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Midsummer is known in Norway as Sankthans or Jansok. It falls on June 24, but the celebrations are organized the day before - on June 23. It commemorates not only John the Baptist. It is also associated with the shortest night of the year and the arrival of summer. The people of today's Norway have been celebrating this day for hundreds of years, and the historical significance is evidenced by the fact that until 1772 it was a day off from work.
. It used to be the most important day
In the past, Midsummer's Eve was considered the most important day of the year. At that time, huge fires were lit, around which wreaths were danced and woven. Today, the tradition of celebrating this night is still alive. Today, however, there are boat trips and fireworks displays on this day. Others light a barbecue, although there are many amateurs of traditional customs.
Norwegian traditions
As in Poland, Midsummer's Eve is associated with a number of ever-living traditions. One of the basic and most important is lighting a great bonfire, and this practice is still alive, above all, on the coast. Originally, it was supposed to scare away evil spirits, so great attention was paid to rituals, e.g. lighting a fire could only take place by rubbing wood or using flint. Sometimes a puppet, which was a symbol of winter, was attached to the top of the fire. And they wanted to deal with it once and for all.
Children's weddings
One of the most interesting Norwegian customs is the traditional "Children's Weddings" (Norwegian barnebryllup). It is still alive in Vestland, and the peak of popularity in Norway was in the XNUMXth century.
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The magic power of water
As Midsummer's Eve is considered a magical night, water is associated with special properties. The dew collected in the morning is to heal eye diseases, while the holy springs have healing powers.
Weaving wreaths
One of the most important and still alive customs is to braid flower wreaths, which is what women do. In the past, it was believed that the gods would endow them with fertility, which was of great importance at the time. Currently, it is more of a decorative element and a way to traditionally celebrate Midsummer's Eve.
Midsummer on Tjuvholmen in Oslo
This year, the celebration of the summer solstice will take place at Tjuvholmen in Oslo. Lots of interesting attractions are planned for the participants, related to the traditional form of celebrating this night. The youngest will be able to create animals from balloons, they will be able to paint their faces and hair. There will also be traditional weaving of flower wreaths. In the evening, the audience will be warmed up by the concerts of Ole Paus and Harald Thune.
