The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

MIDSOMMAR DAGEN

AMONG THE FOLK OF SWEDISH DESCENT IN MINNESOTA, MIDSUMMER DAY
ON JUNE 24TH IS OF SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE. THIS IS THE BIRTHDAY OF
JOHN THE BAPTIST, EXACTLY SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE BIRTHDATE OF
CHRIST. "JOHANNES DOPARENS DAG" IS CELEBRATED WITH LARGE
FESTIVE PICNICS.
THE INFORMANT SAYS THAT JOHN THE BAPTIST DAY PICNICS ARE STILL
CELEBRATED AMONG MANY SWEDISH COMMUNITIES.

Where learned: MINNESOTA ; STURGEON LAKE

Date learned: 03-28-1970