Midsummer Eve's celebrations
Maypoles are raised in many villages throughout Åland. The maypole that is richly decorated with green leaves, and flowers is typical of midsummer in Åland and is an ancient symbol of fertility and greenery.
Every village has its own traditions in terms of celebrations and the look of the maypole – no two maypoles are alike.
Some maypoles are decorated with colourful midsummer crowns while others are completely green and adorned with wreaths of leaves and garlands of juniper twigs. The leaves represent a good harvest and make hourglass or wheel patterns when they are fastened between the maypole and ropes.