Happy Midsummer!

So, dear reader: Happy Midsummer from the east of Norway! Yes, we are celebrating! Midsummer eve, sankthansaften, is celebrated on a day around the summer solstice. It is on the longest day (and shortest night!) of the year, and is a much loved celebration!

European midsummer- related holidays, traditions and celebrations are pre-Christian in origin, and celebrated in many European cuntries. From ancient time it was a festival of the summer solstice. Some people believed that golden-flowered plants had healing powers, so they picked them on this night. 

Usually we celebrate with the burning of a large bonfire.  The bonfires were lit to protect against evil spirits which were believed to roam freely when the sun was turning southward again. In the old days people also though that the witches were on their way to meetings on this night. 

So, the bonfire is lit, and the party goes on all night (at least if the weather is good...) with barbeque, music and dance. Unfortunately we do not have the best midsummernight- weather this year, but we are hanging out with our family in Oslo, my sister and her family, and have a lovely time. 

An idyllic place - ready for Midsummer celebration

Barbeque by the lake

Today we drove out of Oslo to visit some dear dear friends. The last time we saw them was in Mumbai in March when they visited us there.  So, we had a lot of catching up to do! The weather was a bit better in the afternoon, so we walked around, enjoying the nature, the scenery and last but not least- the wonderful company. So, please have a look on our day - does't it look nice?

Peaceful view :-) 

I hope you had a nice day too dear reader! Ta ta from Oslo:-)