Celebrating Juhannus

By JUDI KOSKI

Juhannus, as the summer solstice is called in Finnish, refers to the Christian calendar's Feast of St. John the Baptist.

It is a holiday that is considered by Finns to be a quasi holy day, kept apart for special occasions such as family reunions, weddings and christenings.

The festival is celebrated on the Saturday that falls between June 20th and June 26th. This year it was celebrated on June 21. Many of the customs associated with Midsummer's Day derive from the pre-Christian festival of light and fertility that marked the summer solstice.

Those of Finnish heritage, wherever they may reside, gather together to feast, sing and dance. Homes are decorated with flowers and birch branches. Men, women and children alike participate in various events dressed in their colourful regional national costumes.

The excitement builds when the kokko, a huge bonfire, is fashioned into a distinct conical shape from old lumber. Close to midnight the kokko is ceremoniously set on fire to the endless delight of the spectators who linger far into the early morning hours.

Juhannus is also Finland's Flag Day. According to the official Juhannus rules, flags are raised at six in the evening on Midsummer's Eve and lowered at 21 hours on the the evening of the following day.