These are the most basic essentials for any midsummer celebration anywhere. Of course you can also have a lot of other things but you cannot do without these.
1. "Matjessill"
"Matjes herring" is a prepared form of herring stored in a barrel before it is cleaned and packed in preserve with a special seasoning, comprising among other things, sugar, cinnamon, allspice and cloves. Often sandalwood is included in the seasoning.
(Please note that the Swedish matjes is not the same as the one sold in Germany or Holland. It is not as sharp in the taste and tastes more of the spices.)
2. "Färskpotatis"
Early potatoes, preferably the smaller ones, boiled with lots of dill.
3. "Gräddfil"
Sour creme.
4. "Gräslök"
Chives, chopped in about 1 centimeter long pieces
5. "Snaps"
Small glasses of spirits, usually "brännvin" or vodka but any "akvavit" will do, usually served very well chilled with your meal.
Most often you sing drinking songs before you imbibe.
After finishing the song shout "Skål" at the top of your voice and then look all the other guests straight in the eyes - starting with the lady to your right - and give each of them a small nod and a big smile.
Finally you can drink your "snaps"! Make sure to swallow all that is in the glass in one gulp. It is not considered polite to "bite off" the snaps, if you aren't a woman or a sissy boy.
6. "Midsommarkrans"
Wear a garland on your head, preferably one you made yourself.
Optional but classy "Jordgubbar"
Strawberries served with or without cream and sugar.
Have a wonderful Midsummer!
1. "Matjessill""Matjes herring" is a prepared form of herring stored in a barrel before it is cleaned and packed in preserve with a special seasoning, comprising among other things, sugar, cinnamon, allspice and cloves. Often sandalwood is included in the seasoning.
(Please note that the Swedish matjes is not the same as the one sold in Germany or Holland. It is not as sharp in the taste and tastes more of the spices.)
Early potatoes, preferably the smaller ones, boiled with lots of dill.
Sour creme.
Chives, chopped in about 1 centimeter long pieces
Small glasses of spirits, usually "brännvin" or vodka but any "akvavit" will do, usually served very well chilled with your meal.
Most often you sing drinking songs before you imbibe.
After finishing the song shout "Skål" at the top of your voice and then look all the other guests straight in the eyes - starting with the lady to your right - and give each of them a small nod and a big smile.
Finally you can drink your "snaps"! Make sure to swallow all that is in the glass in one gulp. It is not considered polite to "bite off" the snaps, if you aren't a woman or a sissy boy.
Wear a garland on your head, preferably one you made yourself.
Strawberries served with or without cream and sugar.
Have a wonderful Midsummer!
