We’re a glass half full type of crowd here at Kanon– and not just because we always know where there’s a Kanon cocktail nearby (although that does play a part). It's because we’ve always enjoyed celebrating the small things in life, whether it’s a Lykke Li show here in the city or the impending warmer weather, we'll take any chance we can get for a toast.
Midsummer is yet another of the many pleasures we enjoy in life– but this one doesn't necessarily fall into the "small" category. The Swedish holiday is something we've grown to love even more over time. While you might automatically assume that Midsummer is in the middle of summer, you'd be wrong. Midsummer actually falls around the summer solstice, right as the warm months kick off, and just because we’re far away from our homeland doesn’t mean it will stop us from celebrating the only way we know how- in full Swedish style. Or counting down the days 'til we can. (Be sure to check out the awesome countdown clock on our homepage. Only 79 short days until we get our Swedish celebrations on.) In anticipation of the best holiday ever, we thought we'd give you a little Midsummer lesson.
1) Some of our favorite traditions during Midsummer involve raising and dancing around a maypole decorated with flowers. People wear traditional costumes and crowns made of wild flowers. Can you say Swedish theme party?
2) Midsummer is thought to be when magic is at its all-time strongest. Girls will pick bouquets of seven different flowers and place them under their pillows to see their spouses in their dreams.
3) Water from the springs are said to bring good health and have healing powers. Drink up!
4) In 1953, Midsummer was moved to the closest Saturday to June 24th, thus allowing festivities to continue all weekend. We’re okay with anything that has to do with the weekend.
5) Nostalgia, tradition and celebrating nature make up a large part of what Midsummer is all about. It’s not uncommon to find yourself dancing in the countryside or near a lake outdoors during Swedish Midsummer. Cocktails with a view.
6) The Swedes love two things: drinking and drinking songs. When glasses are refilled (and we hope they are often), singing breaks out.
7) We know one of the most important rules of drinking is to enjoy a hearty dinner beforehand. At Midsummer, you’ll find pickled herring, sour cream, the harvest’s first potatoes and fresh strawberries for dessert on the menu.
Stay tuned as we bring all the best of Midsummer to New York City this year.
