Nordstjernan 2001

The Swedish North Star, continuously published since 1872. Price per copy $3.50. Volume 148 No. 01, January 01, 2020.

TOWN

on the

MOVE Traditions and techniques

Learning a new skill is fulfilling and inspiring, especially when it’s connected with your personal history. That’s what the founder of Vävstuga in Massachusetts did after she discovered the joy of Swedish weaving in Sweden more than 30 years ago. She shares her life’s passion in classes for all. / p14

HRH Princess Madeleine arrives for the celebration of the Swedish Church in Florida’s 10th anniversary and is greeted by Gerd Persson, chair of the church advisory board. The very special event, underscored by the princess’s presence, highlighted how the community of Swedes in America is knit together by tradition. / p12

Ethnic roots

Kiruna Church and bell tower, 90 miles north of the Arctic Circle. / p15

The enormous, bold urban renewal project is continuing in Kiruna, Sweden. Right now a balmy 20°F but soon hitting single-digit cold, Sweden’s northernmost town continues to move—literally. North of the Arctic Circle, with snow cover for 175 to 225 days a year, the relocation of houses and most of its 20,000 residents to two miles to the east of the present location continues unabated. The new city hall was inaugurated already a year ago and many of the larger buildings have been moved. Kiruna Church, above, is probably the city’s most characteristic building. The church was built between 1909–1912, and consecrated by Bishop Olof Bergqvist on 8 December 1912. Since 1913, the church has been included in the Jukkasjärvi parish in the diocese of Luleå. Soon it will be relocated to a new location in connection with Kiruna’s new city center. The physical move is expected to take place in 2025-2026. / p4 and 15

There must be something special about the humble swede for it to have acquired so many nicknames … known as a neep, turnip, snagger and even “swede,” the rutabaga’s flavor and flexibility in cooking has been a quiet success for generations after our Swedish forefathers introduced it to the U.S. / p14

All you ever wanted to know about rutabagas.

dashboard | january 01, 2020 SCANDINAVIAN QUIZ

what did Swedish painter Gustaf Fjaestad claim a world record in 1 For 1891? A) swimming across the Kat-

6 What university has produced the highest number of Nobel Prize winners? A) University of Cambridge B) Israel Institute of Technology C) Uppsala University D) Harvard

2 What holiday is celebrated in Sweden and Finland but not in Denmark, where the holiday’s namesake, Prince Canute, is from? A) Prinskorvdagen B) Tjugondag Knut C) Kanelbullensdag D) Ute och in dag

many hours? A) 40 B) 35 C) 32 D) 30

tegat B) coffee consumption C) speed skating D) most paintings sold 7 The standard workweek in Sweden is how

To say Gustaf Fjaestad had an affinity for painting winter scenes is an understatement. The snow-covered lakes and forests of Värmland in western Sweden, a region known for its winter storms, were his inspiration. Gustaf Adolf Christensen Fjæstad (1868-1948), active as an artist and woodcrafter at the turn of the 20th century, is known for his unusual oil painting technique in which he coated a canvas with a light-sensitive substance onto which he projected photographs that guided his brushstrokes. He collaborated with Carl Larsson and his work is in many international collections. Fjaestad also designed tapestries and wood furniture in a Swedish folk art style. Name’s Days of the Swedish Calendar Namnsdagar i januari

January 01 January 02 January 03 January 04 January 05 January 06 January 07 January 08 January 09 January 10 January 11 January 12 January 13 January 14 January 15 January 16 January 17 January 18 January 19 January 20 January 21 January 22 January 23 January 24 January 25 January 26 January 27 January 28 January 29 January 30 January 31 January 1

New York Chicago Stockholm Kiruna Lund Los Angeles 2 NORDSTJERNAN

Nyårsdagen Svea Alfred/Alfrida Rut Hanna/Hannele Kasper/Melker/Baltsar August/Augusta Erland Gunnar/Gunder Sigurd/Sigbritt Jan/Jannike Frideborg/Fridolf Knut Felix/Felicia Laura/Lorentz Hjalmar/Helmer Anton/Tony Hilda/Hildur Henrik Fabian/Sebastian Agnes/Agneta Vincent/Viktor Frej/Freja Erika Paul/Pål Bodil/Boel Göte/Göta Karl/Karla Diana Gunilla/Gunhild Ivar/Joar |

Sunrise & Sunset

7.20 am 4.39 pm 7.18 am 4.29 pm 8.44 am 2.58 pm below horizon 8.36 am 3.44 pm 6.58 am 4.54 pm

3 What is the oldest and longest cross-country ski race in the world, inspired by a Swedish king in 1520? A) Birkebeiner B) Vasaloppet C) Ragnar Relay D) Lilienfelder Ski

4 What is the oldest kingdom in the world still in existence? A) Denmark B) Norway C) Scotland D) the Faroe Islands 5 Gideon Sundback was a Swedish engineer most commonly associated with what invention? A) cheese planer B) fika C) zipper D) 3-point seatbelt

CULTURE

Namnsdagar

8 Which Nordic country is the only one in the developed world where fathers spend more time with their school-aged children than mothers do? A) Finland B) Sweden D) Iceland E) Denmark 9 What spice was once considered a cure for indigestion, perhaps influencing its dominance in akvavit? A) ginger B) coconut C) cedar D) caraway 10 Why did King Carl Gustaf XVI take the throne after his grandfather died? A) His father didn’t want to be king B) His father had died, too C) His father was too old D) he won a bet Answers: 1:C, 2:B, 3:B, 4:A, 5:C, 6:D, 7:A, 8:A, 9:D, 10:B

Frost, Frosty Morning, Hoar Frost, Rime Frost are just some of the titles of Fjaestad’s many winter paintings.

Januari

Januari 2: Svea Svea is a Swedish female name which derives from the old plural genitive form svea, meaning “of the Swedes” or the Swea—“kingdom of the Swedes” (Swea Region), an older form of Sverige, the Swedish name for Sweden. The earliest mention of Svea as a name is at the end of the 17th century, as Moder Svea (Mother Svea), a symbol for Sweden. Later on came Esaias Tegnér’s poem “Svea” in 1811, which established it as a name, becoming very popular at the beginning of the 20th century. It is now getting some attention again. Moder Svea is the female personification of Sweden and a patriotic emblem of the Swedish nation, normally depicted as a powerful female warrior or shieldmaiden, frequently holding a shield and standing beside a lion.

founded in new york city in september 1872 Nordstjernan (ISSN 1059-7670), founded in New York City in September 1872, is published by Swedish News, Inc., 570 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022 • Readers services and editorial submissions: P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan, CT 06840 Periodicals Postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. www.nordstjernan.com, Nordstjernan is published semimonthly, except for the months of January, February, September when it is monthly and Augustwith no issue. POST MASTER: Please send address changes to Nordstjernan, P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan, CT 06840 Subscription rates: 1 yr. = $55, Two yr. = $99, outside US 1 yr. = $167.

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this week…

January TO DO 01.01 ON THIS DAY IN 1980: HKH KRONPRINSESSAN VICTORIA / The King and Queen’s first child, a daughter born in 1977, was declared crown princess and heir apparent by the 1979 change to the Act of Succession. The change was made after their son Carl Philip was born in 1979. 01.06 TAKE THE DAY OFF WORK: TRETTONDEDAG JUL / Epiphany is both a Christian holy day and public holiday in Sweden that celebrates the wise people who visited Jesus. It’s thus the namesday of the three magi named in the Bible: Baltsar (Balthasar), Kasper (Caspar) and Melker (Melchior). 01.13 FINISH THE LAST OF THE GLÖGG*: TJUGONDEDAG KNUT / Twentieth Day Knut is the final date (and Knut’s namesday) to celebrate the Christmas season. 01.28 FLY THE SWEDISH FLAG: KONUNGENS NAMNSDAG / It’s King Carl XVI Gustaf’s namesday, a designated official flag day, so the flag of Sweden is flown on all public flag poles and buildings, and on many private flag poles as well.

Grattis på namnsdagen, Moder Svea. /p2

Dashboard, p4-5

Absolutely no SWEXIT in sight / Town on the move / TIME Person of the Year / Marie Fredriksson has died / Trettondedag Jul, Tjugondedag Knut? / A royal Christmas tree / Best ranked schools / A Swede works out.

Events calendar, p6-10

What’s going on in Swedish America.

*It is on Tjugondedag Knut that Swedes throw a “Julgransplundring” (Christmas tree plundering)

as friends and family gather to strip the tree of decorations, play games, eat cake, then—often literally—throw out the Christmas tree.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful 2020 Oh, those appealling Nordic colors and textures can be found in America. /Page 16

NORDSTJERNAN

Readers Comments, p11

Stay informed in a Swede way. Nordstjernanis published every other week with the exceptions of Jan.-Feb. and July-Aug.

Discover Swedish, p21

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How many Americans have a C.J. Lundstrom bookcase? Get a grip on Swedish grammar in this serious but very playful lesson.

Swedish News, p27

Law on skolplikt criticized / Reducing welfare fraud / Sida makes loans more accessible / SD secures second place / Larger permit-free housing / Simpler house search.

Name: __________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________ City: ___________________________________________ State: _______________________

Zip: ______________ Expect the unexpected with a swede, the naturally occurring hybrid between turnip and cabbage. / Page 18

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Signature______________________________________________

The Exchange Rate:

$1.00 = SEK 9.42 (12.18.2019)

JANUARY 01, 2020 3

dashboard | january 01, 2020

TOWN ON THE MOVE

The number of Swedes who oppose EU membership is, however, increasing and was 15.6 percent in the latest survey by SCB (Statistics Sweden). In the previous survey from May, 13.3 percent of Swedes opposed it. However, a clear majority, 60.1 percent, is still in favor of Sweden being a member of the EU, while 24.3 percent has no opinion on the issue. Regarding the euro referendum in November this year: 21.4 percent answered yes, while 62.5 percent answered no. In the May survey, 19.3 percent had answered yes and 66 percent said no.

The stories, the traditions, the people behind the news. founded in new york city in september 1872 executive editor & publisher:

As part of the planned relocation of the entire city of Kiruna in northern Sweden, many people have already been relocated to the new Kiruna, three kilometers (about two miles) to the east. Last year, many residents stopped to watch as the biggest house got moved to its new location, above. The 280-ton house rolled for three hours and 15 minutes to its new site.

For the first time in history an entire town is being moved two miles. Kiruna, in the far north of Sweden, is home to one of the world’s largest underground iron ore mines — the city’s main source of income and employment — that is causing the city above it to sink. So, rather than getting swallowed up by the mine, 23,196 people are moving their homes, their businesses, their everything, brick by brick. The radical move started in 2014 with the first phase of the 100-year plan, financed by the mining company and the municipality, and designed by Swedish company White Arkitekter, which won an international competition in 2013

Photo: Fredric Alm / Alm & ME

Absolutely no SWEXIT in sight

It’s been known for many years that Kiruna needed to be moved because of damage caused by the iron ore mining under the city center. The ground deformations became apparent in 2003, redevelopment started in the new location in 2007 and the moving of the town was started in 2014. Some 3000 homes, schools and other buildings will either be relocated or knocked down as the new city grows a safe distance away.

for their masterplan and strategy. Their aim is to create an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable modern city — just a couple miles from its current site.

