Svensk Midsommar-
Swedish Midsummer is very unique part of Swedish celebrations because it reflects how Swedes welcome the change in weather and how the festivities center around centuries-old traditions dating back to Viking era. The Swedish midsummer is celebrated on the longest day at the height of summer. This celebration was central to pagan practices until the 300 A.D. when the church renamed the celebration to Holy Johannes Day. Midsummer celebrations today are very elaborate and are considered a highlight of summer celebrations. Today's midsummer celebrations include traditional Swedish summer food: matjessill, gräddfil and gräslök, fresh potatoes, and strawberries. In addition to the aforementioned foods,drinks known as snaps are always served as well. Snaps are strong fruit based liquor fermented locally across Sweden. In addition to food there is usually a large traditional dance organized around a tall green wreath of which people dance around and sing folk songs. The celebration also includes picking flowers and making crowns of flowers in order to protect from evil spirits according to popular folklore.
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