Posts under "History"

The Valdres Region of Norway

Posted by kari No Comments
Nov 9 2011

The other day I posted about Rakfisk Festival, which is a festival that takes place every year in celebration of fermented trout and char, as well as other local food production and handicrafts.  Fagernes, a small city in the region of Valdres, Norway is where the annual festival takes place.  Although I´ve driven through Valdres, I did not really know that much about the region–until now.  So, I thought I´d write a bit about the Valdres region of Norway and what it is known for, what one can do there, etc.

First, I´d like to begin by saying that the dialects people speak from this central region of the country are very different than the rest of the country. When I studied at the University of Oslo, I had a class with a girl named Karine who was from Valdres  and I could literally barely understand her.  My Norwegian is by no means perfect, but I am fluent and I can understand all other dialects I´ve heard.  This one was tough though.  I mean, it was almost like the different between spoken Norwegian and Danish-she used completely different words sometimes.  For example, here are some words where you can see a marked difference between a Valdres dialect and standard bokmål:

Examples of local words Squirrel - Norwegian: ekorn, Valdres: ikødn All right (as in an all right person) – Norwegian: grei, Valdres: snodig (which in Norwegian normally means strange/funny) Lonely - Norwegian: ensomt, Valdres: aule

Oppland County

Let´s move on to geography and demographics.  Valdres belongs to the fylke (county) of Oppland and is made up of 6 municipalities:

  • Sør-Aurdal (The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Bagn)
  • Nord-Aurdal (The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Fagernes)
  • Vestre Slidre (The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Slidre)
  • Øystre Slidre (The administrative centre of the municipality is the village Heggenes)
  • Etnedal (The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Bruflat)
  • Vang (The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Vang i Valdres)
Valdres is situated between the valleys of Gudbrandsdal and Hallingdal (dal means valley) approximately halfway between Oslo and Bergen.  The major European highway E16 runs through it and it also has an airport (in Fagernes).  This part of the country is stunning with all of the mountain ranges and valleys and small farms.
Historically, agriculture was a major industry in Valdres, but today tourism and trout fishing have surpassed agriculture as forms of livelihood.  There is plenty to do for tourists who visit Valdres.  Valdres is well known, as mentioned earlier, for trout fishing, as well as cycling, hiking, horse riding, rafting, golf, and of course skiing in the winter.
Let´s go to Valdres! 

Lapskaus Boulevard, a tale about Norwegians in Brooklyn, NY

Posted by kari No Comments
Nov 7 2011


Lapskaus Boulevard used to be the nickname for 8th Ave. in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY.  What does Lapskaus mean and why was 8th Ave. referred to as this?

Lapskaus is a northern European stew and the Norwegian version is usually made with beef and gravy.  The name became associated with 8th Ave. because many Norwegians (and Danes) settled in the working class neighborhood of Bay Ridge in Brooklyn.  Although there was a significant Norwegian presence in the New York metropolitan area for several hundred years, it wasn’t until the 1920s that this area of Bay Ridge in Brooklyn became seriously inhabited by Norwegians.

Sølandet Restaurant on 8th Ave.

On street corners one could hear many different Norwegian dialects spoken as emigrants from all over Norway left their homeland.  The majority of the Norwegian residents, however, were from southern Norwegian coastal communities.  It should be no surprise then that these Norwegians who settled in New York were to a great degree involved in maritime activities.

In this neighborhood, there were Norwegian restaurants that served fiskekaker (fish cakes) and lefse, grocery stores that sold brunost (brown cheese) and lingonberry syltetøy (jam).  There were Norwegian Lutheran kirker (churches) scattered around the neighborhood, and an annual Syttende Mai (17th of May) parade was established and continues to this day.

Gradually the neighborhood became more and more populated by Chinese and Arab immigrants and is now called “Little Hong Kong.”  There are still indications that this used to be a neighborhood of Norwegian immigrants.  Siv Ringdal, a woman from a small town in southern Norway called Lista, has written several books about Norwegian emigration to the United States and how this move affected the Norwegian emigrants’ hometowns back in Norway and how their Norwegian roots affected life in the U.S.