Ulf Barslund Mårtensson (editor@nordstjernan.com) editor:

Amanda Olson Robison (editor@nordstjernan.com) managing editor & production: Everett Martin graphic design: Nadia Wojcik (design@nordstjernan.com) contributors:

Chipp Reid - Ted Olsson - Leif Rosqvist - Kitty Hughes Ulf Kirchdorfer - Valorie Arrowsmith Bo Zaunders - Göran Rygert - James Kaplan - Gunilla Blixt publications director:

Mette Barslund Mårtensson (mette@nordstjernan.com; 800.827.9333, ext 12)

nordstjernan p.o. box 1710 new canaan ct 06840 contact us at 1.800.827.9333 ext 10 for reader services, email: subs@nordstjernan.com; ext 12 for advertising, email: ads@nordstjernan.com www.nordstjernan.com Covering three worlds: Sweden, America and Swedish America. Order your own copy, $55.00 for a year (18 issues) Choose ‘subscribe’ at www.nordstjernan.com or call 1.800.827.9333, ext 10 4 NORDSTJERNAN

Trettondedag Jul, Tjugondedag Knut? With Trettondagen over and Tjugondedag Knut “Twentieth Day Knut” coming up on January 13, Christmas is over even in Sweden. Costumes, ghosts and wild parties. No, it’s not a description of Halloween but rather Epiphany celebrations in the old days. Trettondagen, or Epiphany (January 6) in English, is a fairly tame holiday in Sweden, but it wasn’t always like that: In the old days, January 6 was celebrated with great hullabaloo. Still a holiday in Sweden, most people also take off from work the previous day, the Twelfth Night (Trettondagsafton). “That was the day the wise men visited baby Jesus in Bethlehem and gave their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh,” says Lena Kättström Höök, superintendent at Nordiska Museet. According to Swedish folklore, the dead came visiting from their graves at Christmas and had to return on the 6th of January. Most of these traditions went to their graves during the 19th century, too. Today the only one remaining is, perhaps, the so-called julgransplundring (a children’s party

at which the Christmas tree was stripped of its decorations, which in the old days consisted of apples, candy and other edibles). “But on the island of Möja, it’s just like old times. They sing medieval songs and walk around with a great, shining star,” Kättström Höök explains. There stjärnsångare, singers to the star, dress up similar to the star boys of Lucia or the lussegubbar of West Sweden of olden times. According to the Bible, Epiphany actually marks two events in Jesus Christ’s life. The first event was when the wise men, or kings, visited him. The second event was when St. John the Baptist baptized Jesus. In many countries, Twelfth Night leading into Epiphany marks the absolute end of Christmas celebrations. But the Swedes and Finns, and some Norwegians, feel it’s a pity to finish that early, and stretch Christmas another week. That gives the final date of January 13th, which in Sweden is the name day of Knut, hence the expression tjugondedag Knut (“twentieth day Knut”).

TIME Person of the Year TIME’s Person of the Year 2019 is teen climate activist from Sweden, Greta Thunberg. At age 16, she is the youngest person ever to receive this distinction recognized by TIME magazine since 1927 for representing a person who has had great influence on news coverage during the year. Thunberg has become a prominent face in the fight to save the environment from the effects of climate change. “She became the biggest voice on the biggest issue facing the planet this year, coming from essentially nowhere to lead a worldwide movement,” TIME Editor-in-Chief Edward Felsenthal said.

Best ranked schools: Värmland Three Värmland municipalities place in the top 10 of the Teachers’ Union “Sweden’s best school municipalities” list. Torsby in Värmland (population 11,790) comes in first place. This year’s ranking is not comparable to previous years, however; beginning this year, student family background is taken into account to avoid benefiting wealthy municipalities. The ranking is based on official statistics and statistics produced by the Teachers’ Union and the Swedish Municipalities and Counties organization (SKL). Teacher density, the proportion of educated teachers and study results are some criteria that are considered. Top 10 school districts: 1. Torsby, Värmland 2. Storfors, Värmland 3. Kalix, Norrbotten 4. Hammarö, Värmland 5. Båstad, Skåne 6. Bengtsfors, Västra Götaland 7. Tranås, Jönköping 8. Älvsbyn, Norrbotten 9. Danderyd, Stockholm 10. Hofors, Gävleborg

Their Royal Highnesses Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel (far right) were helped by Prince Oscar (age 3) as students from the University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) delivered Christmas trees to the east wing of the Royal Palace in December. Since the 1960s, students from the master’s program at SLU have offered a number of Christmas trees to the Royal Palace. Kungsgranen, the “King’s Fir,” has been named after this tradition—it was earlier named nordmannsgran, “the northernman’s fir.”

A Swede works out

Swedes exercise more than any other people in Europe, at least according to a recent European Union survey. In Sweden 70% say they work out at least once a week. This should make the Swedes the best trained people in Europe. Running has always been popular, but what’s the newest trend in exercising in Sweden? Quick and efficient is one; you want to be able to squeeze in your workout between two

gaps in your schedule. Oftentimes the training sessions are high intensity, interval or core power yoga. Combining training with recuperation, rest and sleep is another. Some health gurus recommend using a personal sleep trainer. As for us, we’ll do what we always do, combine a healthy amount of time at the gym with fresh air by biking when weather allows and long refreshing walks. A good sleep comes naturally afterward.

Marie Fredriksson has died Swedish singer Marie Fredriksson died on December 9 after a 17-year battle with brain cancer. She was 61. Fredriksson co-founded the Swedish pop group Roxette with Per Gessle, becoming one of the most recognized voices of the era and achieving global fame with the band’s 1989 breakout single “The Look.” Roxette’s international success continued with “It Must Have Been Love” from the movie Pretty Woman, and “Listen to Your Heart” and “Joyride.” Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle formed Roxette in 1986. The group sold more than 75 million records, 10 albums and 10 major tours. “Thank you Marie, thank you for EVERYTHING. You were a truly unique musician, a singer at a level we will hardly ever experience again. You painted my black and white songs with the most beautiful colors,” Gessle wrote in a press release. “I am proud, honored and happy to have shared so much of your time, your talent, your warmth, generosity and humor. All my love for you and your

family,” he said. Fredricksson grew up in a small town in Sweden where her father, a postman, would take her along while delivering mail and sing to her; her career in music began when she was still a teenager, per- Marie Fredriksson. forming in bands before going solo. Fredriksson is mourned by her husband Mikael Bolyos and two children, and fans all over the world. On social media, hundreds of thousands of people wrote tributes to her, and several of the world’s largest newspapers, including the New York Times, wrote about her and Roxette’s successes. The entire Swedish artist community expressed sadness after the announcement of her death. JANUARY 01, 2020 5

Photo: Sara Friberg/Kungl. Hovstaterna

dashboard | january 01, 2020

local events

Local Events Borders & Betweens

Frederick D. Somers: Borders & Betweens is a new exhibit opening in January at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. Exploring “then, now and when,” this exhibition is a retrospective of the work of Minnesota-based artist Frederick D. Somers and the time he has spent in Sweden and the woods near his home in Northfield, Minnesota. Somers’ oil and pastel paintings reflect themes from the land and are recognized for their peaceful sensitivity. Gallery Talk on January 22 from 6-8 p.m. 612.871.4907 / www.asimn.org Florida Clearwater 01.10, 11:45 AM - 2:45 PM Suncoast Scandinavian Club: Happy New Year and welcome to our January luncheon meeting with entertainment by Victoria Garcia, harpist, along with our 55th anniversary celebration. Lunch cost is $17/visitor, RSVP to Cherstin Peterson, 732.546.7756 / sunscanclub1965@ gmail.com

Illinois Chicago 01.02-1.03, 10 AM – 4 PM Winter Crafts Daycamps: Different winter crafts available in the classroom on the third floor. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / museum@samac.org / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org

01.11, 11:15 AM - 12:15 AM Dream of America Guided Tour: Dive into the history of Swedish immigration to Chicago with a guided tour of the museum’s permanent exhibit, “The Dream of America.” Uncover the stories of real immigrants like Karl Karlsson, who left Sweden with his family in 1893, or Elin and Birgitta Hedman, who made the journey in 1924. Learn what awaited the millions who came to America via Ellis Island and what life was like in Swedish neighborhoods such as Andersonville in Chicago then and now. The tour is free with admissions, and members are free, reservations recommended. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / museum@samac. org / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org

LOS ANGELES Söndag 5 januari kl 11.00

GUDSTJÄNST

i sjömanskyrkan i San Pedro, 1035 S Beacon St. San Pedro, CA 90731. Pernilla Håkansdotter Olsson är gäst predikant

Söndag 19 januari kl 12.00

GUDSTJÄNST

i Angelica Lutheran Church, 1345 S Burlington Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90006. Följ oss på facebook och instagram! @svenskakyrkanlosangeles

SVENSKA KYRKAN LOS ANGELES 1035 South Beacon Street, San Pedro, CA 90731 Tel. (310) 292-7080 • Epost: losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se Hemsida: www.svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles 6 NORDSTJERNAN

1.12, 10 - 11 am Bullerbyn: Taking place on alternative Sundays in tandem with Svenska Skolan, Bullerbyn is a time for singing cherished children’s songs, reading humorous tales and having lots of fun in Swedish. For ages 6 months to 5 years with parents. Only Swedish is spoken in Bullerbyn, so Swedish should be spoken regularly at home too. Reservations are recommended. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / m u s e u m @ s a m a c . o r g / w w w. swedishamericanmuseum.org 1.12, 12-1 PM Julgransplundring: The Christmas Tree Plundering is a family event where Swedes celebrate the end of Christmas by “dancing the tree out.” It is a party where you get to dance around the tree one last time before it is taken out and all the Christmas decorations come down. $5 includes games, dancing and hot dogs. Swedish American Museum / 917.495.8396 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org 1.17, 10 AM Hejsan! Story & Crafts: Join us at the Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration for story and craft time on the third Friday of each month. The theme for the 20192020 school year is animals. Come meet a different animal every month. All ages are welcome to attend with a caregiver for this free (with admission) program, reservations appreciated. Swedish American Museum / 917.495.8396 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org 1.23, 12-1:30 pm Book Club: A different book by a Swedish author or Swedish inspired book is chosen for our new book club. To start off we will read “Swede Hollow” by Ola Larsmo. The event is free with admission and

an optional lunch will be served at a small cost. Registration is encouraged to museum@samac.org, Swedish American Museum / 917.495.8396 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org 1.26, 1 pm Knitting Group: Join the Swedish American Museum knitting group! All knitting levels are welcome. Bring your project, share some of your favorite patterns and learn from each other. There will also be chances to learn some specifically Swedish knitting patterns and techniques. . Registration is encouraged to museum@samac.org, Swedish American Museum / 917.495.8396 / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org Ongoing Bonader Wall Hangings: One of the most remarkable examples of Scandinavian folk art is the painted picture indigenous to the Swedish peasant home. The commonly used name for these peasant paintings is bonader, and their provenance was to decorate the walls and ceilings of the homes at Christmas time and on feast days, thus adding a note of color and gaiety to the otherwise dark interiors. Through Jan. 12, 2020. Swedish American Museum / 917.495.8396 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org

Massachusetts West Newton 01.18, 1:30 pm The Scandinavian Library Presents Pity The Lovers: Two unlucky-in-love brothers, a veterinarian, a conceptual artist, and two goth 13-year-olds named Danni are just a few of the characters that makes up the ensemble of this charming Icelandic film about longing, love, and growing up. Free; $5 suggested donation. In Icelandic with English subtitles, 89

local events minutes. Refreshments served at 1 p.m. Scandinavian Cultural Center, 617.795.1914 / www.scandicenter.org 01.25, 1 PM Opera Is Cool: A Life Well Sung: Birgit Nilsson, the Swedish soprano, was in a league of her own. Enjoy local opera expert Erika Reitshamer’s audiovisual tribute to this great Swedish soprano whose accomplishments in the world of opera are unequaled. $15/non-members, $7/members. The Scandinavian Cultural Center, 617.795.1914 / www.scandicenter. org

