Midsommer

In the book, 1000 Places To See Before You Die, Midsommer in Dalarna is listed. I know why. It was a magical event, made even more special because we helped with the preparations. The day started with a bike race right past our house. Mats was one of the officials.





Karin and the kids stopped to watch with us. Adam took a look at this photo, nodded his head as if to say, "yes, that is a cute photo of me. Use it!"


Elin in her traditional costume for the Solleron area next to our house. It is traditional to decorate the door with birch branches.


The man in blue is a very important man in Solleron who knows all the history. Blue is the traditional color for men's jackets and vests.


We helped Sarah with concessions. It was hysterical to sell without knowing Swedish. People, thankfully, laughed with us. We were later kicked out for lack of a green card and sent to enjoy the ceremony.


The big horn blows and soon the distant sound of violins can be heard as the wreaths and garland, prepared the previous evening and stored in the woods, are carried to maypole.


The girls wait while the garland is wrapped around the pole.





I thought the raising of the pole would be quick but it is a methodical process overseen by experts and executed by amateurs. There was lots of cheering and encouragement from the crowd.





And then the pole is raised, a huge cheer goes up, the ropes are taken down and everyone circles the maypole to start dancing. Young, old, Swedish, not-Swedish; everyone dances and no one cares who knows the steps or the words.


Julie in her traditional dress handmade by Sara and Karin.


Adam, a traditional Swedish boy, who is finally free of his costume.


Karin, Frida and Elin looking so beautiful in their costumes.


After the festivities were done, we headed back to Karin's to make pizza in her bake house. It is an old cattle barn that had been converted into sleeping space, with a full, modern kitchen and a wood oven. This is where the thin bread and lefse is made several times each year. Pizza is not a traditional midsommer food but I promised not to tell. Shhh.


It was fantastic pizza. New to me was adding bananas but was delicious.





This photo doesn't show it but on top of the pizza, I added a very lightly seasoned cabbage salad. It was delicious and I ate every bite. We sat through the evening laughing, drinking wine and making memories.


It was a very memorable day.

Note to those confused by the Karins. Mats, Karin and Sara are siblings. Mat's son, Magnus, is married to a different Karin. They are parents to Elin, Adam and Frida. To make things more interesting, Mats, Karin and Sara have a sister-in-law who is named Ulle-Carin.

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