Juhannus // Midsummer

June 20th-23rd, 2013

                            Mid•sum•mer 

                                             n.

                                         1. the middle of summer.

                                         2. the summer solstice, around June 21.

In my last weeks of being in Finland, a midst the chaos of travels I had gone away with my 3rd  host family to their summer cottage for the celebration of Juhannus, also known as midsummer. Whether it's celebrating with your family, or a large group of friends, nearly everyone in Finland is doing the same thing: 

spending time outdoors. 

Life at summer cottage is the furthest thing from demanding. Usually most cottages or located in the country, near or even on an island. Spending time in your boats, going to sauna and swimming in the water, reading books and sleeping a lot, cooking food and enjoying the results, there's much to do but never at high stress. Which results in having a very relaxed and enjoyable weekend. 

On the eve of Juhannus it's tradition to create a huge bonfire and watch it burn throughout the night, celebrating the longest day of the year. Although we of course have this same day all across the world, it's way different in Finland because the sun barely even goes down! It's such an incredible thing to witness and be a part of. From watching sunset at 11pm, and being outside in the dusk without needing any lights to see when it's midnight.. the feeling is beyond incredible. I was so happy to be able to experience this kind of thing and this weekend will be something I hope to remember for all the summer's to come.