Every year as summer emerges from the dark and depressing cave of winter, Sweden prepares for its most culturally significant holiday: Midsommar. Originally a pagan celebration, these days Midsommar is an excuse for Swedes to revisit the customs and traditions of their ancestors on the shortest night of the year. Every aspect of the day has some sort of historic significance, from the flower-covered Maypole to the desire to stay outdoors.
Though it’s celebrated in various locales around the world, a Swedish Midsommar is truly unlike anything else. This year, Sleek is teaming up with Absolut Vodka to show our readers how to celebrate like a real Swede. As we count down the days until this year’s Absolut Midsommar Weekender event in Ahus, Sweden from 24-25 June, we’ll cover all the basics, including how to make a traditional Midsommar flower crown.
For even more from our Absolut guide to Sweden’s biggest holiday, grab a cocktail shaker and test out one of our must-try Midsommar cocktails. Or, gather your closest friends and find out the best parks in Berlin to celebrate this year.
Jumper by Molly
Long before Lana Del Rey and Coachella came along, flower crowns were worn by Swedes during Midsommar. As a celebration of both the summer solstice and fertility, it makes sense that florals in full-bloom are used to decorate everything imaginable on this day. For most Swedes, it just isn’t Midsommar if you aren’t wearing a flower crown.
We teamed up with the talented ladies of Poems and Posies and had them teach us everything there is to know about making the perfect flower crown. Head to your local florist for a bouquet of your favourite blooms and follow along for your very own Midsommar headdress. And for more fun from Poems and Posies, don’t forget to stop by their Emily Katz macrame wall hanger and plant hanger workshop, running from 28-29 June!
Dress by Acne Studios
Step 1: Select your flowers
Typical Midsommar wildflowers like Margaritas and Cornflowers work well, but don’t forget to include a few of your favourite blooms to make it really stand out.
Dress by Dagmar, turtleneck by COS
Step 2: Create the base for your flower crown
Cut a thin branch with green leaves to fit in a circular shape around your head. Then, cut a few 4-5 inch pieces of florist wire to have ready for later steps.
Dress by Acne Studios
Step 3: Secure the crown’s shape
Gently form the branch into a circular shape to form a loose crown around your head. Cut off any excess branches and seal together with wire. Wrap with wire several times for extra security.
Shirt by Weekday
Step 4: Organise flowers into small bouquets for your crown
Arrange small bundles of wild flowers and greenery into little bouquets. Make sure to leave enough stem room in order to attach each bouquet to the crown.
Pants by Malaika Raiss, jumper by Molly
Step 5: Add blooms to your crown
Using the prepared florist wire from before, attach the small bouquets onto the crown in a similar direction.
Jumper by Molly
Step 6: Rock your new Midsommar-ready flower crown while partying with Absolut
Once you’re pleased with the amount of flowers on your crown, pop it on your head and enjoy as you sip on your favourite Absolut cocktail.
For more information please visit absolut.com