Midsummer

Midsummer is a celebration of summer. It’s a national holiday when people get a day off from work to spend time with family and friends. Every year it’s celebrated at the end of June. Everyone travels to their countryside homes. Food is barbecued, the sauna is heated, and the waters are warm enough for a long swim. Wildflowers are everywhere; the table is decorated, and flower wreaths have been made.

The night ends up with what we call Kokko, a large bonfire by the water. You make a huge pile of wood and branches and then set it on fire. The fires can reach multiple meters, allowing people from opposite shores to see your bonfire. Often there is a little contest between neighbors that who makes the largest Kokko. Most of the Finns spend Midsummer by the lake or sea, and that’s why it’s possible to have such large bonfires.

Saunavihta

Saunavihta is something I like to make every Midsummer. It’s a birch whisk used in a sauna. In Nordic countries, it's used in the sauna to bring the lovely scent of birch in there. In a hot sauna, the birch branches release beautiful aromas. Some people also use it for whisking their backs.

A birch whisk is easy to make. Just cut a few branches of birch and tie them together. Place them in the sauna to get a beautiful smell!