Dear citizens and friends of Lorenzburg,
It is said that Midsummer is the most magical celebration of the year! The elves creep closer to the doorsteps of human children, the trolls decorate their hats with linden blossom and honeysuckle, and the Neck plays his fiddle so that cascades of notes pour into the stream and on toward the sea. Those who plan to pick flowers in the night would be wise to stuff their ears, lest they be lured off the path.
Who knows if it’s true, but the old folks claim that the ancient song “Out in our meadow grow blueberries” actually contains the recipe for a love potion. One might imagine that roses and sage, spearmint and heart’s delight (lemon balm) could be brewed into quite a tasty elixir. Lilies and columbine are likely included more for their beauty. However, since columbine is a poisonous herb, darker traditions whisper that the song may be a verbally transmitted recipe for an abortifacient… Midsummer is an ancient fertility feast, but some twilight encounters on Midsummer night might have been intended more for lovemaking than for adding another mouth to feed at the croft. Perhaps some pinned their hopes on dangerous herbs like columbine to avoid just that—for as enchanting and beautiful as summer can be, so harsh is the northern winter!
For those who prefer simpler love charms, one can carry a red apple in the armpit all day. If someone takes a bite of it in the evening, it is said to guarantee romantic success before dawn! And for the bold-hearted: roll naked in the dew of Midsummer night, and you shall enjoy good health until the next summer. Last but not least: everyone knows the old magic trick of sleeping with seven kinds of flowers—gathered beyond seven fences—beneath your pillow. Then, you may dream of your future spouse. But not a word may be spoken to a living soul from the moment you start picking until you awaken. And should you happen to meet the forest maiden or the troll king—it’s best to offer a polite bow or curtsey. Such fine folk appreciate well-mannered human children.
With that said: Happy Midsummer from Lorenzburg!
If it pleases you, you may enjoy this traditional Swedish midsummer anthem: