Midsummer (juhannus in Finnish) for Finns means celebration and the long, white night which is said to be the “nightless” one (yötön yö). In the Helsinki region the sun sets at about 22:50 and rises again already around 4:00 o’clock in the morning. In the Northern Finland the sun does not set at all! The nightless night of Finnish midsummer gives a great contrast to the darkness of the winter time.
Many Finns leave the cities for Midsummer and spend time in their countryside cottages. Midsummer celebrations traditionally include bonfires, sauna, good food, possibly swimming and of course spending time together with family and friends! For many Finns midsummer is the time when the summer holiday starts and for some families this means moving to the summer cottages which are usually located by the sea or lake.
Bonfires (in Finnish juhannuskokko) are very common and they are burnt at lakesides and by the sea.Sometimes two young birch trees (koivu) are placed on either side of the front door of the house to welcome visitors. Swedish-speaking Finns also celebrate around a flower decorated midsummer pole (in Swedish midsommarstång, majstång, in Finnish juhannussalko).
In Finnish tradition, Midsummer Eve and the long, bright, nightless night has always believed to have magical qualities. Still some people do spells and charms with a twinkle in the eyes. Most of those spells are in some way, linked to ones love life. For instance, if you put seven different flowers under your pillow on Midsummer night you’ll meet your future spouse in your dreams… Why don’t you give a try!
The celebration of Midsummer starts on Midsummer’s eve and many workplaces are closed (also shops close their doors at noon). If you’re already in Finland, please keep in mind that grocery stores are open on Friday 22.06. (Juhannusaatto, Midsummer’s eve) only until 12:00 – 13:00 and grocery stores are mainly closed on Saturday 23.06. (Juhannuspäivä, Midsummer Day). Some small stores might be open though.
If you’re in Helsinki but you don’t have the possibility to visit a Finnish summer-cottage, there are also some midsummer events in the city area:
Seurasaari Midsummer Bonfires will be organized for the 57th time by Seurasaari Foundation on 22.06.
Retrojuhannus (Retro Midsummer) at Piritta on 22.6 (free entrance!), live music by Kaipuun Kukkatarha, starting at 20:00 o’clock.
Juhannus in Pihlajasaari
Friday 22.6.2012, starting at 21:00 when the bonfire will be set on fire. Also grilled food and traditional dance music. Location and how to get there –instructions can be found here. (Last ferry back from Pihlajasaari leaves at 2:00 o’clock in the morning).
Hyvää juhannusta!
International Exchange Services
University of Helsinki
