CLICK HERE FOR THOUSANDS OF FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATES »

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Midsummer





One of the things I enjoy about Stardoll is their diversity. I've learned so much about different cultures since I've been on Stardoll. I had no idea Midsummer is a holiday and is celebrated in many different cultures.


Sweden
In modern Sweden, Midsummer's Eve and Midsummer's Day (Midsommarafton and Midsommardagen) were formerly celebrated on June 23th and 24th, but since the 1950's on the Friday between June 19th and June 25th and the following Saturday. It is arguably the most important holiday of the year, and one of the most uniquely Swedish in the way it is celebrated, even if it has been influenced by other countries long ago. The main celebrations take place on the Friday, and the traditional events include raising and dancing around a huge maypole. One typical dance is the frog dance. Before the maypole is raised, greens and flowers are collected and used to cover the entire pole. Raising and dancing around a maypole (majstång or midsommarstång) is an activity that attracts families and many others. People dancing around the pole listen to traditional music and many wear traditional folk costumes.
USA
Swedish Misummer is also celebrated in the US. It is mainly celebrated in cities with large Swedish and Scandinavian populations.

1 comments:

diva always said...

this is a great piece and its so true! SD is good for opening up your mind to different cultures. i appreciate them for that.