Who are Pettson and Findus? This series written and illustrated by Swedish author Sven Nordqvist, is about an old farmer named Pettson and his talented, fast talking cat Findus who together face different mishaps in life in the Swedish countryside. Preschoolers in the Minneapolis area can discover the book series at

10 a.m. on Jan. 3 through creative storytelling, a fishing game, play, birthday pancakes and exploration in a program specially designed for children ages 3-5 and their important adults. American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / www.asimn.org

Minnesota Minneapolis 01.3, 10-11:30 AM Adventures with Pettson and Findus: Preschoolers spend the morning in the world of Pettson and Findus. This classic Swedish story is about an old farmer named Pettson and his talented cat Findus who together face different mishaps in life. Discover the Pettson and Findus book series through creative storytelling, a fishing game, play, birthday pancakes and exploration. This program is specially designed for children ages 3-5 and their important adults (limit 2 adults per child). American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / www.asimn.org 01.15, 6-8 PM Swedish Crime Fiction: Swedish TV’s crime mysteries are among the best in the business, and watching and discussing them is a great way to learn more about the culture and language. This season we are watching eight episodes of Wallander season 2, first shown in Sweden in 2009. While this is a series, each episode can stand alone; it is not necessary to have seen previous episodes to follow the current show. Receive cultural context before the episode; after viewing, discuss the episode, touching on plot, production and society. The shows are in Swedish with English subtitles. All discussions in English. Four Wednesdays @ 6-8 p.m.: Jan. 15, 22, 29 & Feb. 5 (session 2 begins Feb 12). American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / www.asimn.org 1.18, 1-3:30 PM Evergreen Foraging: Evergreens have a long history of treating coughs and colds, supplying much-needed vitamins A and C during the winter, and Nordic cooks use them to brighten flavors. In the dead of winter evergreens are easy to spot among the otherwise grey landscape - join founder of Four Season Foraging Maria Wesserle to learn which evergreens to harvest and which to avoid for making pine-infused vinegar, pine switchel, hot tea, juniper salt and a bit of juniper butter to spread on tasty slices of rye bread. $40. Norway House, 612.729.9333 / www.ingebretsens.com/ classes/cooking 1.20, 6:30-8:30 PM Craft and Cocktails - Intro to Kolrosing:

enjoy a signature drink from FIKA café and learn the age-old decorative technique called kolrosing (literally “coal-writing”), patterns scratched into wood and filled with dirt. This decorative technique, used on woodenware across Scandinavia since at least Viking times, commonly used coal dust as the colorant. Students will leave with a small wooden trivet. American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / www. asimn.org 1.21, 1.22 Frederick D. Somers: Borders & Betweens – Exhibit opening. Exploring then, now and when, this exhibition is a retrospective of the work of Minnesota-based artist Frederick D. Somers. From his time in Sweden to the woods near his home in Northfield, Fred’s oil and pastel paintings reflect themes from the land and are recognized for their peaceful sensitivity. Gallery Talk on January 22 from 6-8 p.m. American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / www.asimn.org Ongoing Wee Thee Vikings: Imagine navigating the open seas as a Viking adventurer, or finding a quiet corner to read, relax and learn about Norse gods. This hands-on,

play-based space for our youngest visitors was designed by and with illustrations painted by local artist and illustrator Lauren Emmons. In the Benson gallery through Feb 16, 2020. American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / www.asimn.org Moorhead 01.12, 5-8 PM

Tjungodedag Knut: Celebrate the end of holiday season, dance around the Christmas tree, plunder the tree for treats, and throw it out. We will serve split pea soup as well as holiday treats. Family oriented event! Swedish Cultural Heritage Society , 701.306.6554 / Valleyinc@msn. com

SAN FRANCISCO Söndag 12 Januari kl 11.00

HÖGMÄSSA

i Norska Sjömanskyrkan på Hyde Street. Kyrkoherde Hans Bratt Hernberg predikar och Therese Brewitz är pianist. Kyrkkaffe och saft..

Lördag 18 Januari kl 15.00

GUDSTJÄNST

i Los Altos Lutheran Church. Brandon Peck predikar och Therese Brewitz är pianist. Kyrkkaffe och saft. Se Facebook för mer info!

SVENSKA KYRKAN SAN FRANCISCO Norska Sjömanskyrkan, 2454 Hyde Street, San Francisco Tel: 415-632-8504 Epost: sanfrancisco@svenskakyrkan.se Hemsida: www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco JANUARY 01, 2020 7

local events New York Corning New Glass Now (closing on January 5): The special exhibition features works by 100 living glass artists, including Kosta Boda artists and others in Sweden’s “glass country” as well as Denmark, Finland and around the world. Through January 5 at The Corning Museum of Glass, 607.937.5371 / www.cmog.org New York 1.16, 7:30 PM Music on Park Avenue: Swedish pianist Per Tengstrand returns to Scandinavia House with a Beethoven celebration. Attend a preconcert talk at 7 p.m. Scandinavia House, 212.779.3587 / www.ScandinaviaHouse.org 1-17, 7 PM Dronningen/Queen of Hearts: A riveting and provocative film, Queen of Hearts shows the devastating consequences of power, betrayal, and responsibility, in a portrait of a woman who manages to lose everything and nothing at the same time. Directed by May el-Toukhy (Denmark, 2019) Queen of Hearts has been selected as Denmark’s entry into this year’s Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film. 128 min. in Danish and Swedish with English subtitles. Scandinavia House, 212.779.3587 / www.ScandinaviaHouse.org Shelter Island Through May 2020 Helena Hernmarck exhibit: Shadow and Light is showing at Shelter Island

National archives and library for Swedish-American historical research Publishers of Swedish American Genealogist 639 38th Street Rock Island, IL | 61201-2296 309-794-7204

www.augustana.edu/ swenson 8 NORDSTJERNAN

Historical Society, 631.749.0025 / www. shelterislandhistorical.org

New Nordic cuisine?

Oregon

Warm up on a chilly night with a bowl of Swedish yellow pea soup, affectionately known as Sweden’s national dish, if only on Thursdays. Although it’s a hearty meal in and of itself, it’s most enjoyed with an accompanying cup of punsch on a cold winter evening. If you’re in the Philadelphia area on Jan. 25, come to the American Swedish Historical Museum at 6 p.m. to enjoy the New Nordic Cuisine Reception and Pea Soup Supper, which combines the modernity of new Swedish tilltugg och efterrätt, or hors d’oeuvres and dessert. You can also view ASHM’s New Nordic Cuisine exhibition, which includes an art talk by Curator Tova Brandt. $25/members, $30/non-members. 215.389.1776 / www.americanswedish.org

Portland 1.13, 7:30-10 pm Knut Dance: Help toss out the tree and ring in the new year with Scandinavian Folk Dancing and live music by Fossegrimen. Lively mixers and couples dances, no partner necessary. Scandinavian or festive attire encouraged; bring finger foods or drinks to share. Nordia House, 503.636.7509 / www. norskerunddansere.org

1.14, 6:30 PM Cook and Eat - Ultra Iceland: A Traditional Icelandic dinner with guest chef Edda Sigurdar. Edda will teach us to make hjonabandsaela (rhubarb pie) and kjotsupa, (lamb and cabbage soup). The combination of lamb on the bone and root vegetables make for a flavorful, nourishing meal, and some recipes call for the dish to be made heartier still by adding rice or rolled oats toward the end, which results in a thicker stew. Nordia House, 503.977.0275 / www. nordicnorthwest.org 1.24. 7 PM 1.25, 5:30 PM Thumbelina: An original shadow play based on the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Shadow Puppets and Live Music performed by Deb Chase and Mick Doherty of Oregon Shadow Theatre. Thumbelina is one of Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen’s most delightful characters, a miniature girl born from a

flower who has to find her own way in the world of nature. In this OST production Thumbelina journeys through a series of natural habitats to discover her home in the land of the flower fairies. Through the seasons of the year, Thumbelina has adventures with frogs in a pond, flying beetles in a tree, a swallow in the woods, a mouse in a field and a mole in his underground home. Nordia House, $5 arts for all program (www.artsforallpdx. org) / $10 members / $15 non-members. Nordia House, 503.977.0275 / www. nordicnorthwest.org COMING UP: 2.7, 7:30 PM Nordic Voices: Artistic creativity, versatility, technical precision, and indescribable audience appeal – these are precisely the elements that make up Nordic Voices. An internationally acclaimed six-voice a cappella ensemble praised for the depth of its programming and its extraordinary vocal

local events each. Walk-in welcome or pre-register by phone or online by February 3. American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / crossy@americanswedish.org / www. americanswedish.org

Washington Seattle 1.02, 10-11 AM Nordic Stories: The Very Smart Pea and the Princess-To-Be by Mini Grey (Denmark). The first Thursday of the month, Nordic Stories features children’s tales along with a fun craft project. Nordic National Museum, 206.789.5707 / www.nordicmuseum.org

Crafts & Cocktails

The National Nordic Museum’s new “crafting happy hour” offers a great way to relax or recharge after a long day. Come on Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. for an evening of creativity, inspiration and fun with the Finnish designs of Marimekko, such as these, and collage your own inskills, they perform a repertoire ranging from medieval to contemporary works, with an unusual blend of sophisticated music-making and stylish performances. At St. Philip Neri Church, 5-3.224.9842 / www.focm.org 2.22, 4-6 PM Fastelavn: Celebrate the Carnival season in the Nordic fashion with this family-friendly afternoon event. Tickets are $5 (free/age 3 and under), and provide access to unlimited crafts and games, plus a bar for adults. Bring your whole family to this annual event and join us for the costume contest, photo booths, snacks and cream-filled fastelavnsboller buns. Make fastelavnris, tree branches decorated with string and pom poms and slå katten af tønden, hit the cat out of the barrel. The barrel-bashing tradition invites children to hit a candyfilled barrel with a scepter, much like a piñata, to “scare” away the imaginary cat hidden inside, cats being an ancient Danish symbol of wintertime and the yearly Nordic chill. Once the decorated barrel is cracked open, springtime is that much closer to commencing and whoever breaks the barrel first will be crowned the King (kattekonge) or Queen (kattedronning) of Cats! Nordia House, 503.977.0275 / www. nordicnorthwest.org

Pennsylvania Philadelphia 01.21, 10:30-11:30 AM Toddler Time - Colors in the Museum: Specially designed program for children ages 18 months to 4 years old that helps young minds grow through interactive stories, engaging hands-on activities and social interaction. $5/child or free/

terpretation of the colorful bold prints. This special craft is co-developed and facilitated by local writer, artist, publisher and producer, Anna Brones; the cocktails are from the museum’s Freya Cafe, a new Nordic cuisine restaurant. Ages 21+. Ticket includes craft supplies and one drink, $25/members, $35/non-members. 206.789.5707 / www.nordicmuseum.org

members and accompanying caregivers. American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / www.americanswedish.org

1.23, 6:30-8 PM Crafts & Cocktails: Join us after work for the Nordic’s new “crafting happy hour.” Recharge from your day with an evening of creativity, inspiration and fun! Explore the Finnish design house, Marimekko, and collage your own interpretation of these colorful bold prints. Craft is co-developed and facilitated by local writer, artist, publisher and producer, Anna Brones. Ages 21+. Ticket includes craft supplies and one drink $25/members, $35/non-members. Nordic National Museum, 206.789.5707 / www.nordicmuseum.org

Finland. Through January at American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / info@americanswedish.org / www. americanswedish.org

