Sankt Hans Aften

We all dragged ourselves out of bed fairly early this morning to get Kate and Derek to the airport.  We were all up late last night and the early hour was hard on everyone.  They had a long trip ahead of them, and in fact, are still in the air as I type.  

They touched down in Paris long enough to change flights (2 hour layover), then continued on to Los Angeles with another 2 hours to collect their luggage, get through customs, and catch a flight to Phoenix.  As of now, there are still several hours ahead of them until they are home. 

We have had a marvelous time with them, and hope they will have many happy memories of their stay in Europe, especially in Copenhagen.

Today was a day to celebrate!  It was Sankt Hans Aften.  We went to Mette and Jesper's home to join the Williams, the Hoges, the Taylors, the Hansens and Gerti - a very dear friend of Mette's - all temple workers except for Gerti.  We had a great meal and then walked a mile or so along a lovely lake to a place where we watched a bonfire being lit and then fireworks. 

Once again, we had some fabulous food and fun with friends at Mette and Jesper's home.  They are amazing people....two of the kindest individuals I have ever met.

It was cool enough to wear a jacket, yet so pleasant.  The nighttime sky at 11:00 was gorgeous.  We saw several of our YSAs there....they are so cute.....they sat on the end of the pier and watched.  One was a couple who have been married a few months and there was another possible couple there also. 

We retraced our steps along the lake path and along a lane lined with stately old homes - mansions....some a couple of stories high - nearly all with well-manicured grounds and sparkling windows.  We agreed that we need to walk that path again during the day time....it must be breathtaking.....it was so lovely at night. 

Mette walks around the lake every day except Sunday....a walk of over 5 miles.  Can you imagine?  It takes her about an hour and a half to two hours.  I'll bet she gets some good thinking done during that time.  

Just for your information, this is what I found online about the celebration:

Midsummer Eve, or Sankt Hans aften as 23 June is called in Danish, is an old Danish tradition. On this evening people gather across the country at bonfires to sing, listen to speeches, and not least to send the witches off to Bloksbjerg in Germany. Traditionally a wooden figure will be placed on the fire resembling a witch.

Sankt Hans is the Danish name for John the Baptist who was allegedly born on 24 June. In Denmark he is celebrated on the evening before, just like we celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve 24 December instead of on Christmas Day.

We were too far away to see if there were any witches in the bonfire....but I am wondering what Bloksbjerg, Germany did to deserve all of the witches from Denmark sent their way.

I'll let you know if I find out anything.....but if it is anything like this little part of Europe, it has to be wonderful.