Midsummer is celebrated on June 24 ad it's a day that's meant for us to appreciate all the gifts that nature gives us. And here we are at that point of summer once again. This is the middle of the year as well, and if you're thinking about changing things up, what better time to stop and evaluate and make some new choices?
In searching out the Swedish traditions of Midsummer, "Legend has it that the night before Midsummers' Day is a magical time for love. It still is, in a way. During this night many a relationship is put to the test. Under the influence of alcohol, the truth will come out, which can lead both to marriage and divorce." That made me chuckle just a bit! Believing we had a Swedish family background growing up (that was later changed as we researched our genealogy!) , I like to look up the different customs they celebrate, and this is one of them.
Midsummer Night is the lightest of the year and was long considered a magical night, as it was the best time for telling people's futures. Girls ate salted porridge so that their future husbands might bring water to them in their dreams, to quench their thirst. You could also discover treasures, for example by studying how moonbeams fell.
Ancient tradition says tat if a young woman puts seven different flowers under he pillow on the night to Midsummer Day, she will dream of her future partner. Like Beltane in Ireland, Midsummer Day in Scandinavian countries was a time to light bonfires and drive out evil. At one time it was believed that all natural waters had medicinal powers on this day, and people bathed in rivers and streams to cure their illnesses.
No matter your personal beliefs, there's nothing wrong with a little bit of Midsummer magic and madness are good for the soul!!
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