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January 16 marks the day that Sons of Norway was founded in 1895. On that day 130 years ago, eighteen individuals signed the charter that made this organization official.

A hundred years ago in Lillehammer, Norway, cabinetmaker Thor Bjørklund was using a planer to smooth out some wood, when the idea of a more efficient cheese slicer came to him- one that would be more precise and easier than cutting with a knife.

On July 4, 1825, a group of 52 Norwegians set sail on the ship Restauration to make the first organized migration from Norway to North America.

Friluftsliv has long been an important part of Norwegian society. It translates to “open-air-life” and is the concept of embracing the outdoors and connecting with nature. The idea behind friluftsliv has been around for centuries as can be seen in philosopher’s books such as those written by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Henry David Thoreau.  

To celebrate 100 years of the Norwegian cheese slice, grab some hearty wheat or rye bread and try out some of these open-faced sandwich toppings featuring Norwegian cheeses.

The Christmas season is upon us! For many, this time of year is full of traditions. Some traditions may have been passed down to us, while others we create along the way. Those of us from Scandinavian heritage may share some of the same traditions.

Around the holidays, it is no surprise that food tends to be top of mind for many. What will I make for Christmas dinner? How many Christmas cookies should I make? What will be served at the lodge julebord?

A holiday tradition.

Most, if not all of you have seen – and hopefully purchased – this year’s Sons of Norway Christmas ornament. Continuing in the tradition that started in 2009, our annual ornament is designed by a talented rosemaler in the style of their artistic training. The ornament this year was painted by Karen Van Loan of Apple Valley, Minnesota. 

While Norwegian and English certainly share many words in common, there are plenty of examples where their vocabulary diverges. Take for example, words such as ski, cat/katt and fjord, which need little translation.