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Summer in Danmark: Midsummer Traditions

© L. Barrett Powell

The arrival of warm weather and longer days is eagerly looked forward to by many in Denmark. It is not a modern tradition; rather it is something which goes deep into the marrow of the Danish people. It harkens back to the pagan traditions of thousands of years before Christianity. It is a lonstanding part of Danish culture. It is called midsommår" or "midsummer" and for the Danes it is a major celebration!

The Science
Having longer days in the Kingdom of Denmark means having more time to enjoy nature, to be with family and friends and to celebrate the joy of life. People are happier and much less depressed, if at all, than in the winter time. It has been said that alcohol (and for some) hashish consumption is higher in the winter because Danes are trying to elevate their moods in the winter darkness.

On the pagan calendar, it is listed as the Summer Solstice or the first day of Summer - June 20 or 21. Nature bursts into song, signaling that it is alive and well. It is the longest day of the year, with the Sun not setting until the next has almost arrived.

Viewing it scientifically, solstice means "Sun stands still." There are two solstices per year, on December 20/21 and June 20/21. When these occur the Sun appears to cease of movement in the sky. In reality, the Sun's is simply at its farthest point from Earth's equator. This means that for six months the North Pole is tilted toward the sun, and for six months the South Pole is headed in that direction. This celestial events creates seasons, because the hemisphere (or half of the sphere of Earth) facing the Sun benefits from the rays of the golden planet.

As pagans in Denmark say, the Goddess is at her most ripe! The Goddess Juno is the patron goddess of marriage - is it any wonder most marriage take place in June?

Ancient Traditions
The arrival of summer was originally celebrated in late April and early May. The trees and flowers were in bloom. People decorated their homes with birch leaves, which are noted for their healing properties. Women would pick flowers to create garlands and wreaths as signs of fertility. On the pagan calendar Beltane, is still celebrated May 1 and it is a time of singing, dancing, pairing off with a mate and dancing around the Maypole, with women wearing garlands in their hair. The Maypole is a phallic symbol and represents the seed that brings new life. Typically at this time those who were attracted to one another danced around the Maypole and then paired off with one another. If everything went well, there would soon be a pregnancy to report, and after the child was born there would be a hand fasting (a precursor to Christian marriage).