Midsommar

To gain a true appreciation of Swedish culture, one must experience the short dark days of winter and then revel in the long relaxed holiday surrounding the solstice -- called Midsommar.

Not only is it the longest day of the year, but probably the most important Swedish holiday. You must eat plenty of pickled herring, potatoes with sour cream and dill, and the first strawberries of the season. This fare is accompanied by plenty of snaps and songs.

It is supposedly a time of increased fertility and magic in the air.

We packed up our picnic and went to Skansen on Djurgården to celebrate with locals and tourists alike.















Ready to raise the maypole












Et. . .Två. . .Tre. . .Hej. . .Hej. . .Hej. . .

Let the dancing begin!















Tradition states that you should pick flowers and weave them into a crown to wear at the festivities.






















Jordgubbe för gubben.


























































Of course Amblen had to get in on some bumper-car action. He was ruthless by the way.

BAM!















CRASH!















SCREEEETCH!!!
















Karl-Jörgen and Marianne taught Amblen how to thread smultron (small wild strawberries) on grass shoots and enjoy them all day.