Last year I began reading the blog, Folklore Fashion, it was brim full of breathtaking photography of Scandinavian folk costumes antiques and reproductions. Having never really studied much about this type of costume - I was quite intrigued. Some of the techniques I recognize (the gauging on the skirts, for instance) from 1860s sewing, but as for the stunning color, fabric, and embroidery combinations - I think they are just fascinating! It's amazing how all the different regions have their own distinct folk costume! They are so varied and each just gorgeous....looks like the stuff of fairytales.... These images are from the new book Scandinavian Folklore, which I plan on adding to my research collection as soon as I can budget it in! :) Looks like a beautiful resource book!
Why do the Scandinavian flags look like a cross, and why does each country have its own colors? Why do Iceland and Finland have similar flags, even though they're not technically Scandinavia? We share the region's flag history.
Scandinavian culture has been very popular lately, because that part of the world has some of the happiest people. So what makes Scandinavians so happy? I would like to explore that through a few words that don’t have a direct translation to English.
The meaning of Hygge is believed to be the spiritual foundation of Denmark. Meet locals who share their personal definition of hygge!
Scandinavian Gatherings: From Afternoon Fika to Midsummer Feast: 70 Simple Recipes & Crafts for Everyday Celebrations come out September 27th!
by Brontë Aurell The ultimate insider’s guide to the countries of the Nørth, full of inspiration and ideas, how tos and recipes to help you experience the very best of Scandinavian design, philosophy, cookery and culture. ‘Why are Scandinavians constantly topping the happiness table?’ ‘How do you get more Scandi-style in your life?’ ‘Just how do you use lagom?’Like her viking ancestors before her, Brontë Aurell left Denmark to explore the world beyond home shores and in her travels has come to understand the fascination with her kinfolk, as well as seeing the idiosyncrasies of the Scandinavian lifestyle that locals take for granted.Whether you want your apartment to look like it belongs in Copenhagen, to workout like a Norwegian or to make cinnamon buns like a Swede, this is the ultimate insider’s guide to the countries of the north. With a signature wit and a keen eye for detail, travel alongside Brontë through fjords and mountains, farmlands and cities to better understand these three nations and what makes each one so unique.So get outdoors, learn the life lesson that there's no such thing as bad weather (only bad clothing) and you may discover your inner Scandi sooner than you think. Hardcover. 224 pages.
Ever wondered what those Norid countries are doing right? I go through five things the Nordic people get right in their every day life.
These magical photos from Sweden's midsommar festival are straight out of a fairytale
Where is Scandinavia? We decipher which countries are considered Scandinavian and why, from geography to history to culture to language. We also answer: is Finland part of Scandinavia? As well as: Is Iceland part of Scandinavia?
Crafted from ceramic with a glazed finish, this tile not only serves as a decorative piece but also carries cultural significance. Its strong magnet on the back allows for easy display on any magnetic surface, adding a touch of Scandinavian heritage to your home. Measuring approximately 3x3x0.25 inches, this tile is compact and versatile, making it an excellent gift or souvenir choice. Whether you're looking to celebrate your own Scandinavian heritage or want to present a thoughtful and culturally rich gift to someone special, this decorative tile is the perfect choice. Its meaningful message and quality construction make it a cherished addition to any space.
There's life beyond hygge. Here's your guide to Instagram-era Nordic vernacular.
Eero Ojanen 2017: Suomalaiset taruolennot illustrated by Sirkku Linnea The Finnish folklore has a sprite for everything in nature. Through these creatures people explained, how the world was created and why the different phenomena appeared. This book is divided into sections of different creature types. First come the giants, then the dwarfs (such as gnomes, elves, fairies and leprechauns). One section is given to the creatures from Kalevala, one for Forest folks, one for the protectors of plants. There are creatures that live underwater, those who help and care for people and animals. Then there are those, who are plain weird and those whose only purpose is to make life difficult. The last section is describes different mythical animals in the stories. Hiisi, a kind of devil likes to build from stones Some of the names of these creatures live in the Finnish language: hitto is used like a swearword "damn", just like "hiisi vieköön" (may the devil take...). To this day, children play "Hippa" (tag), which was a creature that chased animals in the forest so the hunters could catch them. Some of the locations got its name from a creature like Kouvola. Kouvo is a messenger of death and was widely feared. Some of the less known creatures are: Ägräs, the god of agriculture Kiputyttö, the maid of underworld, reliever of pain Rahko, the painter of moon Madderakka, the saami protecor of women Liekkiö, dead child that haunts people Aarni, the protector of hidden treasures Para, secure the milk production, later on protect sheep and grains Nyrkes, the force that makes things happen The gnomes like to live in peace in the forest Wikipedia gives a great list of Finnish mythology. Godchecker also lists some of Finnish gods. Even though, joulupukki is never written with a Y.
