Pickled herring, drinking songs, a pole covered in flowers, boiled potatoes, dancing like frogs. Yes, that’s Swedish Midsommar (otherwise known as “Midsummer” in English).
Thanks to Swedish roots around the world and a general love of Scandinavian culture, the popular Swedish holiday – the sun was gone all winter, you would want to celebrate the longest day of the year too – is well known outside of the Nordic lands.
Not well versed on this Swedish celebration? First off, get the basics from this video by the Sweden.se:
Now, let’s get to the important part: celebrating. How are you going to get a Midsummer celebration going if you’re not in Sweden? Easy. Follow these simple steps.
Round up a few friends that like to eat and drink.
This will probably be your easiest task.
Find a long table.
Midsummer dinner tends to be served as a sit down meal complete with a nice tablecloth, napkins and real silverware. This is not your average American BBQ.
Make a midsummer pole.
If you don’t have the manpower to hoist up a long one, construct a smaller makeshift one.
Dance around said midsummer pole.
Dancing is a precursor to eating.
Track down some pickled herring.
It’s not Swedish Midsummer without it.
Serve Aquavit.
Again, you can’t call it Swedish Midsummer if you don’t have the classic drink.
Make a dessert that involves fresh berries.
Preferably strawberries and ideally in cake format.
Eat and drink late into the night/early morning.
The sun isn’t really going to ever set after all.
A few Swedish inspired Midsummer recipes to get you started:
Gin + Aquavit Cocktail
Matjessil Salad
New Potatoes with Dill Butter
Pickled Mustard Herring
Glad Midsommar!