Juhannusaatto in Finland
Midsummer Eve is a holiday in Finland. Midsummer Eve is called Juhannusaatto in Finland
When is Midsummer Eve in Finland
Midsummer Eve is celebrated on 23, June, 2023 in Finland.
About Juhannusaatto in Finland
Juhannusaatto, also known as Midsummer’s Eve, is a popular holiday in Finland that is celebrated on the night of June 23rd. It is a time to welcome the summer season and enjoy the long daylight hours that Finland experiences during this time of year.
Traditionally, Finns celebrate Juhannusaatto by gathering with friends and family at a summer cottage or by a lake. They may enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna, go swimming, or participate in outdoor activities such as hiking or fishing.
One of the most iconic traditions of Juhannusaatto is the lighting of bonfires. These fires are typically lit on the shore of a lake or the sea, and they are meant to symbolize the sun and its power. In some areas of Finland, it is also common to decorate the bonfires with birch branches and flowers.
Another popular tradition on Juhannusaatto is the making of a “Juhannussalko,” a decorated pole that is raised in the center of the celebration area. The pole is decorated with flowers and ribbons, and it is meant to symbolize fertility and the coming of summer.
Overall, Juhannusaatto is a time for Finns to come together and celebrate the beauty of the summer season. It is a time to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with loved ones.
History of Juhannusaatto in Finland
Juhannusaatto, also known as Midsummer’s Eve, is a traditional holiday celebrated in Finland on the eve of the summer solstice, which usually falls on June 21st. The holiday has its roots in pagan rituals and has been celebrated in Finland for centuries.
In ancient times, Juhannusaatto was a celebration of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It was a time to honor the sun and the fertility of the earth. People would light bonfires, dance around them, and perform other rituals to ensure a good harvest in the coming months.
With the arrival of Christianity in Finland, Juhannusaatto became associated with the feast day of St. John the Baptist, who was born six months before Jesus Christ. The holiday was renamed “Juhannus” in honor of St. John, and many of the pagan rituals were replaced with Christian traditions.
Today, Juhannusaatto is still a popular holiday in Finland. It is a time for family gatherings, outdoor activities, and festivities. Many Finns head to their summer cottages or spend the night camping in the countryside. Traditional activities include lighting bonfires, singing songs, and playing games. People also enjoy traditional foods like grilled sausages, fresh fish, and strawberries.
In recent years, Juhannusaatto has become associated with heavy drinking and rowdy behavior, particularly among young people. Authorities have tried to crack down on excessive drinking and partying, but the holiday remains a time of celebration and revelry for many Finns.
How is Midsummer Eve celebrated in Finland
Juhannusaatto, also known as Midsummer Eve, is a significant celebration in Finland. It is celebrated on the Friday between June 19th and 25th, depending on the year. Here are some ways in which the Finns celebrate Juhannusaatto:
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Bonfires: Bonfires are lit on the shores of lakes and seas, and people gather around them to sing and dance.
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Sauna: Sauna is an essential part of Finnish culture, and Juhannusaatto is no exception. Many Finns take a sauna bath on this day.
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Food: Traditional Finnish foods such as grilled sausages, fish, and new potatoes are served.
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Dancing: Folk dances are performed around the bonfires, and people dance around the maypole.
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Midnight sun: As Finland is located in the northern hemisphere, Juhannusaatto falls during the summer solstice when the sun doesn’t set at all. This is a unique experience that the Finns celebrate by staying up all night.
Overall, Juhannusaatto is a time for Finns to celebrate the arrival of summer, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the long days and bright nights.
Dates
Midsummer Eve will be celebrated in Finland on 2023-06-23, 2024-06-21, 2025-06-20, 2026-06-19, 2027-06-25 in the comming years.
