It’s time for Sankt Hans Aften at the Museum of Danish America
Hans-down the best night by the fire – By Nicky Christensen, Museum of Danish America –
Great hot dogs, an affinity for bicycles, tree-huggers, and happiness: a few of the stereotypes of Denmark that will be reinforced this Saturday, June 21, 2014 as the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa celebrates the summer solstice at its Sankt Hans Aften event.
Sankt Hans Aften (St. John’s Eve) is the Danish summer solstice festival that has been celebrated since the times of the Vikings. Midsummer’s Eve was changed to honor St. John the Baptist when Christianity arrived, but many of its pagan rituals survived the change, including the burning of a straw witch in a bonfire. Other elements of the celebrations held in Denmark include the singing of a song called “We Love Our Country,” and the drinking beer and snaps – specifically akvavit.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS | Saturday, June 21 | Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa
* 6 p.m. A roast-your-own hot dog meal will be available in the large council ring of the museum’s Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park. Danish-style toppings will be provided.
* 7 p.m. “Ringridning” bicycle jousting for kids and adults – BYOB (Bring Your Own Bicycle…and helmet).
* 7:30 p.m. Screening of the new documentary film “Jens Jensen–The Living Green” about a Danish immigrant who rose from street sweeper to “dean of landscape architects” to pioneering conservationist in the Midwest. The film will be shown inside the museum in the Bro Dining Room. The film premiered at Chicago’s Millennium Park on June 19 and is not widely available.
* 8 p.m. Live old-time country music by local musicians and group singing for maximum “hygge.” Bring your own chairs and blankets.
* 9 p.m. Sankt Hans Aften bonfire begins.
In the event of inclement, “Danish-style” weather, the documentary and live music will be held indoors.
All elements of this celebration are Free Will Donation to the Museum of Danish America, a 501(c)3 non-profit that depends on donor support. The event is sponsored by the Danish Brotherhood in America Lodge #15 (Des Moines, Iowa), Marne Elk Horn Telephone Company, Shelby County State Bank, and the Heartland Chapter of the Rebild National Park Society.
Questions about the event can be directed to the Museum of Danish America at (712) 764-7001 or at danishmuseum.org.
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