01.25, 6-9 PM New Nordic Cuisine Reception and Pea Soup Supper: Warm up on a chilly night with a bowl of Swedish yellow pea soup and a cup of punsch combined with the modernity of new Swedish tilltugg och efterrätt, or hors d’oeuvres and dessert. View our newest exhibition New Nordic Cuisine which includes art talk by Curator Tova Brandt. $25/members, $30/non-members. American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / www. americanswedish.org

Ongoing Nordic Changes: An exhibition of paintings and photographs by the internationally renowned artist, Diane Burko and guest curated by Dr. Kirsten Jensen. Burko’s pieces in the exhibition are visual investigations, revealing the dramatic ways in which the Arctic is being transformed due to the effects of climate change. Through January 5 at American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / crossy@americanswedish. org / www.americanswedish.org

Ongoing The Finnish Cause is Ours: 2019 marks 80 years since the first of three wars fought by Finland to defend its territory. During the devastating war years, Finland’s government worked with neighboring Nordic countries to evacuate 70,000 Finnish children. This exhibit explores the experiences of these children and their difficulties during transportation, moving to Sweden, and for some, returning to

COMING UP: 02.08, 11 AM-2 PM Semlor & a Movie Treat yourself to a rich semla, a cream and almond paste filled Swedish pastry, along with a cup of hot coffee and a Swedish film. Semlor are often eaten before the start of lent, the Swedish version of “Fat Tuesday.” Event tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door. Ticket price includes one semla, additional semlor are $6

NEW GIFTS INSPIRED BY OLD TRADITIONS JUL & CHRISTMAS ACCESSORIES | JEWELRY HOME & KITCHEN BATH & BODY SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE

SWEDISH RHAPSODY NORDIC MINIATURES: NOW AND THEN THE NOBEL CONCERT

CDs FOR SALE, BOOKINGS FOR PRIVATE AND PUBLIC CONCERTS

ROBERTA SWEDIEN Solo piano and spoken word

352.226.9232

www.robertaswedien.com

JANUARY 01, 2020 9

local events

the most popular films and tv shows from sweden

swedish dvd releases Order Swedish language movies on DVD. All videos are in the original language with English subtitles.

19.95

ed: $

educ

r Price

Becoming Astrid: About the life of the creator of Pippi Longstocking, Sweden’s beloved author Astrid Lindgren.

Immerse yourself and family in swedishness with the latest dvd releases from Sweden. Becoming Astrid $29.95 = _______ A Man Called Ove ($29.95) $19.95 = _______ The Last Sentence $29.95 = _______ The 100 Year Old Man ($29.95) $19.95 = _______ The Dragon Tattoo Trilogy Extended Boxed Set $39.95 = _______ Wallander Series 2 Boxed Set ($74.95) $59.95 = _______ Max Manus: Man of War (in Norwegian) $19.95 = _______

Please send me:

Total = _______

Evergreen Foraging

Evergreens have a long history of treating coughs and colds, supplying much needed vitamins A and C during the winter, and Nordic cooks use them to brighten flavors. Even in the dead of winter, evergreens are easy to spot among the otherwise grey landscape so foraging is easy (so long as you’re bundled up). At Norway House in Mineapolis on Jan. 18, you can join founder of Four Season Foraging Maria Wesserle to learn which evergreens to harvest and which to avoid for making various foods, teas and soothing home remedies, such as pine-infused vinegar, pine switchel, hot tea, juniper salt and a bit of juniper butter to spread on tasty slices of rye bread. $40. 612.729.9333 / www.ingebretsens.com/classes/cooking

Incl. S&H (in continental U.S.)

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Address __________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________ Telephone Number ___________________________ Check enclosed payable to Nordstjernan

Please charge my credit card:

Card # ________________________ Exp. Date: ___ / ___ / ___ Signature ___________________________ scc Code: ______ Mail order form to:

NORDSTJERNAN P.O. Box 1710 New Canaan, CT 06840 or call 1.800.827.9333 Ext. 10

10 NORDSTJERNAN

Augusta’s Daughter Ever wonder what made so many emigrate from Sweden in the nineteenth century? Judit Martin’s novel, “Augusta’s Daughter,” about 19th century Swedish peasant life made such an impression on us, we decided to offer it to the Nordstjernan readership. call 1.800.827.9333 for your own copy ($24.90 incl. S&H to continental U.S.).

Through

NORDSTJERNAN 1.800.827.9333 Ext 10

readers forum

InBox Susan Lindsay of Mass. discovered Nordstjernan at last year’s Yuletide, became a subscriber and now has plans to join a local Vasa Lodge in her area.

Thank you for initiating the new Discover Swedish column! A great idea! God Jul! Beth Lindquist, CO And thanks Beth, for yet another word of encouragement regarding the “Swedish language class” in Nordstjernan—a lot of work has gone into the development of this. /Ed. Hello, I am sending my mother’s recipe for glögg that she made for each December holiday. It has wonderful flavor and is dramatic to make. 1 bottle each of cream sherry, ruby port, claret and brandy 1 stick cinnamon 15 whole cardamoms, cracked 17 whole cloves 3/4 cup almonds and 3/4 cup raisins (dark or white) 3/4 cup sugar cubes Bring the claret, sherry, and port to simmering with the spices, fruit and nuts and let steep for a bit. Place cubes in a sieve. Add brandy to the liquid and spices and light the brandy. Pour the burning liquid over the sugar cubes until they are melted into the liquid. Use a ladle with a wooden handle. Put cover over the liquid to stop the burning. NEVER USE THE FAN while burning the brandy. Serve in small glögg cups with almonds and raisins. Ingrid Beery, IN Goes without saying every family has their own favorite glögg recipe. That said, cream sherry is an interesting addition we haven’t encountered before (and it’s never too late for another addition to your glögg. As for the burning, I stopped doing that after almost setting the kitchen on fire.) Thank you for sharing, Ingrid. /Ed

Three generations of Olssons at SWEA Boston’s Yuletide this year: Olle, daughter-in-law Elizabeth, Yuletide General Ginga holding 1-year-old Louisa, and son Oliver.

Daniel Karlén, here with his family at Yuletide, came across his first Nordstjernan in the waiting room at a local Volvo dealer.

The 2019 Lindsborg Hyllningsfest King & Queen, Ron and Marsha Rolander receive a complimentary one-year subscription to Nordstjernan from Holly Lofton, director at Lindsborg Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.VisitLindsborg.com Holly Lofton, KS It is our pleasure to offer a free subscription to notable volunteers and fellow hard workers in the greater Scandinavian community in America. Reaching another reader in Kansas where we already have so many followers is great fun. Enjoy reading, Your Majesties. /Ed. Richard Lundstrom of Waltham, Massachusetts just started his subscription to Nordstjernan, making it full circle for the Lundstrom family: Richard’s great-grandfather Carl Johan Lundstrom, born in Stockholm 1869, emigrated in 1889 and lived in Little Falls, NY where he founded the C.J. Lundstrom Mfg. Co. The company, founded in 1899, specialized in barrister and special designed cabinets. The business thrived into the 1960s and to this day you can find antique Lundstrom bookcases on Ebay, Pinterest, etc.— right now you can pick up a 4-stack Lundstrom barrister (lawyer) bookcase on eBay for $1,175. (This is not IKEA mass produced quality!) They used to say the Lundstrom cabinets “… are the most complete and up-to-date cabinets on the market. It is a combination of units, capable of extension in any direction, either laterally or vertically, to meet the requirements of any possible business system. Their construction is of the highest grade, finished in golden oak, and are guaranteed in all respects as to quality and efficiency.” (This quote and description was gleaned from a 1905 “Tools of Business” catalogue.) In some ways, a much refined and crafted predecessor to the IKEA Billy system, but C. J. Lundstrom, who has several inventions and patents registered to his name, had more in common with IKEA founder Kamprad than first meets the eye; he rethought distribution, sold and delivered direct from the factory to the consumer without any middleman’s profit being added to the price—“in effect a saving of thirty percent or even more to the consumer.”

C.J. Lundstrom—an avid reader of Nordstjernan and also advertiser; here a typical ad from the company you could find in Nordstjernan of the 1920s. JANUARY 01, 2020 11

local events

Bringing Swedish families together in Florida

Sweden’s church in Florida celebrates 10 years Monsoon-like rain beat down intermittently on the congregation of South Florida Swedes. Some 200 parishioners had eagerly gathered in the cramped hall of the Scandinavian Center far out west in Davie while a host of photo journalists, church elders, and invited officials waited in simmering anticipation for the service to start. The Swedish Church in Florida was celebrating its first decade and there was a lot to be excited about. The night before, a dinner was held in the presence of the Bishop of Visby, Thomas Peterson, whose dioceses oversees all the Swedish churches abroad. Attendance was encouragingly high this afternoon, with many having traveled quite far to participate in the celebrations Gerd Persson and HRH Princess Madeleine in conversation with the Bishop of Visby, Thomas Peterson of the Church’s founding and a chance to catch a glimpse of HRH Princess Mad- another welcomed parishioner. Young children For many of us who have lived abroad so long, eleine, who now lives with her family in South sat all around her feet at the front of the church our vision of Sweden is either inherited from our Florida and was due to attend. and performed familiar Swedish songs, fidgeted parents, borrowed by way of summer trips, or (a little), and attentively listened to Reverend Olof adapted from whatever Swedish media has been A vision of Sweden Olsson’s sermon on the welcoming nature of God’s most accessible. Today, the Swedish Church in A non-descript black car arrived with the princess. inclusive love. Florida provides children and adults alike the opDespite the wet weather, a radiant smile ran across Ten years ago, the congregation was founded portunity to connect with one another and celebrate Princess Madeleine’s face as she emerged from the with the help of local benefactors and in coordina- our shared Swedish heritage, culture, and warm car and into the storm. Under ample umbrellas, she tion with the Swedish Church Abroad (SKUT) to sense of belonging – something that in the conwas greeted by church president Gerd Persson, meet the growing needs of families relocating to temporary social climate isn’t always easy to find. and escorted into the church to take her seat as South Florida. While today’s social media and streaming TV might connect us faster to our homeland than did the Amerikabreven of last century, there remains a lingering and indescribable yearning for the familiarity of home. Yet, what happens when the familiar sense of Sweden no longer exists? A seemingly endless news cycle of urban violence, scandal and cynicism now cloud the memories of what we called home. In recent years, I have questioned and explored, as readers of this publication might recall, the importance of being Swedish. This point of view has evolved since the time I The Florida church’s first pastor, Olof Olsson, visiting for the Four happy ladies at the dinner held in honor of the wrote those articles but I anniversary, speaks about the finest gifts of all—us together, a church’s 10-year anniversary. L-R: Åsa-Lena Lööf, message about belonging and inclusion. Mona Tumba, Marga Meijer. Gertie Nelson, seated. still feel a strong connection 12 NORDSTJERNAN

local events

Swedish Church in NYC and Abroad

not just to Sweden but almost more so now to other Utlandssvenskar, Swedes abroad.

