Midsummer celebration
Midsummer celebration is a public holiday in the land of Suomi (Finland) it is locally known as the Juhannus celebration. By tradition, it is a bonfire evening, where local organizers will make an effort to build an arrangement of dry wood, sticks, aged timber and dry foliage for a giant bonfire. Usually, the fires are held at the lakeside, on the seashores, and sometimes a raft is built where the bonfires are placed on a floating raft on a lake.
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New life in the Natural environment.
In many ways, the Midsummer celebration is recognition of the natural environment and the uniqueness of the new spring and summer life in the natural environment, in a way re-connecting human soul to back to Nature, or at least giving recognition to Nature for the continues contribution to human survival and happiness. It uses symbols like the fresh birch tree branches and flowers. The branches fresh green are gathered and placed outside the doors of a house and also indoors in water flower vases.
A long tradition in the Nordic countries of the Midsummer celebration and the phenomena of life.
The Midsummer celebrations have a long history in Finland with the early cultural and indigenous pioneers of the Finland region. Before 1316, the summer solstice was called ukko’s celebration (Ukon juhla) after the mythical folklore god named Ukko. In the Karelian tradition, numerous bonfires were burned side by side, the biggest of which was called Ukko-Kokko (the bonfire of Ukko). After the celebrations were Christianized, the holiday became known as Juhannus after John the Baptist. The term “ukko” is also used and synonymous with a description of an elderly man. The clap on thunder in a thunderstorm in Finland is also called “Ukko-nen,” it alludes to the mythology that the clap of thunder is the voice of the god Ukko.
Summer solstice of the northern hemisphere.
Midsummer celebration also known as St John’s Day, is the period centered upon the summer solstice, and more specifically the Northern European Midsummer celebration that accompanies the actual solstice or takes place on a day between June 21 and June 25 and the preceding evening.
Midsummer celebration is unique in the Northern hemisphere and in Finland. It is the contrast of the long cold dark winter that brings out the exceptional quality of a pleasant weather summer day without the darkness of the night time, continues warm daylight and the energy of the dynamic natural environment buzz with continues sounds of the singing birds and the fragrance of the natural environment.
Traditional Juhannus celebrations in Suomi.
Juhannus is a well celebrated holiday weekend where most people will go to the rural areas and cottages by the lakeside or visit their parents and relatives to socialize and share meals and drinks while watching the midsummer bonfire.
Summer solstice and sauna.
Another tradition in the land of Suomi is to celebrate the Juhannus sauna, with a fresh vihta made from the new season birch tree branches. The sharing a hot steaming sauna with friends by the lakeside including a new summer season. Grilled sausages and cold beer are often enjoyed after the sauna time. BBQ type outdoors table food contribute to the relaxed atmosphere that most people during the Juhannus celebrate will aim for, it is really the essence of observing and being close to the midsummer festival in the traditional Suomi cultural family atmosphere and close to the natural environment. Family weekend and time with friends spent together celebrating the midsummer festival.
For more pictures of the Midsummer celebration from the land of Suomi visit this web site at