A cup of novelty

Audio: Medium

Juhannus is the biggest celebration in Finland, whether you go to the holiday home (möki), away from the city, or stay in the city and enjoy concerts and parties with friends. As it is already known, the Finns are big lovers of sauna, which means that it will not be missing from anyone’s “program”, after that bath in palju. And for several years, it has become a kind of standard to go boating on the islands, grill, and fish. For those who want to visit Finland in the summer, by boat or caravan, there are always places specially arranged for barbecue, whether it rains or not.

According to visitfinland.com, I recently found out that during this period most weddings take place. And no wonder because now is the best time: everything is green and flowery, the perfect time for dresses and even to party somewhere outside.

I think the Juhannus holiday is the most anticipated holiday of the Finns. In ancient times, the Ukko, or the god of thunder, was celebrated, and the ritual that continues today is a bonfire.
Something that resembles the Romanian tradition is here as well. And on the night of June 25 to 26, unmarried girls must put under the pillow a bouquet containing seven kinds of flowers, in order to dream of their future husband. In Romania, midsummer flowers ( sanziene) are put under the pillow to dream of the future husband. As well in the Romanian and Finnish tradition, the one who finds the white fern flower, it is said that he will have good luck, a rich year, and will be able to read people’s thoughts. How amazing it is when cultures come together to create something beautiful!

Most of the time, the cities seem deserted on this holiday, many of the residents going to holiday homes or traveling the country by caravan. But there are quite a lot of activities for those who stay in the city.
I live in Uusikaupunki, a relatively small town, but I can’t complain about the lack of activities: bonfire (kokko), music, beer and you can end your day with a sauna at home.

An important thing to know, at least for those who visit Finland in summer, here the night doesn’t really exist. It’s more of early sunset, but it’s a constant light. The sky becomes the canvas of a skilled painter, and every day it always looks different.
That’s something I’ve loved since I moved here.

I hope you liked the article and found it interesting. For the most curious of you, I invite you to pay a visit to this country because it is worth visiting. Oh, and don’t forget to try the sauna.
I am waiting for you tomorrow with the Sunday article, as I used to. Hyvää Juhannusta!

DEEA OLIVIA

Sources: visitfinland.com, finland.fi, ourlifeourtravel.com,