Midsummer (juhannus) is an important celebration for Finns at the end of June. Its date isn’t set on a specific date: it always takes place on the Saturday that falls between the 20th and the 26th of June.

1. The History of Finnish Midsummer

Way back, Midsummer was a pagan celebration, during which Finns celebrated the god of thunder: Ukko. Midsummer also marks the middle of summer (keskikesä). It always falls during the week of the longest day of the year: summer solstice (kesäpäivänseisaus). In Finland this means we have “nightless nights” (yötön yö) in the North, during which the sun doesn’t set at all.

When Christianity took root in Finland, the original reason for celebrating changed: Christians celebrate the birthday of John the Baptist (Johannes Kastaja).

2. Mökkijuhannus vai kaupunkijuhannus?

There are a lot of traditions (perinne) related to juhannus, both ancient and more modern. It’s very common for Finns to retreat to their summer cottage (kesämökki) for Midsummer. We call this mökkijuhannus “cottage Midsummer”. It’s starting to be more common, however, for people to stay in the city for Midsummer, which we can call kaupunkijuhannus “city Midsummer”.

Of course Finns generally spend time in the sauna (saunoa) during Midsummer. If you’re spending it at the summer cottage, it’s traditional to flank to entrance of the sauna with young birch (koivu) trees cut down especially for this purpose. Generally there’s a lake next to the summer cottage and people jump straight into the lake from the sauna.

It’s also common to raise the Finnish flag if you have a flag post at your summer cottage. You’re allowed to raise it on Midsummer Eve starting from 6 pm, and keep it up until the next day at 9 pm.

3. Kokoo koko kokko, Kokko. Koko Kokkoko? Koko kokko.

The above conversation can be translated as:

“Assemble the whole bonfire, Kokko.”
“The whole bonfire?”
“The whole bonfire.”

It contains the verb koota “to assemble”, the noun kokko “bonfire”, the name “Kokko” and the word koko “whole”.

The Midsummer bonfire (juhannuskokko) is an ancient tradition (perinne) which was meant to banish evil spirits. It was also believed that it would make the year’s harvest (sato) better. This tradition is still observed in many places. In cities, a larger bonfire is often organized and attended by a large amount of people. Sometimes these bonfires are mounted on top of a raft (lautta) and float on the lake! Many people also make their own bonfire at the summer cottage, which is usually placed close to a lake to prevent the fire spreading.

4. Juhannustaiat

An ancient Midsummer tradition that has survived the times to some extent is Midsummer magic (juhannustaika). These magic rituals were meant, for example, to improve your luck in finding a partner, and to find out who your future partner would be. In modern days especially these are more of a game than anything serious.

One common tradition was to collect seven (or nine or eleven depending on the area) different types of flowers. These flowers were then placed underneath your pillow during Midsummer night. The idea was that you would see your future husband in your dreams that night.

Another typical tradition to find out more about your future partner was to strip down naked and look into a well, pond or spring. You were supposed to see someone’s face into the water. In fact, stripping down was part of many of the Midsummer traditions. Rolling down naked in a dewy meadow was thought to improve your marriage. Running three times around a field while naked should also show you your future partner after the third lap.

5. Juhannustanssit

For many (especially the older generations) juhannus also means participating in dance events (lavatanssit). These dances are not disco-style; they mainly consist of dances such as the tango and waltz (valssi). This event generally takes place of Midsummer Eve and Night. They’re considered quite romantic among the older generations.

6. A Problem During Midsummer

Midsummer comes with one common problem that arises every year. Finns like to increase their alcohol consumption for Midsummer. Most people spend Midsummer near a lake, and like to go swimming after the sauna. Thus, we generally have an increase in the number of drownings around Midsummer.

7. Example Sentences

Watch some Midsummer related videos!

• Almost Finns: Midsummer in Finland
• A kind of adventurous life: Midsummer in Finland
• Siskonpeti kausi 2: Musiikkivideo: Suomen juhannus
• Lastenohjelmia suomeksi: Lego city – Juhannus – osa 1

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