How Much is Midsommar Like a Real Swedish Midsummer Celebration?
On June 25, many Swedes gather for one of the years most beloved holiday celebrations: Midsummers Eve. Its one of few with relatively little religious content, even though it originates from the 4th-century celebration of John the Baptists birth. Like many folk traditions, Midsummer is about the passing of the seasons. It falls near the summer solstice and is thematically similar to how that event has been celebrated in many cultures through the ages. People come together to share food and drink in a summery setting, around the dinner table at home, at larger gatherings in the garden, or in the form of grand communal celebrations outdoors. Its one of the longest days of the year, luminally encouraging a late, late night of partying, and fittingly it was decided in 1953 that Midsummers Eve should always occur on a Friday.