Midsummer at Mämmenkylä and Koivisto Village

Midsummer in Mämmenkylä includes a traditional bonfire and old Midsummer spells. In the village of Koivisto, Midsummer is celebrated by villagers and cottage residents in perfect harmony. The Midsummer devotion is attended at the Honkaristi in Kapeenkoski. The flower wreath photo in the header was taken by Ilona Pietiläinen.

Midsummer in Mämmenkylä

Mämmenkylä is located in Central Finland, north of Äänekoski, about 10 km from the town center. Mämmenkylä is divided on both sides of Highway 4, and there are about 700 residents. Mämme is a beautiful small village nestled between Lakes Keitele and Kuhnamo. The best things about Mämmenkylä are the peace of nature, the forests, and the proximity to the shores. 

On 13 June I visited an event organized by the Mämme village association at the Mämme school shore and met some locals there. Some had lived their whole lives in Mämme, many for several years, and there were also returnees. I myself have lived in Mämmenkylä for almost six years.

In connection with celebrating Mämmen Midsummer, I interviewed active members of the village association, Johanna Helminen and Leila Muli. Other villagers also joined the discussion and were eager to reminisce about Midsummers of years past. 

We first noted that many spend Midsummer with their own family and relatives; community spirit has decreased compared to earlier decades. I myself have always spent Midsummer with my own family. According to those interviewed, celebrating Midsummer includes time together and shared activities such as boot throwing, darts, sleeping in a tent, spending time at cottages, and visits from friends and relatives. You also see summer cottage residents in the village, enjoying their lakeside cabins over the summer. 

Photo: Ilona Pietiläinen

Midsummer traditions include sauna bathing with a self-made birch whisk (vasta or vihta); one of the village men says the smoke sauna is the best. At nearly every house the gateposts are decorated with Midsummer birches. The more superstitious collect seven different wildflowers to place under their pillow and in their dreams see their Midsummer sweetheart or even future spouse. I, too, remember trying this Midsummer spell as a little girl, but no sweetheart has appeared yet. Some of the older villagers recall Midsummers when relatives often came from the city to visit Mämme.

Many feel that the Midsummers of childhood always seemed warm, whereas sometimes there have also been chilly ones. At Midsummer, people might head to Midsummer dances or to watch the bonfire. According to accounts, Midsummer dances were held years ago at Metsäpirtillä, where various events are still organized. These days, people in the village go to see the Midsummer bonfire at Mämmenniemi. 

Photo: Marjut Kinnunen, Mämme Midsummer bonfire from 2017.

The oldest settlement in the Äänekoski region dates to 1544, when Niilo Mämme from Pälkäne settled in the area. Mämmenniemi was named after him, and this Midsummer as well the bonfire will be lit in the same place for the villagers’ delight on Midsummer’s Eve at 10 pm. 

I wish everyone a happy and warm Midsummer! 
@Mämmentyttö Amelia Turunen

Midsummer in the village of Koivisto

In the village of Koivisto a joint Midsummer celebration has never been held, nor have common bonfires been burned. Midsummer in Koivisto is celebrated by locals and cottage residents, who may have their own bonfires burning. Originally, bonfires were used to ward off evil spirits, but perhaps they no longer serve that purpose and are simply part of Midsummer traditions without greater significance. Forest fire warnings, which prohibit making open fires, also affect whether bonfires can be lit.

However, a Midsummer devotion is held annually at the Honkaristi in Kapeenkoski. This year as well, on Sunday 21 June at 3 pm, you can take part in the joint Midsummer devotion of the Laukaa and Äänekoski parishes.

Religious observances in the area have a long history, as services are known to have been held already in the early 1500s. Of course, the Honkaristi did not yet exist then; it was erected only in 1980 by the parishes and local heritage people to commemorate the worship services of bygone times.  Midsummer festivities at Kapee began already in 1949, when Kapee’s long tradition of services was revived. Even if church activities are not among your interests, this tradition has an interesting and respectable history.  If you’re looking for a Midsummer tip for the Koivisto area, you could combine your Midsummer outing in the Kapee landscapes with a touch of history, which you can read about on the Koivisto village association’s website.

Have a nice Midsummer, everyone!
@luonnollisestiparempi Riitta

Sources for the text

Matti Hämäläinen, Chair of the Koivisto village association

Heikki Salonen, villager

Koivisto village association

Äänekoski Parish