Feel the Midsummer Magic
"Happy Midsummer" is a greeting that echoes across the world, specifically in Nordic countries. It sort of conveys that the best part of the year has yet to come. Midsummer in Sweden is marked on a Friday between June 19 and 25th. In Finland, it is observed on a Saturday between June 20th and 26th. Locals in Sweden have a countryside gathering adorned with floral crowns, and dance around a leafy maypole. Plants are believed to get healing powers, and rituals were used to predict the future. It's tied up to key traditions & beliefs, including fairies and nature spirits. You may recall Shakespeare's "A Midsummer's Night Dream" -- supernatural beings are actually tied up to the natural world. Finns typically head to lakefront summer cottages, light large bonfires, and enjoy the happy moment with loved ones. Here in Metro Manila, the Finnish Embassy and NordCham organized a special event where even ordinary mortals (w/ funds to spare for a sumptuous dinner and merry-making) can get together and relish good food & games. (Pic above is a from Britannica online)