The Summer Solstice is celebrated on the 21st of June for anyone living in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s the longest day of the year and in Scandinavia, this is celebrated as Sankte Hans (in Norway and Denmark) on the 23rd of June and Midsummer in Sweden, on a variable date around the same time.
Midsummer has been celebrated across various cultures for centuries, and many modern societies now have Summer Fairs that take place instead, creating a community aspect to this magical time of year.
I’ve previously spoken about how to celebrate a magical Midsummer – whether that be in the traditional Viking sense or in a more modern self-care way, and you can watch the replays in my Facebook group Happiness, Health and Hygge here.
Why Midsummer Magic?
You may wonder why it’s worth marking this day at all. My two main reasons are:
You can never have too many celebrations as it helps you elevate the moment and create happiness and hygge, and…
Why not take advantage of the beneficial energies of a day that has been celebrated across many cultures for centuries.
The name suggests that it’s the middle of Summer – when in fact for most it’s more the ‘middle of the year’ – a time where the Sun and therefore also life is at its most abundant. It’s the perfect time to reflect on what has been and what’s to come – what has worked, and what needs to change.
In traditional cultures, this was the ‘down time’ between the sowing and harvesting seasons, and it makes sense to still follow this rhythm as it’s undeniably entwined with nature – of which we are an integrated part.
It’s the perfect time to engage with your local community or nurture your connection with it because the increase in sunlight gives us more energy and an urge to go be with others. Studies have even proven this, suggesting Americans are on average 31% more sociable while Britons are up to 50% more sociable in the Summer!
Perhaps it’s then not surprising that people will come together to celebrate ‘something’ – but it’s equally important to take the time to nurture yourself.
My top five suggestions for creating some Midsummer Magic
1) Light a candle, or a bonfire if you can outside, and set your intentions for a beautiful bright time ahead.
2) Create a ritualistic luxury salt bath to nurture all your senses, adding essential oils, flower petals, crystals, etc. Perhaps also some candles in the room if in a safe location.
3) Journal on whether you feel you are reaping what you’ve sown? If not, what needs to change. And what fruits do you hope to harvest later in the year or the next? What do you need to do to make this happen?
4) Immerse yourself in nature, whether that’s walking barefoot in the grass, sitting under a tree or going for a swim.
5) Gather flowers to extend the energy of the day into your home for days to come. In many cultures, this was the day when plants were gathered for medicine, or if certain flowers were placed under the pillow you would dream of your future partner. Take from that what you like – but there is an abundance of beauty all-around at the moment and it’s worth making the most of that if you can to help stimulate your senses and create happiness and calm in your home.
I share some more ideas in my Facebook group Happiness, Health and Hygge, and I hope you’ll enjoy popping in for some inspiration.
May you have a wonderful week and season ahead…
Dorte x
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