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.

See You Again Soon Florida!!

It was fantastic spending time with my family in Florida. Home is where the heart is, and for me that is always where my family is, despite me not being there on a regular basis anymore.

I had mentioned previously that I will be studying for my Masters degree at Maastricht University in The Netherlands. The program I am in starts during the first week of September. I made the decision to go to Copenhagen, Denmark for the remainder of the summer, before continuing on to Maastricht in August. So for now, I am saying "See ya lata Alligator" to Florida. I'll be back soon, I am sure, but until then I will continue my adventures in Copenhagen and Maastricht.

I am excited for my new adventures, and will be keeping you updated on what transpires!

As always keep on the look out for new posts.

Arts

If one goes to the Gulf Coast of Florida it is difficult to miss the Art scene present, particularly in Sarasota, which prides itself on supporting the various arts. From art by the bay, to the theaters, and various museums in the area, Ole and Birgitte's trip to Florida would not be complete without visiting a couple of the areas best art museums.

Having grown up in Sarasota, I grew up with visits to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. The Ringling family made their fortune from roaming with the circus, but when it came to choosing a location for the Ca' D'Zan mansion they had designed based on their worldly experiences, they chose to come to Sarasota. Though the family is long gone their impact upon Sarasota has remained. In Sarasota, you grow up with visits to Circus Museums, and with students learning the circus arts. Sarasota has been a winter home to many an acrobat, juggler, and circus clown. In fact, it was such a home to the circus that Sarasota still has a law requiring you to tie your elephant to the parking meter and pay for it as you would a car.

The influence of the Ringlings did not just support the circus, for they had a knack for collecting art, such a knack that when they passed away, a large art museum had been formed from the works of art the family had collected. In the 1920s, John Ringling had constructed the museum in order to house his ever growing art collection and help perpetuate his wife's legacy. The building itself is quite a work of art, and its courtyard reminds one of antiquity, with its columns, fountains, and sculptures.

The grounds of the Ringling estate are quite a thing to see. With lush gardens, and a waterfront view, one can imagine that living here was quite a treat. The Ringlings themselves lived on the estate in the Ca' D'Zan, a gorgeous mansion right on the water.

It was quite nice to return to this beautiful art museum where I had gone so often as a child. The six of us had a fantastic time touring the Circus Museum, the Art Museum, the various Gardens, and the Ca' D'Zan. If you ever plan to go, make sure you allot enough time to see everything, for the art collection alone is quite large and that is one of many things to see on this property.

If you are a Salvador Dali fan, when you are in Florida you must go to the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. Close in location to Sarasota, it houses one of the largest collections of Dali's work and can quite easily take up the better part of a day. This is another place I frequently went to as a child. It was fantastic to go during my time in Florida, for since my childhood that museum moved to a new specially designed building which allows for one to thoroughly immerse yourself in everything Dali; from a Dali inspired master staircase, a Dali enthusiast's dream gift shop, a cafe offering tapas, and a garden. With a maze, melting clock bench, wishing tree, and a giant moustache, the garden is a great new addition to this incredible art collection.

I encourage anyone going on a trip, or living, in this part of Florida to go see both museums. You must bear in mind that these art museums hold a special place in my heart since I grew up in Sarasota, but if you have any fondness for art, like I do, check them out.

Everglades And Key West

With Ole and Birgitte in Florida, there were two places we really wanted to take them, if possible. The first  was the Everglades National Park. Commonly known to be a favorite spot for many of Florida's Alligators, the Everglades is a way to see Florida largely untainted by mankind. The second place was Key West. Key West, most assuredly the most people friendly of the two, boasts the most southern point in the continental U.S.. For visitors like Ole and Birgitte, these places are on the list of must sees. So we packed up a van and the six of us headed down to south Florida for several days of family adventures.

The Everglades National Park is incredibly extensive, yet there are only a handful of entrances. Most of the Everglades remains undisturbed by the tourists, which is a great thing for the land and those living there. In the United States it is considered to be the largest subtropical wilderness area. It is said to be home to as many as 36 animal species that are considered to be threatened or protected, including the Florida Panther, the West Indian Manatee and the American Crocodile. The Everglades is best known for its reptile inhabitants, particularly Alligators and various snakes.

In the Everglades, one can really feel the heat of Florida. You also, in the appropriate season, gets well acquainted with how to properly rid yourself of Mosquitoes. At the time of year that we went, we got to experience both the heat and the bugs. Nonetheless, it was great to see this national park that one always hears about. From taking a family bike ride on some of the trails, to taking a boat through a series of canals, we enjoyed our time in the Everglades, despite the ever present odor of sunscreen and bug spray.

On the last day of our excursion to southern Florida we drove to Key West. A large tourist destination, Key West is full of shops, restaurants, and ample reminders of one's location. One such reminder is at the Southernmost point. With a statue marking this spot, it is no wonder that there are long lines to assemble and get one's photo taken. For, when you are standing roughly 90 miles away from Cuba, and can boast of having been at the most southern spot in the continental U.S., evidence must be taken.

After seeing what there was to see in Key West, our small trip south came to an end and we headed back to Sarasota.