Solstice. Instead of Summer Solstice, they call it Sankt Hans Aften. Nobody really knows who Sankt Hans is, nor really cares much because, really, it's a very good excuse to stay up late, have fun and light bonfires.
In the beginning of the 20th century, it became common to affix a figure resembling a witch on top of the bonfire. This tradition came from Germany, and some Danes regard this particular part of the tradition with mixed emotions as it evokes memories of the horrible persecutions and "witch" burnings carried out in Denmark and other European countries in the 17th century. However, this custom is only a little part of the overall tradition, and it is extremely easy to immerse yourself in the general atmosphere of friends gathering together, which surrounds the celebration.
Over time, the tradition of lighting bonfires became dominant and other rituals gradually withered away as people enjoyed the coziness of gathering around a warm fire. Songs and music are a part of this tradition, which during the 19th century the singing of traditional folk songs were replaced by patriotic songs. The best known of these is the Danish Anthem, "Vi elsker vort land" ("We love our country") also known as the "Midsommervise" ("Midsummer song"). This national song is sung at every Sankt Hans Aften celebration across the country and it is thus very important for Danes to know this song which was written in 1885 by the Danish poet Holger Drachmann; the original version included music by P.E. Lange-Müller. In 1979 the Danish pop band "Shu-bi-dua" composed a new melody for the song, and since then either version has been accepted and used at Sankt Hans Aften celebrations among Danish groups. |
