Swedish Midsommer

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We just celebrated the Swedish Midsommer. They celebrate the longest day of the year in full fashion. The nearest Friday to Summer Solstice is a Holiday and most people have a three day weekend. The celebrating starts on Thursday after work. There is lots of May Poles and Flower wreaths. Lots of eating and drinking happens the whole weekend.

We had a great time. We started by going to a castle and celebrated with a full crowd of people wearing flower crowns and dancing around the May pole. There were traditional singers and dancers as well.

Next we spent the weekend with Jan's friends on their farm. We made our own May Pole and sang and danced around it. We had a traditional dinner of Herring (Sil) and new potatoes. We drank lots of Schnapps- Skull - (Jagermeister and Bisk) as we sang Swedish songs. It was really great to be a part of the tradition and with such good people.

We stayed one more night and I was invited to go horse back riding. I rode an Icelandic horse through the most beautiful country side. My horse was a spitfire and had a fifth gear trot. They are bred for this and he loved to trot real fast. I managed in my English style saddle better than I thought I might. We rode through the forest on small narrow trails and had a wonderful time. I am ready to go again.

We had a great time over the Midsommer weekend. I met Jan's friends and feel fortunate to now have them as friends myself. They are really great people and families. Attached are some pictures.

Until next time

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Photos

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Snogeholm Castle Midsommer Celebration.

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Dancing and Singing around the May Pole.

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Jan's friends Susanne and Johan We stayed the weekend at their farm

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The stable.

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Johan's bike.

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they had two of these amazing cuties.

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The table for all of us.

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the summer room.

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There are foals all over the countryside. This is great horse country.

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Building the May Pole.