I actually met Siv Ringdal (b. 1973) back in 2006 when I lived in Oslo for a semester during my junior year of college.  I had heard about her book, ¨The American Lista…¨and was very interested in her cultural historian work.  I emailed her and we set up a time to meet for coffee at a quaint little café north of central Oslo.  She gave me a copy of the book and told me all about how she got into this project.  She mentioned Lapskaus Boulevard and it is not until this weekend that I thought about it and saw that she indeed completed it and it was published.  Now I need to buy it and read it.

Det Amerikanske Lista

I have a step-brother and step-sister who live in Brooklyn, New York, so for sure next time I visit, I will take a stroll down 8th Ave. and experience the remnants of Norwegian immigration to the area.

Akevitt-the Norwegian flavored spirt otherwise known as “Water of Life”

Posted by kari No Comments
Oct 15 2011

Akevitt (Norwegian spelling), akvavit and aquavit-however you prefer to spell it, is a delicious flavored (many are probably mumbling “speak for yourself” right now…) spirit home to Scandinavia-Norway, Sweden, and Denmark in particular.  Brandy is known by the French as “eau de vie” (Water of Life).  Of course I will be focusing on Norwegian Akevitt!

While other nations distill grains to produce the tasty beverage, Norwegian akevitt is made from distilled poteter.  The distinct flavor comes from a variety of different spices and herbs depending on the kind-caraway is by far the most popular, but dill, cardamom, cumin, anise, and fennel are typical ingredients as well.  Akevitts vary in color from clear to a light and even caramer colored brown.  Some akevitt is aged in oak casks, which give it a brownish hue.  The longer it is stored in the oak casks, the darker the hue will be.  Norwegian akevitt is aged in oak casks for anywhere from 1-12 years.  Caramel coloring is also used sometimes to create a brown hue without using oak casks.  Clear akevitt is known as “taffel.” 

 

Linje!

 

Varieties of Norwegian akevitt include Løiten, Lysholm, Gilde, and my personal favorite Linje.  I’m not sure I’ve even tried all of the aforementioned brands, but I appreciate the time, energy, and journey Linje akevitt embarks on before it is on the market.  Linje akevitt is said to achieve it’s bold and distinct flavor (as well as brown hue) because it is aged in oak casks that travel on ships from Norway to Australia and back, thus crossing the equator 2 times.  No, there is no superstition or magic involved in the equator crossing (that we know of at least-wink), but rather the constant movement, fluctuating temperatures, and high humidity cause the impacts of the aging process to be exemplified.  This is certainly quite the tur-retur (round-trip) journey for ei flaske alkohol (a bottle of alcohol) to take, not to mention costly!

Norwegians drink akevitt our of either shot glasses or long stemmed tulip-shaped glasses and they drink it in “snaps,” that is small shots during a meal.  Akevitt is not consumed as often as vodka, beer, or wine, for example.  It is a spirit consumed during traditional meals on Sankthansaften (Midsummer), 17. Mai (17th of May, Norway’s Constitution Day), Påske (Easter), and Jul (Christmas) as it is known to ease the digestion of rich foods (these holidays call for rich food!)  Typically, the host says “Skål!” (Cheers!) which is the signal for everyone to make eye contact with the host and take a snap!  Many people that I have consumed akevitt with absolutely despise it for it’s unusual flavor.  Although I hate caraway seeds in bread, for instance, I love akevitt.

Home distilling of akevitt is illegal in Norway, but a common practice.  I’ve had the pleasure of drinking heimbrent (home distilled) vodka, but not akevitt.  Someday I hope to enjoy this delicacy!

 

 

 

The Norwegian King and Queen Visit the Midwest, New York

Posted by kari No Comments
Oct 11 2011

This was the royal couple a long time ago....

Kong Harold and Dronning Sonja arrive in the United States today to embark on a 12 day journey that will take them to the great midwest (read: I was born and raised and currently reside in Northfield, MN-one destination for the royal couple) and none other than the Big Apple for a ball!  Other members of the Norwegian Royal family have visited the midwest in my lifetime as well.  In fact, when I was a student at St. Olaf, Crown Prince Haakon visited in 2005, as well as his sister, Princess Märthe Louise in 2006.  Princess Astrid visited in 2008.  This is not the first time that Harald and Sonja will visit either.  The Norwegian royal family makes semi-regular visits to colleges and communities in the midwest that have strong relationships with or a history rooted in Norway.  Please find here a brief itinerary-perhaps the royals will be in your area:)

Oct. 13– The first visit on the trip is Luther College in Decorah, IA.  Luther was founded by Norwegians and is actually the oldest Norwegian Norwegian-American College in the United States.  Furthermore, this year marks Luther’s 150th anniversary.

