Nowadays, tourists plan trips to Scandinavia to take part in Midsummer. Parties are held in gardens, public parks, and cottages. At the center of most gatherings stands a maypole. It’s a tall wooden pole decorated with flowers, ribbons, and usually two big hoopsattached to the top. People will join hands and joyfully dance around the pole.
During Midsummer, men and women wear flowers in their hair, like a flower crown, as a symbol of rebirth and fertility. Some people even place flowers under their pillows in the hope of dreaming about their future husband or wife. Lots of delicious foods are shared as well. Herringand other fresh, smoked fish are served with onions and pickles. Adult guests will often washthe food downwith snaps, an alcoholicSwedishdrink, and dance to traditional songs.
The main event is usually a bonfire. Around the 1920s, 15 people began placing a witchpuppet at the top of the bonfires. The burning of the puppet is meant to represent burning away everything evil. Sometimes, whistling fireworksare placed inside the puppet to make it sound like the witch is screaming. Since Midsummer is all about magic and nature, it’s a fitting end to the celebration.
