Vårparnatt is a Swedish fertility festival stemming from the country District, Medelpad. As a holiday, it grew into brief popularity during the 18th century, but quickly faded from popularity, replaced by the more widespread Midsummer
Origins
The holiday originates in Pagan folklore, it coincided with the harvest of rutabagas, traditionally set on 9 January. The day is meant to usher in the days of bloom and celebrate female fertility. The celebrations themselves involved dances, predominantly variations of the Swedish Schottis and Slängpolska. The dances often incorporated potatoes, serving as an emblem of fertility.
References
- Nilsson, Sven (1994). Våra Käraste Folkvisor. Stockholm: INFO BOOKS AB. p. 56. ISBN 91-7003-077-4.
- Liman, Ingmar (1983). Traditional Festivities in Sweden. Arlöv: Berlings. p. 21. ISBN 91-520-0113-X.
- Cerf, Bennett (1964). Great Classical Thoughts. New York: Random House Inc. pp. 191–195.