Midsummer, an observation of the longest day of the year, is celebrated in each of the Scandinavian countries. Midsummer was originally a pagan holiday, and tribute was paid to the powers of the sun god with bonfires signifying the defeat of darkness.
In modern day Denmark bonfires are also an important part of the celebration. Danes gather for a picnic, and after dark a bonfire with an effigy of a witch on top is set ablaze. A rocket-like firecracker is concealed in the witch’s clothing which, upon ignition, represents the witch’s return to Bloksbjerg, a mountain in the Black Forest and the home of the devil.
The summer solstice is my favorite day of the year. So this year, I took the day off work so could properly enjoy it. I started the day off by enjoying some of my cold brew iced coffee on my patio. I had a pedicure (must have pretty toes for sandal wearing!), took a long bike ride, ate lunch outside, and ate some delicious ice cream in the sunshine.
I believe the nicest set and sweetest days are not those which anything very splendid or wonderful happens, but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.
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