Being Swedish together

Following the service, Princess Madeleine toured the chapel and grounds of Kronprinsesse MetteMarits kirke, Scandinavian Church and Center. Coffee, kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) and other traditional treats were served – which HRH gladly accepted as a parting gift for her family. I admired Princess Madeleine’s willingness to participate despite the relentless scrutiny of the Swedish press. Now, she like countless Swedish mothers abroad must endeavor to raise her children to be “normal” Americans and simultaneously Swedish. When the princess was leaving, a young girl approached her with a copy of her book “Stella och hemligheten” (Stella and the Secret). The book focuses on the importance of children having their voices heard. and proceeds go to benefit the World Childhood Foundation founded by her mother, Queen Silvia. My mind drew quickly to thoughts of Greta Thunberg and fictional characters such as Pippi Longstocking, Ronja and Madicken, just to name a few strong female characters my mother ensured we read as part of our Swedish upbringing. That memory of reading brought back so many warm feelings of Swedish “mys” at home around Jul juxtaposed to the image of two otherwise extremely busy working parents. Ultimately, the service and festivities of the Swedish Church in Florida’s 10th anniversary reminded me that while storms happen even in paradise, no matter how we define being “Swedish,” we all can find communality in coming together. Accordingly, it is perhaps not out of nostalgia that newer generations will seek community, nor is it purely out of respect for our childhood memories and traditions; but rather it is a hope to find a little sunshine in today’s storm – whatever we take away from being Swedish together. Carl Lööf

The Rev. Pether Broman, senior pastor of the Swedish Church in New York and Washington, DC gave a very informative talk at the September luncheon of the Swedish-American Cultural Union. The Swedish Church Abroad (Svenska Kyrkan i utlandet, or SKUT) is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden. Its mission is to create occasions that feel like “a home away from home” for expatriate Swedes by offering typical church activities and social events for adults and children. The Rev. Broman was ordained in 1982 and has 37 years of service in parishes and ministries abroad. He has had multiple short-term assignments in Denmark, Thailand, Greece and England; he became senior pastor in New York in 2016 and has two more years Kyrkoherde (Vicar) Pether Broman and wife Åsa, photographed in this assignment. at the church in Manhattan.

Today’s Church of Sweden

The Church of Sweden became independent of the Swedish government in 2000 and is no longer a state church. However, many Swedes still support it through their annual income taxes. Taxpayers can “opt out,” but then they don’t have access to the church for christenings, weddings or memorial services. Attendance is in long-term decline with membership dropping about one percent a year, much like the trend in Protestant denominations in the U.S. and elsewhere. Around the world, SKUT has more than 40 parishes, concentrated in western Europe, and another 80 global cities are served by visiting clergy. There are six parishes in North America (New York City, Ft. Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, DC and Toronto). Originally, a major mission of the overseas parishes was maintaining Swedish seamen’s churches and offering communion and church services aboard ships, but that function has largely disappeared. Today, the churches abroad serve members of local communities who have Swedish connections—immigrants, tourists, au pairs (nannies), diplomats, foreign aid workers and Swedes employed by Swedish organizations—becoming a home base for traveling ministry and providing a meeting space with fika, language programs, youth activities, music programs and Christmas bazaars, etc. The church is also called upon to assist in crises large and small, including injuries, accidents and other difficult situations that Swedes might encounter while living abroad, for example, when room and board or transportation back to Sweden is needed in an emergency. Pastor Broman concluded his talk by playing his

guitar and leading the audience in a few verses of the famous Swedish hymn, “O Store Gud” (How Great Thou Art). Robert Dyer

JANUARY 01, 2020 13

feature

Image from Sweden’s largest park, Padjelanta National Park, located in Lapland and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Laponia. Sweden has 30 national parks and more than 4,000 nature reserves, together covering more than a tenth of the country’s land area.

Landskapet Lappland We wrote extensively about the Swedish “Norrland” a year ago, a loosely defined area to most Swedes living south of the Dalälven river—a river over 500 miles south of Kiruna and actually in Sweden’s south. Definitely part of Norrland and the biggest Swedish “landskap” or province is Lappland, which takes up about a quarter of Sweden’s surface area and which borders Jämtland, Ångermanland, Västerbotten, Norrbotten, Norway and Finland. Originally, Lappland extended eastward, but in 1809, the Russian Empire annexed the eastern part of the Swedish realm and created the Grand Duchy of Finland, which split Lappland into one Swedish and one Finnish part, both of which still exist today. The flower of the province is the mountain avens, and the animal the arctic fox. Parts of Lappland have been named a UNESCO World heritage site, and the province contains some of the oldest and most spectacular national parks of northern Europe, like the Sarek National Park, Abisko and Björnlandet. Sizewise, Lappland is almost equal to Portugal 14 NORDSTJERNAN

with an area of 109,702 sq km (about 42,300 sq miles). During the Middle Ages, Lappland was considered a no man’s land, though it was in fact populated by nomadic Sami people. However, soon Swedes, Finns and Norwegians settled here, especially along the coasts and large rivers. Swedish kings tried to colonize and Christianize the area using settlers from what is now Finland and southern Sweden. Today, despite large-scale assimilation into the dominant Swedish culture, Finnish and Sami minorities continue to maintain their cultures and identities. Natural resources like hydroelectricity, timber, and minerals from Lappland played a key role during Sweden’s industrialization. Kiruna is Lappland’s biggest city (18,154 inhabitants) and also the northernmost city in all of Sweden. One famous Kiruna native is hockey player Börje Salming (b.1951), nicknamed “The King,” who played for Kiruna IAF, Brynäs IF, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Detroit Red Wings. Author Herman Melville mentions Lappland in “Moby Dick.”

“Landskap?” Sweden is divided into 25 “landskap” or provinces. These are historical, geographical and cultural regions, and though they have no administrative functions, they remain historical legacies and often are part and parcel of a person’s way of identifying him or herself. “He’s from Skåne,” we say. Aha, then we believe we know exactly how he is. “She grew up in Norrbotten.” We immediately get a mental picture of the person depending on what “landskap” he or she is from. Landskap should not be confused with today’s administrative province, “Län,” we cover under Discover Swedish on page 21. The origin of the “landskap” is smaller kingdoms that gradually became more and more subjected to the rule of the Swedish king during the consolidation of Sweden, around 800-1000 AD. After Sweden was unified and a common Swedish monarch was established, these provinces were held as duchies.

Hans Olof Utsi/Imagebank.sweden

Lappland

The famous altarpiece is the work of Prince Eugen, Duke of Närke, AKA Målarprinsen, the Painter Prince (1865-1947) whose former home—Prince Eugens Waldemars Udde—on Djurgården in Stockholm has become one of Sweden’s most popular museums.

Kiruna Church

Kiruna Church is special in many ways. It is a religious cultural site and protected by the Cultural Environment Act, so as plans for the city to be moved from its location on top of an iron mine have been studied, the question has never been whether the church should be moved, but rather how. Extensive preparatory work with investigating and planning before a physical move can take place has been in the works since 2017. The relocation method is being investigated as well as what conditions are needed to relocate the church and handle the graves. Preparations and planning for the new site of the church and the Maria Chapel have also started. The belfry was built in 1907 and then the church itself was built between 1909-1912. It was a gift from LKAB iron mine to the congregation. Architect Gustav Wickman drew several bell tower proposals, with 18th-century bell towers in Jämtland and Sami log cabins as examples. Several different artists collaborated for the church bells.

The church design is inspired by Norwegian stave churches. With its falu red shingles on the outside, dark tarred interiors, used materials and inspiration, it has a national romantic feel and is a clear expression of the early 20th century. The cemetery is part of the church environment, where, for instance, LKAB’s first manager and Kiruna’s founder Hjalmar Lundbohm is buried. The questions about its move are many and large, and few answers can be given before all conditions have been fully investigated.

In 2001, Kiruna Church was voted the most popular pre-1950 building in Sweden, in a country-wide poll conducted by a government agency connected to the Ministry of Culture. It is considered to be “the Shrine of the Nomadic people.”

Other attractions in Sweden’s north • UNESCO World Heritage sites of Gammelstad Church Town (near Luleå), the best preserved example of a church village in Scandinavia; and the Laponian Area (Gällivare, Jokkmokk and Arjeplog), which is the largest area in the world with an ancestral way of life based on the seasonal movement of livestock • The Arctic Circle, which runs just outside the town of Jokkmokk • Jokkmokk’s annual winter fair in February • The Sami museum Ájtte, Sweden’s only major ethnographic museum outside Stockholm.

• The sunny archipelago off the coast around Luleå and Piteå • The 450km Kungsleden hiking trail • Golfing in the midnight sun 100 days and nights per year • The Swedish Academy of Sauna (Kukkolaforsen), where the world’s first sauna museum is located • The Ice Hotel at Jukkasjärvi, near Kiruna. • The eight National Parks: Vadvetjåkka, Abisko, Stora Sjöfallet, Sarek, Padjelanta, Muddus, Pieljekaise, Haparanda Skärgård JANUARY 01, 2020 15

art and culture

The American Vävstuga Becky Ashenden and the evolution of an American Vävstuga Whether or not you have a Scandinavian heritage, learning to weave in this well preserved tradition is fulfilling and inspiring. You are invited to join a Vävstuga Basics class to experience this age-old tradition and open the door to this beautiful and satisfying craft, right here in the U.S. Becky Ashenden’s 1981 life-changing introduction to the wealth of the Swedish textile world at Sätergläntan Institutet för Slöjd och Hantverk in Insjön, Dalarna, Sweden, a school renowned for weaving and other traditional crafts since 1922, gave her the motivation to pursue weaving as a life passion, as well as a career. It was Becky’s love of playing international folk music that drew her to join a group of musicians on a visit to Sweden to explore its beautiful musical traditions. A friend encouraged her to visit Sätergläntan while they were in the area. She felt instantly drawn to the school and decided to return for their textile program. Imagine the anticipation and excitement of embarking on an adventure in Sweden, as a young woman of 21, with limited knowledge of the language and the craft she would study. The following five months of focus and learning were inspirational and led Becky to create what would become a 39year legacy of Swedish weaving in the USA.

Turning points

After returning to the U.S., Becky began working as a production weaver, selling her work at craft shows and music festivals. The following 13 years added experience to her initial high-level training. As more and more of her customers asked if she would teach them to weave, Becky began transitioning her work toward developing courses based on everything she had learned at Sätergläntan. She began to use a variety of beautiful Swedish yarns in her classes, which was a turning point in her teaching career. Once introduced to these high quality yarns, Becky’s students wanted to continue using them at home. She had already been importing Swedish looms and equipment from GAV Glimåkra AB in Mora, Sweden since the early 90s, so she began to import Swedish yarns from Holma-Helsinglands AB in Forsa and wool from Borgs Vävgarner AB in Hässleholm. Her use of Swedish equipment, yarns and techniques added to the value of what she has been offering her students since 1991. In 2007, Vävstuga moved to its current location next to the beautiful Bridge of Flowers in the village of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. Vävstuga 16 NORDSTJERNAN

has become a prestigious Swedish weaving school offering classes to weavers of all levels and from around the globe.

Traditional techniques

Week-long classes cover a host of traditional Scandinavian techniques. Vävstuga Basics serves as an introduction to the high quality equipment, tools, and yarns that Becky imports from Sweden, as well as providing the basics of weaving on Swedish looms in the way that Becky was taught. Whether you are a beginner or master weaver, the Basics class presents excellent training in the fundamentals of warping, weaving and drafting using the Swedish method. More advanced classes include Swedish Classics, Sagas & Fluff, Swedish Rag Rugs, and Drawloom weaving (see pictures) to name a few. In Vävstuga Favorites, students can choose to weave something like one of the neverending array of beautiful Scandinavian projects Becky has woven over the years. Today the depth and breadth of Becky’s work at Vävstuga are the culmination of decades of teaching. Lodging is available for six students in the dormitory upstairs from the studio, which has a distinctly Swedish ambience. The village of Shelburne Falls also has several lodging options within walking distance of the school. Delicious meals are served to all students. Drawloom, linen and rag rug classes are now offered at Becky’s childhood home, which also serves as the home base for her 15-week Väv Immersion program and her non-profit organization, Fabric of Life, which is dedicated to the preservation and sharing of knowledge and skills that enrich our daily lives. The Väv Immersion program resembles, in many ways, the initial program that Becky took in Sweden in 1981 and brings her full-circle back to those precious five months that started it all. Bettie Zakon-Anderson

Becky Ashenden weaving in Shelburne Falls ...

