TTStoryTime! #14: Land of the Midnight Sun!

Midnight and Sun? 

Do they even belong to each other?

We all know that Lapland is a place with long snowy winters and the mesmerizing hometown of Santa Claus. But not many know that during summertime, the sun never sets!

As fascinating as it could be, the Midnight sun is a natural phenomenon that takes place in regions situated above the Arctic Circle throughout the summer season. During this time, the sun happily stays for 24 hours with the peak occurring around the summer solstice time.

For the tropical-countries-citizens (like me), the summer solstice is a normal day as the sun is shining all year round. But for those living in Arctic regions, where darkness rules for 6 winter months, nothing is worth celebrating more than the summer solstice. The arrival of the Midnight Sun signifies the end of the long, dark winter. The further north you go, the longer the sun stays above the horizon!

But let’s not go into the details of science. In literature, the magical Midnight Sun has been used as a metaphor for various themes in legends and stories around the world. It symbolizes the never-ending pursuit of knowledge, the search for eternal life, or the quest for finding the true meaning of life.

Legends of the Midnight Sun

1. The Chariot (Nordic legend)

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful maiden named Sol, who was cursed by a witch to ride across the sky in a chariot for eternity, while being chased by a fierce wolf. She rode on her chariot pulled by fire horses across the sky during the day, bringing light to the world. The cycle repeated every day, and it was said that during the summer months, Sol's chariot would get so close to the horizon that she could never fully disappear, resulting in the Midnight Sun.

At the same time, eclipses were believed to be a sign that the wolf was dangerously close to catching Sol. 

2. The story of bonfires

The Finnish origin of Midsummer started with the ritual to honour Ukko - the most powerful God in Finnish mythology. It is believed that on the longest day of the year, evil spirits will resurrect and disturb the villagers. To chase away the devils and guarantee a good harvest, bonfires were burned to perform spells on midsummer nights.

Around the bonfire, it’s not unusual to hear such a Finnish tongue-twisting conversation:

• Kokoo koko kokko kokoon (Let’s put up the bonfire!)
• Koko kokkoko kokoon? (Put up the whole bonfire?)
• Koko kokko kokoon. (Yes, the whole bonfire.)

3. Myth of Love

In Finnish folklore, there exist captivating love myths in the midsummer. During the enchanting midsummer night, when the sun barely sets, magical forces come to play!

Pay attention to the “spells” below if you are still single.

• A cuckoo. If you hear a cuckoo at night, the number of cuckoos you hear is equivalent to the number of years it takes for you to meet your future husband. If you don’t hear any sweet melody of cuckoo at all, it means your destined companion is arriving this very year!
• The flowers. When you collect seven different types of flowers and put them under the pillow, you will meet your future husband in the dream. Also that night, it was said, water was turned into wine and ferns into flowers. Many plants acquired healing powers on that one night of the year.
• The lake rock. If you swim to a lake rock, be there for a moment, your future spouse will soon appear on the shore!

If you gather 7 flowers and put under the pillow, you could meet your future husband in the dream!

These captivating traditions continue to inspire hope and romance, weaving a touch of enchantment into the hearts of those who embrace the magic of Finnish midsummer nights.

4. The superpower

Finns tell a legend that says if one crosses the Arctic Circle in the course of midsummer and full moon with a rabbit’s foot in the pocket and clover in hand while saying a spell, the person will be given the power of a wolverine, the eyes of a snowy owl and the speed of a reindeer.

But the point is how can we see a moon when the sun doesn’t set at all during the summer season? =D

How to enjoy the midsummer festival to the fullest?

The importance of Midsummer is very close to Christmas, and similarly, the biggest day is actually the eve, not the day. Midsummer Eve is always a Friday, a long weekend ahead to celebrate!

1. Book a summer cottage (in Finnish: mökki) and enjoy it like a Finn!

Often located in peaceful natural surroundings, such as by a lake or deep in the forest, mökki provides an ideal escape from the bustling city life, allowing you to immerse yourself in the serenity and beauty of Finnish nature.

2. Enjoy a midnight sauna: 

Of course! Who could miss sauna on this special day? A midsummer sauna experience is truly memorable. When nature embraces you with its warm summer breeze, the best would be visiting a lakeside sauna. After a hot sauna, try swimming in the lake! This will make your blood flow and you will feel amazing afterwards!

3. Experience a traditional bonfire:

Join in the celebrations by attending a midsummer bonfire, or "kokko" in Finnish. These bonfires are lit on the shores of lakes or the coastline, and they serve as a central gathering point for singing, dancing, and parties!

4. Embrace nature:

Finland's breathtaking landscapes come alive during midsummer. The long daylight hours make the trip to forests, lakes, and national parks idealistic! Engage yourself in activities like hiking, boating, or simply relaxing amidst the serene beauty of the Finnish wilderness! Or simply you could just stay up late and embrace the magical glow. 

5. Savor Finnish cuisine: 

Fresh seasonal berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and cloudberries, are the kings and queens on the diner table of this holiday season. Traditional dishes like grilled salmon, new potatoes, and a variety of Finnish desserts like Runeberg torte or blueberry pie are usually served, but at the end of the day, anything goes.

Ending

At the end of the day, the main point is to allow yourself to be enchanted by the beauty of the midsummer experience. Have you ever spent the midsummer in the Arctic Circle? Or simply been to a summer cottage?

Magical Midsummer to everybody!