Oct. 14–Drumroll please….St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN-my alma mater and my city.  And I will be out of town on business:(  St. Olaf was founded by Norwegians just 13 years after Luther.  St. Olaf is named after Kong Olav II Haroldsson, who ruled Norway from 1016 to 1030 and was responsible for Christianizing Norway.  Harald and Sonja will attend a Norwegian class taught my one of my old Norwegian professors.  That will be so much fun for all!

I would like to quote Jean Callister Benson (Director of Special Events at St. Olaf) on the royal visit:

“We want the King and Queen to know that this college remains dedicated to the high standards set by our Norwegian immigrant founders.  In the spirit of free inquiry and free expression, we still offer an environment that integrates teaching, scholarship and creative activity.  While we are working hard to become a diverse community, we remain true to our Norwegian heritage.”

Oct. 16–Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN.  Founded in 1869 by Norwegians, this college was originally a seminary.  Augsburg has huge significance in that it is the only place outside of Norway that holds an official Norwegian Peace Prize Forum.

Oct. 17–Their Majesties will continue north up to Duluth, MN.  I will digress and tell a joke here:  Who founded Duluth?  Dulutherans!  Haha.

Burt Enger, a Norwegian immigrant, built a 5-story tower overlooking Lake Superior in Duluth, which Kong Harald and Dronning Sonja dedicated.  Now it is time for their visit and the rededication ceremony.

Prior to their departure to New York, the royal couple will participate in the opening of an exhibited called “Cold Call” at the St. Paul/Minneapolis airport.  The exhibit commemorates Roald Amundsen’s journey to the South Pole.  Perhaps I can see this exhibit when I return from my business trip.

Oct. 21–Last, but never least, the royals will attend a ball in New York City, where representatives from all 5 Nordic countries will be in attendance.  They include Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Prince Mary of Denmark, Tarja Halonen, President of Finland, President of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, and King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden.  Whew!

The official name of the event is the American-Scandinavian Foundation Centennial Ball and it will be held at the Hilton New York Hotel.  This year is significant because the foundation celebrates its 100th anniversary.  The American Scandinavian Foundation promotes educational and cultural exchanges between the United States and Nordic countries in the hopes to further international cultural understandings.

If you are in an area the King and Queen will visit, you should certainly try to weasel your way in to experience it.  It’s bizarre, but fun being in the presence of royals!

Norwegian Baby Names

Posted by kari 4 Comments
Sep 28 2011

Although I am not planning on having barn (children) for some years yet, I often find myself brainstorming options for baby navn (names).  I have always been of the opinion that it must be extremely difficult to choose a navn that will stick with your barn for the rest of his or her life.  First of all, there are so many great names, it seems like it would be so difficult to choose the one you and the other parent like the best.  Secondly, some navn that seem suitable for a barn simply are not suitable for a voksen (adult).  Lastly, a navn might just simply not fit an individual.  I know several people that have changed their birth navn to something else because they really disliked it.

In any case, every barn needs a navn and most turn out just fine.  I have a very traditional and popular Norwegian navn-Kari.  I think it suits me and I like it much better than the 2nd choice my parents were considering-Rebecca (sorry to the Rebecca´s out there-the navn just wouldn´t fit me.

As with most things, navn go through historical cycles as far as popularity.  Names that were popular hundreds of years ago are popular again today.  However, there are of course many navn used today that did not exist hundreds of years ago, or they are spelled differently now.

I encourage you to watch and listen to YouTube Preview ImageYou Tube video in which a native Norwegian pronounces Norwegian baby gutt og jente navn (boys and girls names).

Interesting navn facts:

-In 1904, the male navn Kristian was the most popular.  In 1953, it was down in the 90s and by 1974, Kristian came back and is still a very popular Norwegian navn.

