There is a night in northern Finland when the sun never sets. In late June, the biggest celebration of mid summer takes place all over Finland. It is called Juhannus and has been celebrated for centuries. On this night huge bonfires are lit, usually near the many lakes that cover Finland’s landscapes.
The tradition of Juhannus stems from pagan fertility and agricultural harvest rituals. It was originally celebrated to honor the supreme God of sky and thunder, called Ukko, and used to be called the celebration of Ukko. Lighting fires this night was believed to bring good harvest, spark fertility, and banish darkness. Fire was also regarded as a symbol of purification and power. Christianity tried to banish the worship of Ukko from Finland near the end of 1600s, but the people still remember.
Because the night of Juhannus or Ukko is the brightest and longest night in the northern hemisphere, it was believed it held special kind of magic. Many Finnish folktales speak of fertility and love rituals. Young women make flower garlands and dress in white. Dancing, drinking, and celebrations take place in nature. Some never sleep this night, as the sun doesn’t set in many places until midnight, and in Lapland, it stays bright all night long.
Birch tree branches are gathered in decoration for Juhannus and to use as a vihta, or some call it ‘vasta’ in sauna that night. Sauna is another tradition for this day, in particular. Branches of fresh birch trees are used while bathing for renewal and purification. It’s one of my favorite things to do while in Finland. Old Finnish proverb says using a vihta in sauna on a midsummer night cures all ailments. The essential oils in birch leaves improve circulation and help remove toxins from the body.
The night of Ukko, the God of Thunder, is one of the most magical and mythical nights in Finland. In the old folk tradition, it was believed that miracles can happen and anything is possible this night.
If you want to dive deeper into the history and mythology of Juhannus, see this article I wrote for Shamans Market in 2017.
