Midsommer -Sankt Hans aften

On June 23rd, I was able to see a tradition in Denmark that I had not heard a lot about beforehand. At one point I remember having read that Denmark and a few other countries celebrate the summer solstice, but I did not think it was as big of a tradition as it is. In some countries, such as Sweden and Finland many people take a long weekend off from work in order to celebrate.

The history of Sankt Hans aften, or midsummer, or solstice celebration in Denmark goes back to the time of the Vikings, though it has changed considerably since then. It used to be on this day that people would visit healing wells, light bonfires to ward off evil spirits, and collect herbs needed for healing in the next year. The tradition involving the wells has slowly disappeared over time, as well as the collecting of healing herbs due to the coming of modern medicine.

Now the day is called Sankt Hans aften, or Saint John's Eve, referring to Saint John's day on the 24th. What has remained of the traditions is the bonfire, though at some point between 1880 and 1920 there appeared a new element - Witches (Heksene). Don't worry, when I talk about these witches I mean ones made out of spare clothes, and masks, so just a representation. They put a witch, which represents ill-fortune, at the top of the bonfire. When the bonfire burns so does the witch. The saying is that, with the burning the witches fly to Bloksbjerg in Germany, taking with them the ill-fortunes.

In 1885 a mid summer hymn or Midsommervise, was composed for the occassion by Holger Drachmann. Called "Vi Elsker Vort Land" (We love our country) it has been sung around bonfires since 1885.

In more recent years, a new Midsommersangen (mid summer song) has become popular. This is a remake of the old song by the group Shu-Di-Dua. Their Midsommersangen came out on Shu-Bi-Dua 7 in 1980, and has been extremely popular. When we had the radio on in the days leading up to Sankt Hans aften, we quite frequently heard Shu-Bi-Dua's Midsommersangen.

The evening of the 23^rd we went on the train to Hillerød, where they usually have a bonfire near the lake at Frederiksborg castle. When we were approaching the castle it was crowded with families, some with ice cream, some with beer, but all with big smiles and laughter was widespread. There was a DJ, food trucks, play stations for the children, and even an area where children could ride a pony. 

In the center of the water was a huge pile of wood, on the top of which was placed the form of a witch, made out of what appeared to be a large black cape and a mask. As the time approached ten, the appointed time for lighting, people crowded the edges of the lake. With great anticipation from the crowds the bonfire was lit at 10, burning the ‘witch’ with it. 

Such is the tradition, the witch – with her evilness and spells, is now gone from Denmark.