Celebrating Midsummer
I have been celebrating one of the biggest events in this country, called Juhannus (Midsummer). And no, it's not like that arthouse movie! It was a wonderful and beautiful celebration of summer and nature. People play games outside, enjoy seasonal veggies and fish, and go to the sauna and swim. The main event of Juhannus is watching the bonfire (Juhannuskokko), usually placed near water, symbolizing the elements of water and fire. It's also the longest day of summer, and it feels like you're walking between two worlds because it's so bright that you can't tell if it's day or night. Unfortunately, this event takes souls away, as every year some people drown. It's fascinating how Finnish people have preserved this pagan-rooted celebration even after the arrival of Christianity. Overall, this experience is truly wonderful.
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