Goya Dmytryshchak
People are being invited to Finland’s biggest summer celebration being held in Altona this month.
Midsummer or Juhannus, which is held under varying names in many other countries, is a mix of pagan and religious traditions.
Originally a pagan celebration in tribute to the god of thunder, Ukko, it is also a celebration of Saint John or ’Juhannus’ in Finnish.
The Finnish Society of Melbourne is hosting lunch by a roaring symbolic “bonfire“ at its Finnish Hall in Pier Street.
President Jori Tossavainen said the celebration also marked the summer solstice.
“In Finland and Europe, they celebrate Juhannus,“ he said.
“It’s usually between 19th and 26th of June, which is when there is the longest day in the northern hemisphere.“
Members of the broader community are being invited to join the celebrations.
Altona resident Jeffery McDougall, who has taken up Finnish folk dancing despite not having Finnish background, said he was looking forward to Midsummer.
“I only knew about the Finnish community because of my housemate,“ he said.
“He just told me, ’you like coffee so go to the hall’.
“The Finnish coffee is just great and I never really left.“
Juhannus/Midsummer is planned for Sunday, June 27 from 1.15pm, provided COVID-19 restrictions allow.
The cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members.
RSVP to 0419 554 390 or tossavainen@bigpond.com
Guests should check the society’s Facebook page or website for updates closer to the date.
