Midsummer Eve

Midsummer Eve Facts & Quotes

• Certain trees hold significance. Branches form birch trees are placed around the entrance to buildings to welcome visitors.
• Bonfires are very popular, the ideal location is by a lake or the sea as the holiday is strongly related to the natural rhythms of life.
• Midsummer is the longest day in Finland. In Helsinki the sun sets at 10:50pm on Midsummer’s Eve and rises at 3:56am on Midsummer’s Day.
• Polar days are when nights are short and light, as Finland extends into the Arctic Circle there are parts that do not have night for several days.
• On The Summer Solstice ... Whatever is dreamed on this night, will come to pass. - William Shakespeare

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Midsummer Eve Top Events and Things to Do

• Visit the countryside to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights and escape the busy city life.
• Spend some time with friends and family, Midsummer Eve marks the beginning of the summer holidays for many Finnish people. A more relaxed way of life takes hold during the period.
• Prepare some dishes for the feast tomorrow. Salted fish, as well as fresh fish like salmon, rainbow trout and Baltic herring are abundant during the summer. All kinds of cooking methods are used, usually served with potatoes and dill.
• Listen to heavy metal. Finland produces more heavy metal than most countries of its size. Bands will be playing throughout Midsummer. Gigs are often held on Midsummer Eve. Well-known bands such as HIM, Nightwish or Amoprhis might be playing.
• Light a bonfire. Fires were burnt in the old times to banish evil spirits and bad fortune.

Midsummer Eve References and Related Sites