Jag blev alldeles lycklig när jag häromdagen hittade till bloggen Folklore Fashion, som dokumenterar arbetet med den kommande boken Scandinavian Folklore. Bakom detta gigantiska och ambitiösa arbete ligger Laila Durán, som är fotograf. Och ägare av Durán textiles, om någon känner igen hennes namn. Boken blir Duran Textiles första och den kommer ut i april […]
After having suffered discrimination and forced cultural assimilation into the Scandinavian societies nowadays the Sami people are finally able to preserve...
Visit 1. The Scandinavian Cultural Center in West Newton is a hub for Nordic cultural activities. The center hosts notable Scandinavian speakers, shows cultural movies, and is home to the Kaffestugan coffee shop where you can enjoy Scandinavian treats. The Center is also home to The Scandinavian
The meaning of Hygge is believed to be the spiritual foundation of Denmark. Meet locals who share their personal definition of hygge!
Norwegians might just have this life thing right. The culture is a little odd to some, but some of their habits are actually ridiculously helpful. They breathe in when they say yes...
Amazon.com : NAMEY Fika Definition, Scandi Style Folk Art Print, Nordic Decor, Swedish Word Home Decor Metal Signs Tin Sign Vintage Wall Funny Decorations for Bar Cafe Farm Poster 8x12 Inch, (OU88) : Home & Kitchen
Plus the best cozy cabins available to rent now.
Symbols of Sweden in vintage style. Retro sketch with traditional signs. Scandinavian culture, national entertainment in European country. Ecology and processing, bicycle and animals, winter and cold.
Koselig - It's a Norwegian thing. The concept is key to understanding the behaviour of Norwegians, especially at weekends. It's one of those untranslatable words in Norway that is best understood through pictures.
The meaning of Hygge is believed to be the spiritual foundation of Denmark. Meet locals who share their personal definition of hygge!
A unique gift or souvenir can be so difficult to find for someone with Scandinavian roots. However our wide selection of Scandinavian themed gifts in our web store is sure to make things easier. This charming high quality tile magnetic (3x3") decorative tile captures the essence of Danish culture. It features the Scandinavian House Rules saying- "If you sleep on it, make it up. If you wear it, hang it up. If you eat off it, clean it up. If you turn it on, turn it off. If it is none of your concern, Keep it that way. If it rings, answers it. If it cries, love it." Unique Design- This Cute Refrigerator Magnet Will Provide A European Touch To Any Kitchen. The Ceramic Fridge Magnet Tile Features The Saying "Swedish House Rules" And Will Nicely Accent Your Fridge And Kitchen. Strong Magnet- With A Magnetic Backing, These Fridge Magnets Can Stick Firmly On The Refrigerator Or Any Metal Surface. Great For Your European Kitchen Or House Decor. Ideal Gift- This Nicely Crafted Magnet Will Make A Great Gift For A Dutch, Irish, Danish, Scandinavian, Oktoberfest, German, Or Bavarian Beer Party Favor. Also, A Cute Wedding Favor Souvenir For Your German, Dutch Or European Wedding Day! Home Kitchen Decoration- This Fridge Magnet Is Both Aesthetic And Practical. Great Gift For Your Oma & Opa, Grandfather & Grandmother, Friend, Wife & Husband Or Any Magnet Collector. General Product Details | Approximate Dimensions (Lxwxh)- 0.25 X 3 X 3 Inches | Material Type- Ceramic
The meaning of Hygge is believed to be the spiritual foundation of Denmark. Meet locals who share their personal definition of hygge!
Young Sami artists are currently bringing new life to joik – the folk music of the Sami and one of Europe’s oldest song traditions. Ancient sounds meet modern genres, and with it, a new wave of internationally acclaimed and prize-winning musicians like Elle Márjá Eira and Marja Mortensson.
There's life beyond hygge. Here's your guide to Instagram-era Nordic vernacular.
To create his documentary style portraits of the Sami people in Norway, Jarle Hagan used the Leica 50mm f1.4 Summilux on the Leica SL.
Our conversation with Nordic Museum curator reveals the back story of Swedish folk art and what inspired the beloved designs.
