Hørsholm, north of Copenhagen, Denmark. June 23, 2013. St. John's Eve, the Midsummer Eve or Sankthansaften in Denmark is celebrated by lighting bonfires at sundown. A straw and rag witch is placed on top of the bonfire before it is lit. Then it is time for the traditional speech and midsummer song. The bonfire arrangement including a cultural speech by a well-known person and the singing of the traditional midsummer song are held by most local authorities throughout the country. But local bonfires and celebrating parties are arranged nearly everywhere. Credit: Niels Quist/Alamy Live News
This is a popular celebration of the midsummer in the light northern summer night right after solstice. The sun isn't really down at this time, what could be called night is really a matter of a few hours. If weather permits people will enjoy a long evening outside by the fire and perhaps a firework display. The fire was traditional in the peasant society on many occasions and was seen as deprecation of all evil. Burning a rag and straw witch is a rather new tradition from the beginning of the 20th century, perhaps brought to Denmark by German immigrants. The bonfire arrangement including a cultural speech by a well-known person and the singing of the traditional midsummer songs are held by most local authorities throughout the country. But local bonfires and celebrating parties are arranged nearly everywhere. The beaches are especially popular and you will find numerous bonfires along the more than 7,000 km long coastline. The name Sankt Hans derives from the Danish name for St. John the Baptist, Johannes Døberen.
Size: 3744px × 5616px
Location: Hørsholm, Denmark
Photo credit: © Niels Quist / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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