Alongside Christmas, Midsummer is undoubtedly one of Finland’s most beloved celebrations, rich in long‑standing traditions. Midsummer marks the height of summer and the brilliance of light (in northern Lapland even the midnight sun) just before the days slowly begin to shorten again.
There is no doubt that sauna is an essential part of Finnish Midsummer celebrations. Alongside sauna bathing, spending time at a summer cottage, boating, good company, and delicious food and drinks are all key elements of the holiday. And of course, Midsummer magic should not be forgotten. Which Midsummer traditions are part of your celebration? Next, we’ll introduce the most important Midsummer traditions along with the many spells said to reveal one’s future partner.
Midsummer Sauna Steams Are Close to Finns’ Hearts
For many, the Midsummer sauna is a tradition learned already in childhood, originally rooted in agrarian culture. There are many ways to enjoy a sauna at Midsummer—some prepare well in advance by thoroughly cleaning the sauna, some head to the sauna early on Midsummer morning, while others wait until the evening. Many enjoy a long, relaxed sauna session, alternating between cooling off in the water and enjoying a cold drink.
Mondex’s Tips for the Perfect Midsummer Sauna
- If you wish, clean the sauna before Midsummer. While doing so, it’s a good idea to check the condition of the heater and sauna stones.
- Make a sauna whisk. You can find the instructions here.
- Decorate the sauna with birch branches and, if you like, use sauna fragrances. You can also decorate the sauna terrace or yard with bouquets of flowers and birch branches.
- Create a festive atmosphere by choosing your most beautiful sauna textiles just for the Midsummer sauna.
- Enjoy the sauna. At Midsummer, you can sauna more than once! Take a dip in a lake, river, or the sea if possible. Cooling off outdoors, enjoying a cold drink, and taking in the summer scenery all suit a long sauna tradition.
Midsummer sauna also has its share of magic: according to old beliefs, if you run naked from the sauna along the ditches of a rye field on Midsummer night, you will meet your future spouse at the ninth ditch. Have you tried it?
Birch-scented midsummer
For many, the sauna whisk (vihta or vasta) is especially associated with midsummer. At this time of year, birch leaves are at their best for making a whisk. Many people also decorate their yards with traditional midsummer birch trees, lining paths or entrances. Decorating the sauna with birch branches is also strongly recommended. The whisk can even be used after the sauna: according to one old spell, if you throw it on the sauna roof after a midsummer sauna, your future spouse will come from the direction the handle points.
Please remember that if you collect birch branches from land you do not own, you need the landowner’s permission.
If you need instructions for making a sauna whisk for midsummer, you can find them here.
Midsummer bonfire
The midsummer bonfire is a tradition throughout Finland, especially along lakeshores and coastlines. Bonfires may be lit privately among family and friends, but community bonfires are also common, especially in smaller towns. Bonfires are linked to various beliefs as well; for example, it’s said that the smoke turns toward the person who will be married next.
The Flag Is Flown Longer at Midsummer
Did you know that unlike other Finnish flag days, on Midsummer Eve the flag may be raised at 6:00 p.m. and lowered at 9:00 p.m. on midsummer Day? Midsummer is the only official flag day when the flag may remain raised overnight. Midsummer Day also marks Finland’s Flag Day.
More Midsummer Magic and Old Beliefs
Midsummer is full of spells and beliefs, especially those related to seeing one’s future spouse. One of the best‑known is looking into a well on Midsummer night to see your future partner’s reflection. Another says that placing seven different flowers under your pillow will reveal your future spouse in a dream. But did you know you might also dream of your future partner if you go to sleep on Midsummer night wearing your left sock inside out? That one you might not have tried yet!
Before midsummer, many wonder whether the holiday will bring sunshine or rain. And if it does rain, an old Finnish saying reminds us that “Midsummer rain and dry weather on St. Michael’s Day bring not water but bread”, meaning that midsummer rain is not necessarily a bad thing at all.
Wishing you a wonderful and warm midsummer,