... playing the fiddle at Sätergläntan, Dalarna.

Available classes, www.vavstuga.com

An assortment of projects are available in more advanced classes: True satin damask, Rosepath Monksbelt 8-shaft, Twill Single-ply linen tablecloth, Gubbetäcke Bound Rosepath, Krokbragd, Rya, Flossa, a variety of tablecloths, Opphämta, coverlets in Skillbragd/Smålandsväv, Daldräll, Jämtlandsdräll, Linens, Rosengång, Bandweaving and more

Becky Ashenden in the Vävstuga store / The Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne Falls.

art and culture

A swede’s ethnic roots All you ever wanted to know about rutabagas (and then some). As winter wore on I waited for the rutabagas. Where were they? Why didn’t our store have them as usual? Don’t tell me rutabagas are now an endangered species with quinces! I told Caitlin, our produce manager, that we would have to change the title for this story to “The Turnip Rap” unless some rutabagas appeared. For some reason our distributor didn’t have any. She watched, and suddenly they appeared on the Regional Access list, and she got them back in the store. These are medium-sized yellow and purple skinned organic rutabagas, not the huge ones from Canada. I’m convinced those are grown on steroids then thrown screaming, into boiling wax. Our smaller organic ones are so much more flavorful. And non-waxed. Rutabaga (Brassica naprobrassica) is a naturally occurring hybrid between turnip and cabbage, a cold weather crop that appeared in the Middle Ages in Sweden. At first they were unknown in America, so they were called “swedes” like the people who ate them. The leaves are perfectly good for cooked greens but are never seen in commerce, unless they pass as turnip greens. The roots are perfectly good raw. You can grate them for coleslaw and add any 18 NORDSTJERNAN

sort of salad dressing, but more usually they are considered a cooked vegetable. My favorite is “rotmos” which means roots mashed: Boil the peeled roots for 15-20 minutes until soft, then mash them with melted butter and a splash of milk or cream, just like you would for mashed potatoes. Add a pinch of salt, allspice and white pepper. Voila! The standard Swedish rotmos is about 60% rutabaga, 30% potato and 10% carrot. It’s fun to experiment and substitute parsnip, turnip or celery root here or there. Rotmos may look like mashed potatoes but it’s as much vegetable as carb and has a subtle, unique flavor.

Don’t eat swedes ...

We never ate rutabaga as kids because it was “ethnic” food. Our parents did not want to admit they were ethnic. In those days red-blooded patriotic Americans did NOT eat swedes! Then one day Mother decided it was time to tell us the truth: We were really half-breed Swedes. Oh, it wasn’t our fault. It was something our great-grandparents had done, it was because of them that she had decided we were going to eat rutabagas. She carefully sliced the roots in half and baked

them long in the oven. She scored the flesh into diamonds and brushed them with melted butter until they were nicely caramelized on top with fluffy, golden flesh beneath. They looked heavenly (to her)! We kids were not convinced. They were not “just like potatoes.” They were strangely shaped, and looked disgusting and weird with blackened tops, burned skins and a pulpy yellow flesh. We knew we had to eat everything on our plates. We knew that children were starving in India, and when our parents were young the starving Armenians were always mentioned at the dinner table. And we knew Father was a food nazi who would give us one whack on the behind for each uneaten bite of food left on our plates after dinner. I pretended to eat the rutabaga but spit most of it inside my wadded-up napkin unnoticed. I tore into the ovenblacked skin and draped it over the yellow blobs. Would my plate pass muster? Brother had saved his rutabaga for last. He tried to eat all of it at once and failed. “You made yourself vomit on the floor. You’re getting a spanking!” Brother was dragged into the bathroom for his beating. We fled to the safety of our rooms and

art and culture homework. Never again did mother fix rutabaga. It’s a pity we never learned to enjoy our own ethnic vegetable as kids, so I’ve taken it up later in life. Why were our parents so strict about food? They merely wanted us to eat all kinds of food for economic reasons, more than to develop gourmet tastes or ethnic identity. Some people view my dietary choices as picky and unprincipled, silly even. On the whole, I think I have come to have a broader definition of food than most people, and my brother too. It is good to break your own dietary limitations, expand and learn to appreciate spinach or rutabaga or whatever. Just don’t be a food nazi about it. J.T. Stratton

rotmos 1 rutabaga (AKA “swede” in the U.S. / kålrot in Swedish) 2 large carrots 1-3/4 pounds potatoes 1/2 stick of butter (50 g or 1/4 cup) 1 tsp salt 4/5 cup of vegetable stock (or milk) - Peel the rutabaga and carrots and cut into rough chunks. Put them in a saucepan, cover with water and cook for 25-30 min. - Peel and cut the potatoes into pieces. Add them to the saucepan and cook for another 15 minutes. Pour off the water. - Mash with butter, salt and possibly a pinch of white pepper, and dilute with broth or milk (or even heavy cream). Top with parsley. To serve: In Sweden, rotmos is traditionally served with cured and salted, cooked lean meat such as pork belly, bacon, a salty sausage, or as we’ve done, a corned beef and pastrami mix. Even chicken that “needs more salt” will work when properly spiced. Rotmos, like mashed potatoes, is one of those dishes you can master with your own ideal taste by adding a bit more butter, salt or any of the other ingredients. Taste and test your way. Tip: If you’re serving the rotmos right away, heat up the vegetable stock or milk prior to adding to the sauce pan. 11151254_NordicReachAd_8.5x2.5_Option1.pdf

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local events

Tasting the 45th annual Anchor Christmas Ale

Founded in San Francisco in 1896, Anchor Brewing continues their tradition of producing only handmade beers in their handsome copper tanks brewhouse.

Members of the San Francisco based Young Scandinavians Club enjoyed an incredible tour of the historic and boutique Anchor Brewing Company, the first craft microbrewery in the United States. The wonderful special event was arranged and made possible by YSC Danish-American member Gordon Gottsche who attended the University of California at Berkeley with current Anchor Brewing Head Brewmaster Scott Ungermann, who is also Danish-American. Scott started our fabulous tour of Anchor Brewing by giving all of us a generous serving of their famous Liberty Ale. Mid-way through, we had a healthy refill of fresh suds and near the end he treated us to their 45th annual Anchor Christmas Ale that was undergoing the second fermentation process. Wow, what a treat. During the tour we learned that in 1965 the small, struggling Anchor Brewing Company was purchased and revived by young Stanford University graduate Fritz Maytag who transitioned Anchor Brewing into becoming the first craft microbrewery in the United States. By 1975 Fritz had revitalized the flagship Anchor Steam lager and introduced the famous Anchor Liberty Ale, brewed strictly with traditional craft brewing methods and using only natural ingredients of pale malted barley, fresh whole-cone Cascade hops, a special top-fermenting yeast and water. Fritz continued to expand the product lineup and introduced Anchor Porter, Old Foghorn, Barleywine Ale and the first annual Anchor Christmas Ale, starting a tradition that continues today. He retired in 2010; Anchor Brewing is now owned by Sapporo Breweries in Japan. Scott said he had spent 18 years learning his craft at Anheuser-Busch before returning to California five years ago as the ABC Brewmaster. If you missed out on the YSC tour of Anchor Brewing Company, you definitely don’t want to

Members of San Francisco Young Scandinavians Club at the Anchor Brewing Company.

L-R: Gordon Gottsche, Scott Ungermann and Scott Walen.

miss out on enjoying their current 45th annual Anchor Christmas Ale: I can testify that this öl is a delicious brown ale to be enjoyed during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. It is the perfect complement to any Julbord. Tack så mycket to fellow Vikings Gordon Gottsche and Scott Ungermann for making possible this forever memorable and very special event! Jim Melin Jim Melin with Scott Ungermann.

20 NORDSTJERNAN

feature

art and culture

Discover Swedish is not a regular language course. Teachers and other professionals in the language field may object to the fact that it leaves out bits and pieces, and simplifies language learning. That is a calculated move: These lessons are for regular readers, maybe even beginners, trying to get a grip on another language. We have so far covered Vara (be), var (was, were) and varit (have or has been). Subscribers eager to look back at these lessons, 1-3, please check our online digital content in issues 16-18, 2019: www.nordstjernan.com/digital_issues/ Discover Swedish concentrates on grammar, hopefully in a playful way, but serious at the same time. The playfulness is illustrated in the examples and exercises. It aims at pointing out similarities but also differences between the two languages. Apart from grammar and the overall structure of Swedish, these lessons also teach how to use your own experience with vocabulary. Discover Swedish demonstrates shortcuts, mainly based on the influences of Latin and Greek—languages that are the foundation of English, Swedish and the Germanic languages. The lessons will include crosswords, fill-in sections, personal questions, Odd Man Out, word groups (like family, colors, animals), jokes, silly translations, short texts in Swedish, all in a kind

Uses:

jag har: I have du har: you have han har: he has hon har: she has det har: it has den har: it has vi har: we have ni har: you have de/dom har: they have

of Swedish atmosphere. By partaking in Discover Swedish you will no doubt get a grip on Swedish and you may even learn a lot about svenska (the language) och svenskarna (the people of Sweden).

Map of Sweden’s administrative regions, counties or provinces, “län,” often similar in name but not to be confused with the older division of “landskap.” More on län on p.23

Lesson 4

Christer Amneus

Ha (har/have or has) Presens/the present: As in “I have a cold” or “it has been an exciting year” Ordlista i slutet av varje övning/Vocabulary at the end of each exercise Sammanfattning/Conclusion: Again, notice that the Swedish grammar can be quite simple. We have one word “har,” whereas the English language has two, have and has. Silly translation/use of words: “I have red dog” (You find the key on the next page) Övningar / Exercises on page 23.

Phrases:

“Jag har fem barn.” “Wow. Du har fem barn?” “Och du? Har du barn?” “Ja.” “Hur många?” “Jag har 25 barn.” “25! Du skojar. Hur gamla är de?” “Alla är 12 år. Jag är lärare.”

Augusta’s Daughter Ever wonder what made so many emigrate from Sweden in the nineteenth century? Judit Martin’s novel, “Augusta’s Daughter,” about 19th century Swedish peasant life made such an impression on us, we decided to offer it to the Nordstjernan readership. call 1.800.827.9333 for your own copy ($24.90 incl. S&H to cont. U.S.). The sequel,

Kajsa

was just released. The story of 15-year-old Elsa-Carolina’s illegitimate daughter Kajsa,who was cast out into the world from a foster home at the age of 8.

Ordförråd/Vocabulary barn: child/children / hur många: how many / du skojar: you must be kidding / hur gamla: how old / år: year / lärare: teacher Continues on page 23

Please send me ____ book(s) “Augusta’s Daugheter” x $24.90 = _______ Please send me ____ book(s) “Kajsa” x $24.90 =

Incl. S&H (in continental U.S.)

_______

Total: _________

Name Address City State Zip Tel. m Check enclosed payable to Nordstjernan m Please charge my credit card: Card# Signature

Exp. Date:

/

SSC Code:

Mail to: Nordstjernan, P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan CT 06840

JANUARY 01, 2020 21

local events

DIRECTORY ADS Gunilla P. Faringer, Esq. Swedish-speaking attorney

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A novel by Lilly Setterdahl

Mail order form to: NORDSTJERNAN P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan CT 06840 or call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10

art and culture

Övning/Exercise:

1. Jag har djur/I have animals Fyll i ordet för har/Insert the word for have and has: 1. Jag ________________ två katter och en hamster. ________________ du djur? 2. Ja, vi ________________ en rottweiler och en ponny. 3. ________________ du någon favorit?

