Celebrate Midsummer in Åland
Midsummer is one of the most celebrated holidays on the Åland Islands. Like other Nordics, Ålanders love the bright summer night and enjoy celebrating outdoors in the countryside or in the archipelago with family and friends. If you are on Åland during Midsummer, you must not miss the maypole that is raised in almost every village.
There’s a maypole in nearly every village in the whole of Åland. Each village has its own traditions regarding the celebrations and the appearance of the maypole. Usually, it’s richly decorated and leafy and an old symbol of fertility and greenery. The tradition of the pole has engaged many islanders over several generations and remains important to many, even though fewer today are connected to traditional archipelago professions such as farming, fishing, and shipping, that the maypole celebrates.
The Maypole is Raised on Midsummer Eve
Did you know that each maypole on Åland is unique? Although no pole is exactly like another, they have a lot in common. All the Åland maypoles are 10-25 meters tall and equipped with simple or crossed spars. The simple poles are most common in the archipelago, while the crossed spars are more frequent in the countryside. Some poles are adorned with colorful crowns, while others are entirely green and decorated with leaf wreaths and juniper twigs.
Decorating the spars with crowns is most common in the countryside. The colorful crowns are related to Christmas straw crowns and are prepared well in advance, jointly by the villagers. The work often takes several months as it is done voluntarily by villagers or small local societies.
The final decorations are made only days before or on Midsummer Eve itself. Then, the pole is dressed with fresh leaf garlands and floral wreaths. Everyone is welcome to help with the decorating, which is a great way to connect with locals and an experience many appreciate!
The Maypole Carry Symbolism
There are many interpretations of the symbolism behind the different details of the maypole. Each part symbolizes something important to the archipelago residents including a good harvest and successful voyages. The maypoles also wish to honor good weather, shipping and fishing – and sometimes there is also a simple desire to create a finer maypole than that of the neighboring village.
Leaf garlands, representing a good harvest, form patterns of hourglasses or squares when stretched between the pole and the spars. At the top of the maypole stands a wooden figure, waving his arms in the wind as a symbol of diligence and work. Below the figure is a pennant or flag, often in the Åland colors of blue, red, and yellow.
Some maypoles are decorated with a sun symbolizing life-giving warmth, and small sailboats sail around the pole as a symbol of Åland's maritime heritage. The colorful crowns which adorn the spars, symbolize virginity, youthfulness, health, and a bright future. The entire pole is a tribute to summer.
Midsummer Feast is Enjoyed with Family and Friends
Food is an essential part of any celebration, not at least on Midsummer! Dill-boiled new potatoes, along with pickled herring, smoked and cured fish, black archipelago bread, and real butter, are served on the Midsummer table in almost every Åland home. For dessert, the summer’s first strawberries are served with ice cream or whipped cream. Chilled schnapps and beer, preferably from a local brewery, are served for adults.
See You at the Maypole!
On Midsummer Eve, many people head to the village's maypole for leafing and raising the pole in the company of villagers and summer guests. The final decorations are now made on the pole. These include leaf garlands and various flower decorations. Flower crowns are also woven to wear on the head, and children pick summer bouquets.
In many villages, the maypole is still raised by hand with wooden tongs under the direction of the pole captain who gives instructions for the group. When the pole is up, everyone sings "Ålänningens sång," sometimes accompanied by an accordion or other music. In some villages, people dance around the pole, and in others, a dance is held at the local youth or village hall until the sun rises.
The pole tradition strengthens community in the villages and is an excellent example of the archipelago's cooperative spirit. It's nice to meet other villagers in festive settings and chat for a while. Many are summer Ålanders who have come back home for summer vacation, and what better gathering place to meet old acquaintances than at the Midsummer pole in the middle of the village!
Celebration in Mariehamn, Kastelholm and in the Countryside
If you are in Mariehamn on Midsummer Eve, you should go to Engelska Parken park right next to the museum ship Pommern. At Jan Karlsgården in Kastelholm, leaf binding starts at 18:00, followed by the crown parade and pole raising at 20:00. The program includes singing the Åland anthem Ålänningens sång, a greeting speech, dance around the pole, and there’s also coffee and refreshments for sale.
n the Åland countryside, a maypole is raised in all the municipalities. Information about when the maypole is raised in different villages can be found in our events calendar as well as in the local newspapers. You can also ask for tips from your accommodation.
What’s good to be aware of is that the stores close earlier on Midsummer Eve. Some shops stay closed on Midsummer Day, so it's wise to make your grocery shopping in a good time!
Midsummer Eve is always celebrated on the Friday that falls between June 19-25.
