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.
On the mountain called Venabygdsfjellet in Ringebu, Norway, a small animal has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike. This animal is an adorable gray cat named Ida, who lives in the nearby area.
Ingredients: 2/3 c butter or margarine 16.9 oz milk 2 packets active dry yeast 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 - 2/3 cup sugar 2 tsp. cardamom 1 egg approx. 7 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Brushing and Garnishing: 1 egg granulated sugar Directions: Melt the butter, add the milk and heat it to [...]
Bernt Balchen was born just outside of Kristiansand, Norway on October 23, 1899. He was known as a navigator, mechanical engineer, polar aviator and distinguished military leader in the course of his life.
A South Dakotan TikToker and her sisters were visiting Gjerdrum, a small town on the northwestern outskirts of Oslo, where their ancestors had once lived. They toured Gjerdrum kirke, the church where their grandfather had been baptized, but could not have been prepared for what happened next.
Bernt Balchen was born just outside of Kristiansand, Norway on October 23, 1899. He was known as a navigator, mechanical engineer, polar aviator and distinguished military leader in the course of his life.