4. Det ________________ jag. Bell, vår hund, ________________ allt.

5. ____________ du barn? Nej, jag ____________ inga barn men jag _____________ett bra liv. Ordförråd/Vocabulary katt: cat / djur: animal/animals / någon favorit: a favorite / hund: dog / allt: everything / inga: no / bra: good / liv: life 2. Barn, man och fru/Children, husband and wife Rätt (R) eller fel (F)/Right(R) or wrong (F)? Ge dina personliga svar/Give your personal answers: 1.

Jag har fem barn. R F

3.

Min fru/man har en trevlig man/fru. R F

2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Vi har ett hus. R F

Jag har ingen fru/man. R F

Grannarna har många bilar. R F Vi har mycket snö i januari. R F Jag har släkt i Europa. R F

Invånarna här har mycket pengar. R F

Vi har ingen tv. R F

Continued from previous page 4. Löpande text/Running text Testing ... Sverige har 21 län med en landshövding som leder länsstyrelsen och ett separat landsting. Regeringen utnämner landshövdingen. Ett län har ett antal kommuner, totalt cirka 290, en del med mindre än 6,000 invånare och de största som Stockholm har cirka 950,000 invånare och Göteborg cirka 565,000 invånare. Ordförråd/Vocabulary län: county/province / var sin: each / landshövding: governor / leda: lead, be in charge of / länsstyrelsen: county administrative board / landsting: county council / regering: government, administration / utnämna: appoint / ett antal: a number of / kommun: municipality/ borough / en del: some / mindre än: less than / invånare: inhabitants/residents / de största: the largest (ones)

10. Den här staten har 10 miljoner invånare. R F

KEY

Ordförråd/Vocabulary barn: child, children / hus: house, villa, bungalow / borta länge: long gone / min: my / fru: wife / trevlig: nice / man: husband, man / grannarna: the neighbors / många: many / bilar: cars / mycket: a lot of / snö: snow / släkt: relations, family / invånarna: the residents, inhabitants / ingen: no / tv: TV-set / den här: this

KEY 1. Jag har djur/I have animals: Har on all dotted lines.

3. Penningbekymmer/money trouble Translate with the help of vocabulary: “Har du pengar?” “Ja, jag har pengar.” “Hur mycket har du?” “Jag har 2,000 på mig.” “Upp med händerna och ge mig dina pengar. Hur mycket pengar har du nu?” “Jag har inga pengar. Och du?” “Jag har 2,000. Vill du låna?” Ordförråd/Vocabulary pengar: money / hur mycket: how much / upp med händerna: hands up / ge mig: give me or hand over / inga: no / låna: borrow

Välkommen till nästa övning. Welcome to the next exercise, on ha, hade, haft (have/has, had, has/ have had) in issue 02, 2020. KEY to silly translation/use of words from previous page: “I have red dog” would be a direct translation of “Jag har röda hund,” and correctly translates to “I have German measles.”

KEY 3. Penningbekymmer/money trouble. “Do you have any money?” “Yes, I have money.” “How much do you have?” “I have 2,000 on me.” “Hands up and give me your money. How much money do you have now?” “I have no money. How about you?” “I have 2,000. Would you like to borrow?” KEY 4. Löpande text / running text Sweden has 21 counties/provinces with a governor in charge of (leading) the county administrative board and a separate county council. The government appoints the governor. A county/ province has a number of municipalities, all in all (totally) about 290, some with less than 6,000 inhabitants/residents and the largest ones, like Stockholm has about 950,000 inhabitants/residents and Göteborg/Gothenburg about 565,000 inhabitants/residents. The largest län in terms of area is of course Norrbottens Län, which is close to 38,000 square miles and in terms of population, Stockholms Län, with 2,345,000 inhabitants—compare with Norrbotten, roughly 250,000.

JANUARY 01, 2020 23

local events

Old Swedes’ Church 320th anniversary 1638 was the year Swedish immigrants arrived in the Delaware Valley, establishing the New Sweden Colony. Holy Trinity Church, nicknamed Old Swedes’ Church, was built there in 1698-1699 to serve the Swedish community. That was 320 years ago. Celebrating Old Swedes’ Church’s 320th Anniversary was the theme of New Sweden’s 19th history conference on November 2. The session included an afternoon visit to the historic site in Wilmington, Delaware. Architectural historian Kathleen Abplanalp noted that the church was built when Erik Björk served as pastor, which means it is one of the oldest buildings in the region. It was built with local single-piece timbers and a barrel-vault ceiling. Eventually, English-style porches were added as was a brick bell tower, the former to carry the weight of the ceiling, the latter to attract worshipers, according to Abplanalp. Abandoned for a while in the 19th century, the structure survived, she asserted, because of dedicated stewardship—people determined to preserve Holy Trinity in the middle of a changing Wilmington.

New Sweden historian and pastor Kim-Eric Williams discussed the labors of the Rev. Andreas Rudman, who led a team of clergy sent by the Church of Sweden in 1696-97 to provide religious services in the Delaware Valley. To carry out this mission, Rudman brought copies of the 1695 service book and a spinet piano with him. To liven up religious services at the congregation he established in Philadelphia and in keeping with Lutheran tradition, Rudman wrote several hymns and published the first hymnal in the colonies in 1700, using Swedish and German melodies. Early American furniture expert Phillip Zimmerman speculated on the provenance of “Early Swedish American Church Furniture” in his talk, admitting the difficulty in identifying craftsmen and their work. The pews at Holy Trinity, for example, had been replaced several times. He did mention a number of traits that may point to Swedish craftsmanship, especially chair-back designs, and he had a 19th century example of a “peasant-made” wooden chair to support his proposition. Historical preservationist Michael J. Emmons, Jr.,

Season’s Greetings to all our friends

Consulate General of Sweden 505 Sansome Street San Francisco

Swedish American Patriotic League

Ryan Massey President

Kirsten Baughman Vice President

Meryl Ferrari Secretary

Sandy Watts

Titanic Sailing Again A new book by Lilly Setterdahl

The passengers dress in period clothing, dance, flirt and fall in love on the maiden voyage of the newly-built Titanic Princess sailing from Jiangsu, China to Dubai, United Arab Emirates in 2018. But will the ship reach Southampton, England and New York without serious threats? True to her tradition, the author creates Scandinavian characters and fits them into the story. Whether or not you are a Titanic fan, you will love reading about the surprise onboard meeting of the grandsons of two Titanic survivors, the lady’s maid Anna and her rescuer, Roberto, both featured in Setterdahl’s previous Titanic novels.

24 NORDSTJERNAN

explored church inscriptions and the “liminality of text”—the messages found on Holy Trinity’s walls, wooden doors and gravestones that represented threshold-like lines of transition from one dimension to another, present and future, life and death, perdition and salvation. Even Pastor Björk ordered the placement of bright red colored metal lettering on the exterior walls of the church. The stone masons carved their initials on stones placed at heights, and ordinary people, presumably congregants, carved their initials into wood to mark their presence. Pithy texts on gravestones marked final passages. Leaving such messages and images was a common form of expression, assertions of personhood and place. The sponsors and partners of the conference, including the Swedish Council of America and the American-Scandinavian Foundation, as well as the American Swedish Historical Museum and the Swedish Colonial Society, should be pleased with the celebration event. The presentations produced real insights into the lives of the people of the “Swedish Nation,” as New Sweden was known after the Dutch and English takeovers, and the area became the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural “Pennsylvania.” I certainly went away from the conference thankful and with a real sense of the place and people of that distant time—spaces of worship, sounds of singing, tooling of furniture, and scratching of messages in stone and wood. Lawrence Backlund

Barbro, Liza, Kristina, Lotta & Beatrice

Treasurer

Please send me ____ book(s) “Titanic Sailing Again” x $20.90 = _______ Including S&H (in the continental U.S.) Total: _________ 6” x 9” soft cover, 319 pages

Name Address City State Zip Tel. m Check enclosed payable to Nordstjernan m Please charge my credit card: Card# Signature

Exp. Date: SSC Code:

Mail to: Nordstjernan, P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan CT 06840

/

news in brief

A little piece of Sweden in Michigan

DID YOU KNOW? The Swedish Women’s Educational Association (SWEA) in Michigan held their annual Christmas fair for the 29th time on a recent Saturday in Farmington Hills. There are 7,000 SWEA members in 70 chapters around the world, they all share a mission of sharing Swedish culture and language. As a photojournalism student, I was excited to attend and learn about a culture that has always seemed so far away. When I arrived, there were hundreds of people and tables with crafts and foods, and there was a holiday spirit that warmed me with the smells of pancakes and glögg and the sounds of folk music. The holiday music was provided by Spelmanslag, a local Swedish group comprised of accordion, acoustic guitar and violin. I tried the glögg though I am not a fan of wine and didn’t know what to expect, but it was pleasantly surprising and I could taste a strong cinnamon flavor along with hints of fermentation. I met a mother and daughter team, Christina and Maria Wardell, creating personalized heart-shaped cookies made from a recipe Christina’s mother used in 1948 in Finland. There were dozens of imported goods, too - candies and wheels of cheese imported from Sweden just for this Christmas celebration. Some proceeds from the craft and food sales go to the Swedish School in Farmington Hills where kids learn the Swedish language, history and culture. Funds also go to the Scandinavian Studies department at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, as well as other local organizations. I noticed people buying gnomes of all sizes. Called “tomtar” (one is a “tomte”), they are believed to help Santa with the gifts and protect the home. They have no eyes, as their hats cover everything but their small round noses. Their hair is gray or white, made from the wool of sheep from Gotland. Crafts included baskets, straw hearts, wreaths, angels, the Swedish Yule goat, gloves, and hats with a horse stitched into the fabric. I learned this was the Swedish Dalahorse, an essential symbol of Sweden. At 11 a.m. the lights began to dim, and SWEA President Malin Clark announced one of the most popular Swedish Christmas traditions - St. Lucia. She gave a little background on the procession for people like myself who didn’t know much about it, and then children in white gowns with

The Zbee developed by Svenska Clean Motion

SWEA Michigan President Malin Clark.

The performance of St. Lucia.

electric candles walked slowly to the stage singing “Natten går tunga fjät,” the Swedish Sankta Lucia song. The choir included children from the local Swedish school and students from the University of Michigan. As an outsider to the Swedish community, I was warmly welcomed with enthusiasm to share traditions together. I had set out to take photos and do an interview for my final photojournalism class project, but I gained so much more. Text & photos: Cassie Hall Cassie is a journalism student at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. She is eager to know more about the world and likes to travel to different places, broaden her worldview and become more aware of how other people live.

