All Norway celebrates Jonsoksdag, also called St. John's Day, St. Hans Day, or Midsummer Day, June 24th. 
   Before Christianity came to Norway, Midsummer Day was a celebration of the summer solstice. It was considered bad luck to start new work projects on Jonsok eve. People stacked piles of wood at traditional sites, usually at the top of a hill or on other high ground.  The ceremony would begin with community members dressed in their best in procession to the bonfire site.  The fire was lit at twilight and the celebration would begin. Music was played while children played games and adults danced until dawn. It was a time of great joy and celebration.

   In pagan times, celebrants believed that starting fires on Jonsok would  protect both people and animals from illness; the fires would strengthen the sun. 

    In early Christian times, religion adopted this pagan holiday.  Jonsok night because a time for contemplation and midnight mass. When the country embraced the Lutheran faith, the celebration remained virtually unchanged;  a Lutheran service was held at midnight that included communion. Today Jonsoksdag has lost most of its spiritual significance. It is still celebrated as a time to share with family and friends.                               

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