Share your tradition

[Akkilles]

Midsummer Eve in Sweden
Midsummer Eve is one of Sweden’s most important and beloved holidays. Its origins date back to ancient pagan celebrations of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Later, Christianity connected the holiday to Saint John the Baptist, but many of the old traditions remained.
Today, people gather with family and friends, often in the countryside, to celebrate nature, light, and summer. A decorated Midsummer pole (maypole) is raised, and people dance and sing traditional songs such as "Små Grodorna" around it.
Traditional Midsummer food includes:
Pickled herring
New potatoes with dill
Sour cream and chives
Salmon
Strawberries and cream
Popular activities include making flower crowns, dancing, singing, playing outdoor games, and spending time outdoors late into the bright summer evening.
There are also old traditions and superstitions, such as placing seven different flowers under your pillow on Midsummer night to dream about your future partner.
Midsummer is a celebration of light, nature, friendship, and togetherness, making it one of the most uniquely Swedish traditions.

What traditions do you have in your country or family that you would like to share with us?

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[Votrisgot]

Today, I barbeque hot dogs and hamburgers and eat potato salad, baked beans, and beans and rice.

I used to light fireworks to celebrate the fourth of July but anymore so many people in my town light fireworks that I can see them in the night sky everywhere and definitely hear them. My dogs do not like this.

[merisajan]

Our first tradition is the New Year celebration. At the beginning of spring, we set up the *Haft-Sin* table, placing upon it seven items that begin with the letter "S" (such as garlic, sumac, vinegar, *samanu*, dried oleaster fruit, coins, apples, and hyacinths), along with a goldfish in a bowl. On that night, we eat *Sabzi Polo* (herb rice) with fish, as well as various nuts, dried fruits, and fresh fruits. We visit one another's homes and exchange gifts. The holiday lasts for twelve days; on the thirteenth day, we go out to the countryside, mountains, and plains, where we cast away our *sabzeh* (sprouted greens) so that joy may spread everywhere.