Midsummer Day 2023: When the sun barely sets and the nights are no longer dark (have you seen the Midnight Sun in person? ), it is time to celebrate Midsummer’s Day in Finland, which occurs every last weekend of June — this year, on June 24. Annually celebrated as a significant national holiday, Midsummer’s Eve marks the beginning of the summer season and is characterised by a playful sun casting golden hues across the country. Finland, which resides north of the Arctic Circle and has a rich and colourful history, is one of the few places on Earth where this incredible astronomical event can be observed. Prepare to build a campfire and bring outdoor speakers, marshmallows, and a group of friends for 24 hours of dancing in the great outdoors.
HISTORY OF MIDSUMMER DAY
According to reports, Finland is also one of the most magical and historically significant locations on Earth. Midsummer was traditionally a pagan summer festival celebrating harvest and fecundity. Originally, the day was spent hosting parties, paying homage to and honouring Ukko, the Finnish god of thunder, so that he would be pleased and ensure a successful harvest. Ukko controlled the precipitation, so they were required to comply with him.
After the arrival of Christianity in Finland, the pagan Midsummer festival became discreetly associated with Christian festivities. Midsummer’s Day, also known as Juhannus, is now commemorated in honour of John the Baptist, whose birthday is also observed at this time.
Nightless Night on Midsummer’s Day is characterised by the belief that witches, fairies, and elves descend on Earth (which is why the night is illuminated!) to tease humans and foretell their futures. Young people, inspired by this custom, purchase bouquets of seven or nine different flowers, place them under their pillows, and hope to fantasise about their future spouse. As a celebration of fertility, the Midsummer holiday is also a popular time for weddings.
Another tradition is hosting a ‘kokko’ — a large bonfire set near water that casts a stunning reflection on the lakes’ crystal-clear waters alongside the colours of the Midnight Sun. Since pagan times, Midsummer Day in Finland has been a vivacious and joyous celebration that locals eagerly anticipate.
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5 FACTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT FINLAND
It’s the land where the sun never sets
In summer, the sun does not set for 73 consecutive days, while in winter it does not rise for 51 days.
It is also the land of the northern lights.
Aurora borealis, also known as the polar lights, are frequently observed in Lapland and other regions of Finland.
Finnish is the most difficult language!
Finns are so fond of their difficult and distinctive language that they commemorate it annually on April 9th.
More saunas than automobiles
Finland has a population of 5.4 million people and has more than 3 million saunas.
There are 180 wet days a year.
Indeed, it showers for half the year in Finland; no wonder Finns wait the entire year for the season when the sun never sets!
MIDSUMMER DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | June 25 | Saturday |
| 2023 | June 24 | Saturday |
| 2024 | June 29 | Saturday |
| 2025 | June 28 | Saturday |
| 2026 | June 27 | Saturday |
