A Midsummer's greeting from Sweden
A Nordic celebration of summer amidst the contrasting South African winter
Hello!
Today is a special day for me and my fellow Swedes - it's Midsummer. As a native of Sweden, I've been traveling back and forth to South Africa, situated in the southern hemisphere, for the last 15 years. The country is currently in the grip of a dark and chilly winter. This has offered an intriguing contrast for me personally, as it has given me the opportunity to prolong the summer season each year.
In Sweden, particularly in the northern parts, the sun never really sets during the summer, offering us nearly 24/7 daylight. However, the winter months are a stark contrast, featuring almost three months of complete darkness.
Due to this stark transition in our weather patterns, we place a great deal of importance on celebrating seasonal feasts. Midsummer stands out as one of the most beloved celebrations, second only to Christmas.
Midsummer is a traditional Swedish holiday, celebrating the longest day of the year. It often involves the crafting and erecting of a maypole - a tall, decorated pole - around which people perform traditional folk dances, share a feast, and enjoy the company of friends and family. This celebration is a delightful way to appreciate the light that the summer sun provides, before we venture into the darker months of the year. This means I must start planning to return to the South Africa sun soon.
I want to extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you. No matter where you are or what season it is for you, I hope that you find a moment of joy, community, and light. Here's wishing you all a very pleasant Midsummer!
Best,
Jonas Nilsson
PS:
I've just wrapped up a trailer that delves into the serious issue of white townships in South Africa. You can check out the trailer below, and stay tuned for the full story, which will be out soon!
Thanks for your continued support and interest in South African affairs.