St. John’s Day in Norway ― Date, History, and Details
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History of St. John’s Day in Norway and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
St. John’s day in Norway is a national holiday that takes place on June 23rd. It is celebrated with a variety of different activities, including bonfires, concerts, and parades. The holiday is named after Saint John the Baptist, who was born on June 24th. In Norway, the holiday is also known as “Sankthansaften” or “Midsummer’s Eve”.
The celebration of St. John’s day in Norway dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was a time to celebrate the summer solstice. Bonfires were lit to scare away evil spirits, and people would dance around the flames. Today, the bonfires are still an important part of the holiday, and they are often used to cook traditional Norwegian dishes such as hot dogs and marshmallows.
The holiday is also a time for music and dancing. Concerts are held in parks and squares across the country, and everyone is welcome to join in. The most popular dances are the “polka” and the “waltz”.
St. John’s day is a fun and festive holiday that is enjoyed by all Norwegians. It is a time to come together and celebrate the summer season.