The Swedish North Star, continuously published since 1872. Volume 146 No. 10, June 15, 2018. Price per copy $3.50.
The magic of
Midsummer
Raising of the Midsommarstång (Maypole) in Lindsborg, Kansas. Photo: Jim Richardson There just isn’t any holiday like a Swedish Midsummer, and maybe with the exception of December’s Lucia, there are few things more traditionally Swedish than a Swedish Midsummer celebration. Midsummer is something everyone looks forward to, a tradition that even non-Swedes can fall in love with as well. And while many annual traditions have developed and changed from year to year and from family to family, everything about Midsummer has remained much the same since its “modern” evolutionary changes of the 20th century. But that doesn’t mean the beloved holiday doesn’t remain fresh and current and lively; it’s a piece of culture to be proud of and share - with all the delicious food, flowers, fun, dancing and sunlight that the summer solstice brings. And wherever you are, there is very likely a Midsummer celebration near you, so check our comprehensive list of events and all the information you need, whether you’re celebrating in the U.S., in Sweden, in your memory or imagination. / p2, 6, 16 The Swedish election is predominantly about migration, law and order / p5 Really, who needs banks? / p4 A modern twist on Midsummer menu / p18
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The record heatwave in Sweden is now stopping trains /p29
‘The European Superpower’ In the 16th and 17th centuries, Sweden was the predominant power in Northern Europe. With barely one million inhabitants, the country rose in power and at some point controlled so much land that the Baltic Sea was essentially Sweden’s inland sea. Its influences in language and especially architecture remain to greater and lesser degrees in the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and parts of western Russia. History — and the Swedish kings’ wishes — notwithstanding, it’s not surprising given their geographic proximity. / p22