The easy way to move around in Stockholm: Bzzt. The pod-taxis are small, fast and electric taxipods that you order with an app. They are somewhat cheaper than ordinary taxis—and completely free of emissions (driven by eco-labeled electricity). Fast, cheap and environmentally friendly, the company is now hoping to get New Yorkers to ride zero-emission and opened offices at SACC New York’s Gateway. The company behind the so-called Zbee vehicle, Svenska Clean Motion, also delivers electric tuk tuks to India. For more info, see www.cleanmotion.se, and for the pod taxis in Stockholm we wrote about in Nordstjernan issue 1802, see www.bzzt.se Cooling Facebook. The Swedish air treatment and climate control company Munters is who keeps Facebook’s data center at a cool temperature. At the end of 2017 the company announced it received two orders for refrigeration units for Facebook’s data centers in Europe with a value of approximately SEK 450 million ($53 million). Munters previously delivered the first two phases of Facebook’s projects in Clonee, Ireland and the first phase of its establishment in Odense, Denmark. For more info, see www.munters.com Pioneering pace. In 1958, Rune Elmqvist (1906-1996) developed a small battery-powered pacemaker which can be surgically implanted under the skin of a cardiovascular patient. It emits electrical impulses that cause the heart muscle to resume normal, regular contractions. The same year, Åke Senning (1915-2000) performed the world’s first pacemaker operation at the Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm. Rune Elmqvist also invented the Mingograph (1948), an ink jet writing device that could capture rapidly changing physiological processes and is used in ECG machines and elsewhere. JANUARY 01, 2020 25

news in brief

Former consul, Siri Eliason dies Former honorary consul general of Sweden, successful businesswoman and generous California Lutheran University supporter Siri Eliason of Thousand Oaks died of cancer Dec. 15 at age 87. “Siri was a woman of uncommon grace, business acumen and diplomacy,” said former Cal Lutheran President Luther Luedtke. “She was a major figure in Swedish-American relations regionally and nationally and took great pride in both her Swedish heritage and American citizenship. We are grateful for her life and friendship.” In 1957, Eliason and her husband Sven moved from Sweden to Los Angeles, where they founded Scandiline Industries, a furniture manufacturing company with factories in the U.S. and Europe. Eliason also built up her own business, Danica Inc., a chain of stores selling mainly Scandinavian furniture. In 1984, the Eliasons moved to San Francisco when Sven was appointed Sweden’s honorary consul general for Northern California. Following his unexpected death in 1985, she succeeded him for 14 years. Born Siri Siljemo in Sweden’s northern Ångermanland province, Eliason was an enthusiastic representative and supporter of Swedish and Scandinavian culture. She held leadership positions with the American Scandinavian Foundation, the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, the Swedish Women’s Educational Association (SWEA), the Swedish Seaman’s Church and other organizations. She served as director of Scandinavia

Today, a major cultural project in Los Angeles. Eliason was recognized for her contributions by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden with the Royal Order of the Polar Star in 1978 and by the National Ethnic Coalition with the Ellis Island Award in 1984. In 1993, the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles gave her the Eliason Award, a distinction created in memory of her late husband, and, in 1996, the Vasa Order of America named her Swedish-American of the Year. As a regent of Cal Lutheran from 1994 to 2003, Eliason celebrated and strengthened the university’s ties to the Scandinavian community through the Scandinavian Cultural Center, the annual Scandinavian Festival and Nordic Spirit Symposium and other activities. As chair of the board from 1999 to 2002, Eliason promoted strategic planning and a $93 million capital campaign that funded new academic and athletic facilities, programs, professorships, and scholarships. She also supported the sale of land for the 500-resident continuing care retirement community University Village Thousand Oaks. In recent years, as a resident of University Village, Eliason maintained close ties to the university, often attending Board of Regents meetings as a regent emerita. In recognition of her service to Cal Lutheran, she was awarded the Exemplar Medallion in 1986 and an Honorary Alumni Award in 2018. Eliason is survived by her only daughter, Jane Eliason of Thousand Oaks, and sister Anita Siljemo of Stockholm, Sweden.

Kära vänner och Sweor, Söndagen den 15 december lämnade vår kära Siri Eliason livet här, efter en kortare tids sjukdom, då hon blev så väl omhändertagen på Oak View inom University Village, här i Thousand Oaks, där både hon och jag bor. Saknaden är redan stor för mig, även om jag visste vad utgången skulle bli. Jag har haft en lång tid att tänka på det fina samarbete som Siri och jag alltid haft, alltsedan jag kom som nygift med Gunnar, hösten 1963. Siri och Sven var några av de första svenskar jag lärde känna i Los Angeles och ganska snart “rekryterade” Sven mig att bli medlem i det av honom alldeles nystartede kyrkorådet för S:t Eriks Church i San Pedro där vi delade den norskägda kyrkan med norrmännen. Jag satt sedan kvar i kyrkorådet ända till för några år sedan, det blev 40 intressanta och givande år för min del. När jag 1978-79 planerade att öppna en organisation för svenskor i Los Angeles området, hade jag turen att få Siri som min mentor och högra hand. Hon var mycket van vid organisationer och jag hade aldrig suttit i någon organisation över huvud taget! Sanningen är den att om inte Siri funnits där i början, så hade aldrig SWEA överlevt mer än ett år! Jag var i sanning trött på “min” organisation efter ett år med styrelsen och talade om för Siri att jag tänkte avgå innan året därpå.

Gissa om hon satte mig ner och talade om att “så kan man överhuvudtaget inte bära sig åt…har man satt sig vid rodret på båten fick man minsann lotsa den i hamn.” Resultatet blev att jag jobbade aktivt i den härliga SWEA organisationen i 34 år och har aldrig ångrat en dag – men det var helt Siris förtjänst. I början av SWEA fick jag privilegiet att hålla till på deras företag Scandiline och även den sekreterare jag hade då, fick ett rum på Scandiline, där vi fick tillgång till alla de olika “apparater” vi behövde, för att skriva våra brev, kopiera och även göra vår tidning som då kom ut en gång i månaden. Siri fanns som ett härligt stöd för mig och oss andra mellan 1979 och 1983, fyra av de viktigaste åren för att SWEA skulle få den stadiga grund den fick. 1983 blev Siris man, Sven, utnämnd till Sveriges honorära generalkonsul i San Francisco, så herrskapet Eliason sålde sina ytterst framgångsrika möbelföretag, Scandiline som framför allt importerade skandinaviska möbler, samt Danica, fem snygga möbelaffärer i tre olika stater, med Siri som chef. Sven tillträdde sin nya tjänst i San Francisco i januari 1984 och tyvärr blev den kortvarig, då Sven dog under 1985. Därefter utsåg Sveriges Regering, Siri på egna meriter till att efterträda Sven som honorär generalkonsul vilket hon skötte med den äran fram till 1999. Under alla åren i San Francisco var jag ofta uppe på besök, först hos

26 NORDSTJERNAN

Former honorary consul general of Sweden and successful entrepreneur Siri Eliason has died.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 9 in Samuelson Chapel on the Cal Lutheran campus in Thousand Oaks. Donations may be made in her memory to SWEA International via SWEA.org or P.O. Box 4128, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33338 and to the Sven and Siri Eliason Scholarship via CalLutheran.edu/memorialgift or 60 W. Olsen Road #1625, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360. både Sven och Siri och sedan efter Svens död, bara Siri. I början av deras generalkonsultid i San Francisco hade vi flera gemensamma möten med Sweorna i San Francisco och Los Angeles. Jag kommer framför allt ihåg ett jättefint Nationaldagsfirande på ett av de vackra stora hotellen i San Francisco. Siri ställde ofta upp för SWEA i San Francisco och jag kommer med glädje ihåg flera mottagningar på själva Nobeldagen den 10 december. Efter sina år som populär Generalkonsul i San Francisco, sålde hon sitt vackra “palats” och flyttade in i en stor rymlig våning på samma gata. Hon fortsatte att vara mycket aktiv inom många organisationer i SF och vid denna tid blev hon vald till The Board of Regents på California Lutheran University. Där var hon i nio år, varav tre av dem som President för the Board of Regents for CLU. Hon var en av de aktiva på the Board som såg till att de 60 acre land som nu University Village ligger på, blev sålt och 2007 flyttade Siri tillbaka ner till södra Kalifornien och var den allra första som flyttade in i sin villa på UV som vi kallar området. Jag besökte Siri ofta på UV och insåg att det skulle vara det bästa tänkbara för mig att också flytta hit, och det gjorde jag 7 år senare och har nu bott här i maj i fem år. Vi har haft mycker trevlig ihop här på UV och jag kommer att sakna henne enormt. Agneta Nilsson, Thousand Oaks

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Swedish News Law on skolplikt criticized

Skolplikten, the law on compulsory schooling is unclear. Municipalities do not receive sufficient guidance on how the law should be interpreted and the supervisory authority’s oversight has failed according to a review by the National Audit Office (Riksrevisionsverket, RR). The review began after it was discovered that five children in Ystad were kept from school and society throughout their upbringing. “In the worst case, it has consequences that children do not get the education they are entitled to,” says Sofia Sandgren Massih of the audit office. RR wants the government to change the law and to tighten requirements.

Reducing welfare fraud

Digitization, artificial intelligence and better cooperation between authorities. This is how welfare fraud and other incorrect payments, which cost society billions of SEK each year, will be reduced, according to a draft report from the delegation for correct payments from the welfare system. These include money from the Social Insurance Agency, student financial aid (CSN) and the Employment Agency (AF).

Sida makes loans more accessible

Many refugees find it difficult to support themselves, and the communities in which they live have difficulties to develop financially. Therefore, Sida (The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) is investing SEK 50 million in providing guarantees to lenders who might otherwise not lend money. The project is a collaboration with UNHCR. The funds are intended to make it easier for specifically refugees in Uganda to invest. Through the loans, companies are expected to start up e.g. small-scale farming, crafts, catering and trade. The hope is that it can be applied to other countries if the project turns out well.

SD secures second place The Sweden Democrats get their best result so far in Statistics Sweden’s (SCB) polls with 22.6% voter support in the November survey, an increase from May when the number was 17.1. The Social Democrats are getting their worst result so far, dropping from 27.6 percent to 26.3. The Moderates increase from 16 percent in May to 18.3 percent. The Liberals are safely over the parliamentary threshold from 3.7 in May to 4.1 percent in November. The Christian Democrats plunged to 6.6 percent from the previous 13.0 percent. This list shows voter support as a percentage in November with the change from May in parentheses. The Left Party (V) 8.1 (-0.6) Social Democrats 26.3 (-1.3) The Green Party (MP) 5.1 (-0.5) Center party (C) 7.3 (+0.4) Liberals (L) 4.1 (+0.4) Moderates (M) 18.3 (+ 2.3) Christian Democrats (KD) 6.6 (-6.4) The Sweden Democrats (SD) 22.6 (+ 5.5) Other 1.6 (+0.3) Statistics Sweden asked a nationwide random sample of 9,149 people how they would vote if there were November elections and 4,645 people responded. Responses were collected via telephone interviews and web surveys. The people in the sample were initially given the opportunity to answer the questions in a web survey. Whoever did not fill out the web survey was later contacted by telephone. Data was collected Oct. 28 through Nov. 26.

Larger permit-free housing

As of March next year, it could be legal to build 30 square meters of supplementary housing without building permits, compared with today’s 25. The five additional square meters, according to parliament’s civil committee, mean it will be easier, among other things, to make room for basic functions needed in a home. The change was introduced as one of several ways to solve the housing shortage.

The leader of Moderaterna, Ulf Kristersson, left, and the Sweden Democrats leader Jimie Åkesson have had their first direct meeting.

First meeting between M and SD

Ulf Kristersson (M) and Jimmie Åkesson (SD) had their first in-person meeting in Kristersson’s office. Both party leaders commented on the meeting on their Facebook pages on Dec. 4. Åkesson posted that the meeting bodes well for future collaborations in a new political landscape. He added that they discussed law and order, immigration policy and energy policy. Kristersson wrote: “I wanted to meet to discuss a number of important issues for the country, where our parties have similar views.” KD leader Ebba Busch Thor has already had a meeting with the SD leader. “It seems the Moderates are handing the baton to the Sweden Democrats,” Prime Minister Stefan Löfvén said, referring to SD becoming the major opposition party in the latest polls. He voiced his concern about the shift to the right in Swedish politics.

Simpler house search

The government wants to give the police more opportunities to do house searches with the aim of increasing opportunities to “disarm the gang and interrupt the spiral of violence” (S). If someone is suspected of a crime, it is already easy to make a house search today, but the right is limited to preventive purposes, according to the government. However, the proposal raises questions about, among other things, integrity.

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