Most countries around the world celebrate the summer solstice in one way or another. The Swedish Midsummer night is very iconic, with their Maypole, flower crown, dancing and singing. We wrote about that last year. Click here to read on Instagram. This year’s summer solstice topic is Iceland.
In Icelandic this night (the night of 24th of june) is called Jónsmessunótt and is one of three most mystical nights of the year, the others being New Year’s Eve and the Epiphany (Þréttándinn – 6th of January) when Christmas is officially over.
On Jónsmessunótt the universe will open a little window to other dimensions and strange things will occur:
- All animals will be able to speak. Seals will drop their skin, take it off just like a worn raincoat and leave it on the shore. Without their skin they become human for a night.
- Herbs picked on Jónsmessunótt will have special healing power and the morning dew on the grass will mend any skin issues. People must roll around in the grass naked to get the best effects, but many people were content to bathe their face or walk barefoot in the dew. In any case, the key is not to dry it off, instead let it try on its own on your skin.
- On this night there is a greater possibility of finding natural stones with magical power than on other nights. There are, for example, so-called solution stones to help people with dementia, as well as wish stones also called defense stones that will protect you against evil forces.
- Just if that is not enough, on Jónsmessunótt is your best chance to call on your dead relatives and have them tell you about the future that lies ahead.
