midsommarafton.nuUpdated 7 August 2026
The Midsummer maypole
The leaf-covered maypole is the clearest symbol of Swedish Midsummer. It is decorated with greenery and flowers and raised where there is enough room for circle dancing.
The Swedish word majstång is not about the month of May. The old verb maja means to decorate with greenery. The Nordic Museum notes that the shape and decoration have changed over time.
Dancing and circle games
Once the pole is raised, children and adults join simple circle dances. Participation matters more than performance. Pick a few familiar songs and let one person lead the movements.
A small gathering only needs a speaker. At a large public celebration, live music or a clear song leader works best.
Seven kinds of flowers
Older folklore gave Midsummer night special power. A well-known custom says to pick seven or nine kinds of flowers in silence and put them under the pillow in the hope of dreaming about a future love.
Today the custom mostly survives as a playful story and as inspiration for Midsummer flower crowns.
Food, songs and a long bright evening
Pickled herring, new potatoes, sour cream, chives and strawberries are among the best-known flavours. Many tables also include salmon, savoury pies, grilled food and vegetarian dishes.
Short drinking songs or summer songs are common during the meal. Alcohol is entirely optional – the singing tradition works just as well with an alcohol-free drink.
Why do Swedes celebrate Midsummer?
Midsummer Day historically fell on 24 June, the feast of St John the Baptist. The religious meaning has faded in Sweden while the holiday developed into a broad summer celebration.
Dancing around the pole and many of today’s organised customs became more widespread in the 19th and 20th centuries. Swedish Midsummer is therefore a living mixture of older and newer traditions.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a maypole?
No. It is a strong symbol, but food, flowers, music and togetherness are enough for a great celebration.
Why do Swedes pick seven flowers?
The custom comes from older folklore about the special power of Midsummer night.
Is the maypole a phallic symbol?
It is a popular myth, but the Nordic Museum says there is no research evidence for that interpretation.
Sources and further reading
Historical facts about Swedish Midsummer have been checked against the Nordic Museum. The 2027 date has been verified against calendar sources.