A Midsommar DayDream

Being here in the States away from our Swedish family is hard year round. It is about this time of year we notice it most. In Sweden the biggest holiday of the year is Midsommar, or Midsummer. Sweden experiences the long cold nights of winter, where they get very little sun or even daylight. But in the summer the sun stays up nearly 24 hours on the solstice. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midsummer Sweden is rich in traditions and Midsommar is a perfect example. Traditional foods will be served including special herring and new potatoes, as well as this strawberry cake.

It is a very light cake, similar in texture to an angel food cake, although not as spongy or sweet. It has layers of vanilla custard and strawberry jam. The outside is garnished with fresh whipped cream and strawberries. This cake was made by my dear husband this last weekend. Isn't it fantastic?

Another fun tradition is for the girls to wear "krans" or crowns made of woven flowers. This photo is of my oldest and I at our last midsommar in Sweden in "03. I can't believe how much she's changed!

No Midsommar would be complete without the "Maypole". It is wrapped in greenery and raised. Following the raising of the pole is folk dancing and singing around the pole. It is nothing like I expected my first time. Most of the songs are like children's songs with actions that accompany the words. The most unexpected part of it all is that everyone participates. From the older generation to the young urban hipsters; all take part in this fun tradition. The pole in the photo is from my in-law's hometown on the west coast of Sweden.

So I hope you have enjoyed your Swedish traditions lesson today! The Swedes will be celebrating this coming weekend. I hope we get another cake! (Thanks honey!)