TexasSwede

Today Midsummer is celebrated in Sweden, as well as in several other Nordic/Germanic countries. It is an old pagan holiday, and the only one (at least in Sweden) not hijacked by christianity, despite attempts.
Midsummer celebrates the summer solstice, the shortest night of the year. It actually takes place on June 21, but Midsummer is celebrated on the Friday closes to it, in order to give people a three day weekend.

The traditions in Sweden are that you raise a midsummer pole (sometimes called May pole), usually covered in leaves and flowers. You dance around it, for example the popular "frog dance" (YouTube video here), then eat pickled herring (different varieties) with cooked potatoes and sour cream, bread, cheese, beer and akvavit.

Glad Midsommar!

As probably most of you know, the scandinavian (Norwegian/Icelandic) explorer Leif Eriksson (Leifr Eiríksson) landed in North America almost 500 years before Columbus, in 1000 A.D. or perhaps 1-2 years later. He there established a small settlement. Today, October 9, is therefor, by presidential proclamation, Leif Erikson day in the US. As it should be, Leif Erikson Day is before Columbus Day (coming up this next Monday).

Leif Erikson Day, 2008

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

On Leif Erikson Day, we remember that son of Iceland and grandson of Norway for his journey to North America, and we celebrate the influential role Nordic Americans have played in our society.

Leif Erikson was among the world's greatest and most daring explorers. More than 1,000 years ago, he led a crew across the Atlantic to North America. Today, the same desire to explore and open new frontiers inspires our citizens and contributes to the strength of our Nation.

America's friendships with Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden are strong, and Nordic Americans have added to our rich cultural diversity and proud ancestry. On this day, we recognize these individuals for their remarkable achievements in all sectors of our society. America is grateful for the many contributions of Nordic Americans, and we continue to draw inspiration from the courage and optimism of the adventurous Leif Erikson.

To honor Leif Erikson and to celebrate our citizens of Nordic American heritage, the Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-566) approved on September 2, 1964, has authorized the President to proclaim October 9 of each year as "Leif Erikson Day."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2008, as Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to honor our rich Nordic-American heritage.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH