as the hours of daylight and sunshine gradually decreased. For pagan mystics the days around summer-solstice were thus the best time to go out in the countryside and cut herbs and plants for use in their concoctions. After Christianity had made its entry into Denmark, such activities were generally frowned upon, and people tended to believe that gathering together and lighting huge bonfires would be a good way to ward off evil spirits and witches, which is why a witch effigy is often placed on top of the bonfire today.

“Hygge”
The tradition offers insight into the Danish culture of “hygge” - a word that's hard to translate, and no foreigner can hope to pronounce, but it's as Danish as pork roast and cold beer. It might be difficult to grasp, but when you understand “hygge” it goes far in illuminating the Danish soul. Hygge is about gathering family and close friends, lighting some candles or better yet a bonfire and serving plenty of food and drink. Then raise a toast or two, or three, and feel the warmth flow around among you and enjoy being together. Close words like cosiness, fellowship, security, reassurance or well-being just don't add up to hygge. The whole, ie “hygge” is greater than the sum of its parts.

Do like the Danes do
Follow these easy steps to experience intense hygge on Sankt Hans Night.
Head to the beaches of North Jutland on the night of June 23, purchase food and drink for a Danish picnic or barbecue and learn the lyrics to "Vi Elsker Vort Land." also known as the "Midsommervise" ("Midsummer Song"). It is sung at every Sankt Hans-celebration across the country. Arrive at the beach early to select an area for yourself close to the fire. It is likely to be a speech by a local politician or writer and you have you picnic or barbecue while you wait for the daylight to dim and the bonfire to be lit.

“Vippefyret” in Skagen on Sankt Hans Night, and in fact the poet Holger Drachmann is in the painting. It is one of the artist’s last paintings and it took him 14 years to finish. Today it is displayed in Skagen Museum along with many other art pieces created by the artist colony in Skagen.

Where to go
There are several bonfires along North Jutland’s coast - If you take a look along the coast you will see numerous small fires. Like in the painting there is still a bonfire by Vippefyret in Skagen every year, where there will be speeches by the fire, singing and musical entertainment. Nearby in Aalbæk there will be a parade led by 50 men from Frederkshavn’s guard company and orchestra and the children are given dough on sticks to bake over the fire. On the west coast in Hirtshals it is possible to go on a treasure hunt before watching the bonfire while the sun sets in the sea as a backdrop.