time! So, rest assured there is no need to panic that your summer is over at Juhannus!
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There is a whole different story for a Juhannus wedding. For as long as I can remember, traditionally it was the only weekend when people wanted to marry. However in recent years, it has been changing. People want their weddings and they also want to celebrate Juhannus, separately. So Juhannus weddings are on the decline.
Juhannus is traditionally celebrated in the countryside or by the lakeshores, where everyone
escapes their busy city or town life. If they have no summer cottages, they may rent one or
gather at their parents’ house, with siblings, their spouses and all the kids and pets. Juhannus is
celebrated by their parents/grandparents especially if their house is located in the countryside.
Food
During this time, folks gather together to celebrate what nature has given; eating different foods,
salmon, berry desserts and cakes and whatever is the current family tradition or catch of the
day. Grilled sausages, other fish, and vegetables are often consumed on Juhannus. Traditional
dishes like new potatoes (seasons potatoes), fresh strawberries, and various summer salads
are also savored. A popular drink during Midsummer is "sima," a homemade mead-like
beverage flavored with lemons and brown sugar. It is often served alongside other refreshing
beverages like berry juices and sparkling drinks. Grilling is definitely a must. Is there anything
better than grilling a sausage in the early morning remains of the last evenings bonfires’ hot
coals?
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Juhannuskokko bonfire
A major key element of the celebration is the lighting of bonfires, called "kokko" or "juhannuskokko." Tradition tells that these bonfires are built to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. People gather around the bonfires, sing songs, and dance throughout the night. Midsummer bonfires were initially burned in the eastern parts of the country, from where the custom spread throughout the country during the 20th century.The Midsummer Pole
In Åland and the Finnish-Swedish coastal area, Midsummer's poles (midsommarstång or majstång) have been erected. They are like flagpoles but smaller and decorated with leaves and flowers. The poles are thought to have been part of a Scandinavian pagan fertility rite.
Juhannussauna, the Sauna
Sauna plays a central role in Finnish Midsummer celebrations. As you already know, sauna is a
deeply cherished Finnish tradition, and Juhannus offers a special opportunity to indulge in its
therapeutic and purifying qualities. It is safe to say that any Finn, if it is available, will enjoy a
traditional sauna session during Midsummer, often followed by a refreshing dip in the lake or
sea. It is believed that Midsummer saunas have a special rejuvenating effect on both the body
and the spirit.
Juhannuksen taikaa, the Midsummer Magic
Finnish Midsummer traditions are rooted in ancient folklore, nature worship, and the celebration of light.
During Finnish summer but especially during Juhannus, we make flower wreaths. They are a beautiful aspect of the Finnish Midsummer. People, especially women and young girls, weave wreaths from wildflowers and wear them on their heads. These wreaths symbolise beauty, purity, and the connection with nature. They are also believed to bring good fortune and protect against evil spirits. In the countryside, birch branches are used to decorate homes and summer cottages, creating a festive and colourful atmosphere.
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Finnish Midsummer is also associated with various traditional games and activities. One popular game is mölkky, a Finnish throwing game played with wooden pins. Families and friends gather to compete and have fun in the summer sun. On the coastal area, rowing regattas, fishing competitions, and inland berry picking are also common activities during Juhannus. These outdoor activities allow people to enjoy the natural beauty of the Finnish landscape and embrace the spirit of summer.
At Midsummer, magic was generally performed to ensure the future harvest and marriage luck.
In the past, Finnish midsummer traditions also included a major cleaning. Midsummer birch
trees used to be erected on stairs, by doors and windows. In addition, fresh vines were tied from
birch branches. Flowers and fresh tree leaves were carried into the house.
Midsummer's Day was also favourable for seeing omens. At that time, we looked at the weather,
harvest year and livestock luck. 
The best known spells are the various lemmentaika (love magic). Magic tricks were used to ensure marital happiness, to see a future spouse or to get the desired person as a spouse. Many of the midsummer dances were done naked. Unmarried girls tried to find out their future groom, for example, by going around the sauna three times or by looking naked at the spring at midnight. In the Midsummer sauna, people prepared themselves to become more attractive targets by reading spells and bathing in vasta (the bunch of birch leaves you beat yourself with in the sauna) (You may want to Google this!) During Juhannus, the vasta can be made of or decorated with summer flowers. Midsummer's Day was favourable for seeing omens. At that time, we looked at the weather, harvest year and livestock luck.
There is a whole book to be written about Juhannus magic, and Juhannus magic when there is
a Juhannus wedding to be expected. So, if you are interested, I encourage you to study this
further!
It's a joyful relaxation with family and friends
Finnish Midsummer is definitely a time for relaxation, joy, and togetherness. It allows Finns to
reconnect with nature, appreciate the beauty of the long summer days, and celebrate the arrival
of the warmest season. Whether it's through bonfires, saunas, flower wreaths, traditional
games, or delicious food, Juhannus offers a unique opportunity to experience the essence of
Finnish culture and the deep connection between the people and their surroundings. It is a time
to create lasting memories and embrace the magic of the Finnish summer. ❤
Why don't you share your Juhannus plans and activities with us in the forum? Discuss 
here. ☀️
Hyvää Juhannusta!
Minna, OLS Community Manager – Finnish
Source: Pixabay