Everyone has a picture in their own mind about how Sweden is viewed to them. For me, it was a picture of blonde haired Sven's dancing around maypoles, Ikea show rooms in everyones home, and conversations sounded like the sound of music. Thanks to arriving in Sweden during midsommar, I was right!
The Swedish Midsommar is the second (to Christmas) most celebrated holiday in Sweden. I haven't yet experienced why summer is so significant because I haven't yet lived through the winter. I did manage to see how beautiful Sweden is during summer. Everyone comes alive and out of hibernation. People are happier, gardens bloom, and lakes become the social hang out.
For holiday celebrations we headed up north to Leksand, Dalarna where Amanda's aunt and uncle, Lotta and Magnus lives. Dalarna is one of the oldest parts in Sweden.
The town of Leksand within Dalarna has a rule that all homes be panted with a particular red called Faluröd. So if you do go travelling through out Sweden you'll probably notice many red houses. The colour originated in Falun, Dalarna from the famous copper mine. The red residue from the copper mines was used as a preservative in paint which protected the wood for many years.
During our midsommar celebrations we cooked, ate, drunk, played games, sang, and danced around the maypole. The extended family traveled from all over Sweden and played a part in the celebrations.
The food was delicious. It tasted like Sweden; from meatballs and potatoes to smoked salmon and dill. Refer to my 'Midsommar Food' posting for photos.
It's amazing how many different Swedish folk songs there are and everyone knows them. It's embedded in the culture to know the melody and the dance to go along with it.
There is something about European culture with song, alcohol, and long tables. All Swedish parties/celebrations are catered for with long viking style tables and snaps. Just mentioning snaps makes my stomach turn.
The weather during our midsommar was phenomenal. The days were warm and sunny, our nights had a cool breeze.
During Summer in Sweden the sun stays up until 10-11pm and even after that, you're not in the dark. However, I've been warned, just wait for winter!
Nils out and about after dinner taking advantage of the long days and sunshine.
On one particular evening we experienced an unbelievable sunset. A warm red glow shot through the sky. The light refraction continued to form a full rainbow. A shame my lens couldn't capture both ends
A typical ending to a midsommar evening in Dalarna.
