Midsummer, also known as St John's Day, is the period of time centred upon the summer solstice, and more
specifically the Northern European celebrations that accompany the actual solstice or take place on a day
between June 19 and June 25 and the preceding evening. The exact dates vary between different cultures.
The Christian Church designated June 24 as the feast day of the early Christian martyr St John the Baptist, and
the observance of St John's Day begins the evening before, known as St John's Eve.
In Finland since 1955, the holiday has always been on a Saturday (between June 20 and June 26). Earlier it was
always on June 24. Many of the celebrations of midsummer take place on midsummer eve, when many workplaces are
closed and shops must close their doors at noon.