Celebrating Scottish Johnsmas with Kids: A Magical Midsummer Tradition
As summer arrives and the days grow longer, Scotland has its own special tradition to celebrate the season: Johnsmas, also known as Midsummer.
Observed around June 24–25, Johnsmas is one of Scotland’s lesser-known traditions. In Scottish folklore, it was considered one of the most magical nights of the year. Families marked the longest days of summer with customs connected to sunshine, nature, good fortune, and hopes for a successful harvest.
While children today may not celebrate Johnsmas in the same way Scottish families did generations ago, it gives parents and grandparents a beautiful opportunity to explore Scottish culture while creating meaningful memories together.
Activity 1: Make a Sunshine Suncatcher
Johnsmas celebrates the height of summer and the power of the sun. A colorful suncatcher helps children notice the sunshine while creating something beautiful for their window.
Supplies
- Clear contact paper
- Tissue paper in bright colors
- Scissors
- Paper plate or cardstock
- Hole punch
- Ribbon or string
Directions
- Cut the center out of a paper plate to create a frame.
- Place a piece of contact paper sticky side up.
- Invite your child to tear tissue paper into small pieces.
- Arrange the tissue paper on the contact paper to create a colorful design.
- Cover with a second piece of contact paper.
- Attach the paper plate frame around the edges.
- Punch a hole at the top and add ribbon.
- Hang in a sunny window.
Conversation Starters
- Why do you think people celebrated the longest day of the year?
- What colors remind you of summer?
- How does sunshine help plants and animals?
Activity 2: Create a Nature Charm
Many Scottish midsummer traditions were connected to nature and hopes for good luck. This simple nature charm helps children explore the outdoors while creating something meaningful.
Supplies
- Small flowers
- Leaves
- Grasses
- Twine or ribbon
- Child-safe scissors
Directions
- Take a short nature walk together.
- Collect a few fallen flowers, grasses, and leaves.
- Arrange the items into a small bundle.
- Tie the stems together with twine or ribbon.
- Hang the charm on a porch, in a playroom, or near a favorite window.
Conversation Starters
- What plants did we find today?
- Which colors do you notice in nature?
- Why do you think people long ago believed certain plants brought good luck?
Bring Scottish Culture Into Everyday Learning
One of the best ways to teach children about another culture is through stories, traditions, music, food, and hands-on activities.
Johnsmas reminds us that people around the world have always celebrated the changing seasons and the beauty of nature. Through a simple craft and a shared story, children can begin to understand how families in Scotland marked this special time of year.
This June, take a few moments to enjoy the sunshine, create together, and discover a little piece of Scotland right from home.
Happy Johnsmas!