-1 in 5 Norwegian navn are originate in the Bible.

-Mohammed is the most popular male navn in Oslo.

-Norwegian parents are not choosing names that include the uniquely Norwegian alphabetic characters æ,ø, and å because they are typically difficult to pronounce for non-natives.  I personally think this is a bummer because names with these characters are usually pretty strong names that would be a shame to see disappear (although they will likely come back in the future some time).  I´m thinking of names like Jørgen, Bjørg and Bjørn, Håkon,

Please find here a list of popular navn used in Norway:

M/F Norwegian Baby Names Meaning of Name Origin
F Aasta love Old Norse
M Åge ancestors Norw.
F Ågot good Norw.
M Aksel father of peace Norw.
M Alf lives in the netherworld Norw.
F Alfhild elf battle Norw.
F Alva elf army Norw.
F Alvar elf army Norw.
M Amund bridal gift Norw.
M Anders strong; manly Greek
M Andor eagle of Thor Norw.
F Andras breath Norw.
F Anette grace; mercy Norw.
F Annbjørg eagle protection Norw.
F Anne grace; mercy Norw.
F Anniken favor; grace Norw.
F Annikin favor; grace Norw.
M Anton inestimable Latin
M Aren eagle; rule Norw.
M Aricin eternal; king’s son Norw.
M Arild war chief Norw.
M Arkin eternal; king’s son Norw.
F Arna eagle Norw.
F Arnbjørg eagle protection Norw.
M Arne eagle German
M Arnljot frightens the eagle Norw.
M Arvid tree of eagles Norw.
M Asborn divine bear Norw.
F Ase god Norw.
F Åse tree-covered mountain Norw.
M Åsgeir spear of the gods Norw.
F Åshild fighting woman Norw.
M Askel father of peace Hebrew
F Aslaug god; consecrated Norw.
F Astrid divine strength Norw.
F Asvoria divine prudence Norw.
F Aud prosperity; happiness Norw.
F Audhild fighting woman Norw.
F Audny new prosperity Norw.
F Audun deserted or desolate Norw.
M Audun friend of prosperity Norw.
M Axell father of peace Hebrew
M Bard fight; lovely Norw.
M Baste reverenced Greek
F Beate happy Norw.
M Bendik blessed Latin
F Benedikt blessed Norw.
F Bente blessed Norw.
F Bera bear Norw.
F Bergliot helpful light Norw.
F Berit magnificent Celtic
M Birger rescue Norw.
F Birgit magnificent Celtic
M Bjarne bear Norw.
M Bjarte bright Norw.
M Bjørn bear Norw.
M Bjørg help Norw.
F Bodil penance Norw.
M Borg from the castle Norw.
F Borgny help; new Norw.
M Brede broad; the glacier Norw.
F Brenda flame; sword Norw.
F Brita from Britain Norw.
F Brynhild coat of mail Norw.
F Camilla ceremonial attendant Latin
M Canute knot Norw.
F Catherine pure Greek
M Cort short Norw.
M Dag day; brightness Norw.
M Dagfinn from Finland Norw.
F Dagmar Dane’s joy Teutonic
F Dagny day; brightness Norw.
F Dagrun secret lore Norw.
F Dale valley Old Norse
M Darby deer estate Norw.
M Davin brightness of the Finns Norw.
M Denby village of the Danes Norw.
F Disa active spirit Norw.
M Donalt world ruler Celtic
F Dordi gift from God Greek
F Dorte God’s gift Greek
M Dreng young man Norw.
F Edit wealth Norw.
M Egil awe inspiring Norw.
M Einar warrior; leader Norw.
M Eirik ever-ruler Norw.
F Eldrid fire; lovely Norw.
F Elga pious Norw.
F Eli the illustrious Norw.
F Elise consecrated to God Norw.
F Erica ever powerful Old Norse
M Erik ever powerful Norw.
M Erlend chief; turned Norw.
M Erling descendant Norw.
M Eskil vessel of God Norw.
M Espen divine bear Norw.
F Eva life Hebrew
M Eystein turned toward luck Norw.
M Filip lover of horses Greek
M Finn from Finland Norw.

See this website for much more information on Norwegian navn, including those that signify bravery and heroism.

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