When Estonians start talking about the weather, barbecues, and plans for Midsummer in June, one thing is clear: one of the most eagerly awaited holidays of the year is just around the corner.
Midsummer Day is celebrated in Estonia on 24 June, but the main festivities take place the evening before, on 23 June, known as Midsummer Eve. The towns grow quieter; many people head to the countryside, to their summer cottage or to stay with friends, and bonfires are lit all across Estonia.
Why is Midsummer celebrated?
Midsummer Day is associated with the summer solstice – the time of year when the days are longest and the nights shortest. In Estonia, it does not get completely dark at night at this time of year: these are some of the brightest nights of the year.
After a long, dark winter, this is a special moment for Estonians. Nature is green, the days are long, and summer is just around the corner. The weather may be fickle, but people who are truly in the spirit of Midsummer will not let that bother them.
Midsummer bonfire – the centrepiece of the evening
The best-known tradition of Midsummer is the Midsummer bonfire. People gather round the fire, chat, listen to music, eat, and spend time together with family or friends. Many towns and villages hold public Midsummer celebrations, and smaller gatherings take place in people’s backyards and summer cottages.
In the old days, it was believed that the Midsummer bonfire offered protection and brought good luck. Nowadays, it is primarily a lovely excuse to get together and enjoy the bright summer night. When lighting a bonfire, it is essential to follow safety precautions: the fire must be kept a safe distance from buildings and the forest, and must not be left unattended.
What do people eat during the holiday?
Midsummer is almost always accompanied by barbecuing. Common Midsummer dishes include shashlik, sausages, meat, fish, vegetables, potato salad, fresh cucumbers and tomatoes – every family and group of friends has their own favourites.
If you are invited to a Midsummer event, it is polite to bring something along: for example, something for the barbecue, a drink, or sweets. Midsummer is a feast where everyone brings something to share – which usually means that there is more food than people can eat.
Fern flowers and glow-worms
There are many old beliefs associated with Midsummer Eve. The most famous of these is about the fern flower, which, according to legend, blooms only on Midsummer Eve and brings the finder luck, prosperity, or love. Ferns do not actually bloom, but that has not broken the tradition. Going on a search for fern flowers is rather a playful and romantic reason to take a walk in nature on a summer night.
But you may actually see the glow-worm, a small, glowing insect, on Midsummer Eve. If you notice a greenish glow in the grass, you have found something quite magical.
How can I take part in Midsummer celebrations?
Midsummer is celebrated throughout Estonia. If you have not been invited to anyone’s home or summer cottage, it is worth checking out the public Midsummer events in your local area. They take place in towns, villages, and open-air museums, and often feature music, dancing, food, and a huge Midsummer bonfire.
Midsummer does not require any special preparation or knowledge of all the customs. All you need is to be prepared to spend the evening outdoors, enjoy the company, and put up with the mosquitoes. It is worth packing some warmer clothes too, as the weather on Midsummer Day in Estonia is always a bit of a gamble.
A quick reminder for Midsummer
Be sure to bring:
● something to share
● a warm jumper or jacket
● comfortable shoes
● insect repellent
● good mood
Some useful words:
- Jaanipäev – Midsummer Day
- Jaaniõhtu / jaanilaupäev – Midsummer Eve
- Jaanituli – Midsummer bonfire
- Šašlõkk – barbecue meat
- Sõnajalaõis – fern flower
- Jaaniuss – glow-worm
- Valged ööd – white nights
See you by the bonfire!
Article was published in the Settle in Estonia newsletter, which is designed to support new migrants in their adaptation process and help them feel at home in Estonia more quickly. The newsletter helps make adaptation easier and keeps readers informed about important information needed for everyday life in Estonia. You can subscribe to the newsletter here.