Posted on June 23, 2020
In Europe, this is the time of Midsummer festivals and of St. John's Day and St. John's Eve. In each nation, the holiday has a slightly different twist and of course a different name. In Norwegian, Jonsok means "wake of Saint John."
I always think of lights and bonfires being important in mid-winter festivals (because those nights are so long and people miss the light - ESPECIALLY those who live in high latitudes, like Norwegians! But bonfires are super common in Midsummer festivals as well - including Jonsok.
In earlier times, Jonsok was one of the biggest holidays of the year. Not only were bonfires common, but making and wearing flower wreaths, dancing around the maypole - all these traditions are familiar to other Midsummer holidays. Nowadays, many people celebrate by having cookouts, camping, or taking non-camp overnight trips. (Of course 2020-COVID-19 stuff might make changes to all the traditions.)
By the way, why is a maypole decorated in June, in Norway, when other nations make it the centerpiece of their May 1 holiday? Well, no flowers are blooming that early in Norway! Almost two months later and the longest day / shortest night of the year makes today great timing for a maypole!
Other Jonsok traditions include eating pancakes with butter and sugar, eating strawberries, telling fortunes.
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