TRADITIONAL NORWEGIAN TALES In Ulla Thynell’s Nordic Tales: Folktales From Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Denmark, trolls haunt the snowy forests, and terrifying monsters roam the open sea. A young woman journeys to the end of the world, and a boy proves he knows no fear. This collection of traditional Norwegian tales transports readers to the enchanting world of Nordic folklore. Ulla Thynell’s artwork is visually stunning alongside each Nordic Tale. Folk and Fairy Tale lovers or lovers of Nordic culture will appreciate this collection as both beautiful and a cultural treasure. Snuggle up under a cozy blanket with a hot cup of tea and settle in for a fantastic read full of heroes, monsters and magical beings facing challenges they must overcome! DETAILS Nordic Tales - Folktales From Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Denmark Stories collected by Chronicle Books and illustrated by Ulla Thynell Published by Chronicle Books, August 13, 2019. 12+ years 0.9" H x 9.1" L x 7.6" W (1.55 lbs) 168 pages Hardcover * Great Resource for Homeschool Parents to gain background for storytelling to children, especially Class 4 Waldorf Inspired Homeschool (grade 4) and parents of students in class 4 Waldorf schools who are studying Nordic culture. PRAISE FOR NORDIC TALES Anthologies like this are magical. The beautiful pictures make the dark nights seem bearable, and possibly even a bit special. Reading this every evening made me want to curl up in front of a log fire and sink deeper into the words. The perfect present for a winter celebration, or the perfect treat to ease yourself into the cold weather. -Book Murmuration Does anyone ever outgrow fairy tales? Nordic Tales is one of the latest installments in Chronicle's handsomely illustrated series of traditional folk stories. It's the sort of volume that will age with readers. - Chicago Tribune
Finland has been hailed a happy healthy place to live in world happiness report 2019. What makes Finland happy healthy place to live in?
Young Sami artists are currently bringing new life to joik – the folk music of the Sami and one of Europe’s oldest song traditions. Ancient sounds meet modern genres, and with it, a new wave of internationally acclaimed and prize-winning musicians like Elle Márjá Eira and Marja Mortensson.
Are you looking for the best Swedish gifts from Sweden? Check out these 25 awesome gift ideas, from home decor items to food gifts!
Ever wondered what those Norid countries are doing right? I go through five things the Nordic people get right in their every day life.
Nordic Mum Podcast
Pekka Halonen (1865-1933) has become one of the notable names in Finnish art
There's lots of widely-held views about Scandinavian people and Nordic lifestyle. Discover which stereotypes are true and which are myths.
Hello all, Today I will do an overview of the costumes of the Saami people. Previously they were called Lapps, but this is not what they call themselves, and they consider the term to be pejorative. The origin of the word Lapp is controverted, but it may be from Old Finnish/Estonian for a place far away. The Land of the Saami; Sápmi, Sábme, or Saemie, depending on the Dialect, is split between four nation-states, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. It consists of the northern part of the Fenno-Scandian peninsula. Here is the webpage of the artist who created this map, Hans Ragnarmathisen http://www.keviselie-hansragnarmathisen.net/ The Saami do not have political recognition as a people, but they do have a flag. The colors of the flag are the same colors used in Saami costume, for the most part. Linguists group the various Saami dialects into 9 Languages, of which 3 are moribund. These languages are completely unrelated to Norwegian, Swedish or Russian, and only distantly related to Finnish. There are about 160,000 Saami worldwide, of which maybe 20,000 speak one of their native languages. In spite of this linguistic diversity, they do indeed think of themselves as one people, and recently have been very active politically. For more information see these articles. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sami_people http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sami_languages There are a large number of blogs and articles online as well. I will be following the linguistic groups in my discussion of the costumes. Here are two maps which show the different groups. The second one omits the three moribund languages, but has many useful place names. I will be referring to both groups and locations throughout the article. Saami languages were also once spoken much further south. This second map lumps some of the groups together: 1 Southern Saami 2 Central Saami 3. Northern Saami 4 Inari Saami 5 Skolt Saami 6 Kola Saami The term which the Saami use for their costume is Gákti. This has been borrowed into Norwegian as Kofte, into Swedish as Kolt, and into Finnish as Takki. There is no equivalent in Russian. The couple at the head of the article are wearing the costume which is the most famous, from Kautokeino (Guovdageaidnu) in Norway. [Throughout this article I will give the internationally recognized name of a location first, followed by the Saami name in parentheses.] This is undoubtedly the poster child of the Saami group, being one of the most colorful and impressive. Most of the Gákti have the same basic construction, however. The main part of the costume consists of a pullover, which is basically the same for men and women, the mens' version hangs about mid thigh, while the womens' hangs to the knee or mid calf, depending on the local variation. The following drawings by Max Tilke show the basic cut. The first is a woman's garment from 'Tornelappmark', which is an old name for far northern Sweden. This is a man's garment, place of origin unspecified. This shows a pair of pants and a variety of different hats and bonnets used by the Saami. The basic garment is belted with either a woven sash or leather strap, which may be variously ornamented. Men wear pants, and women also in cold weather; low boots with woven straps are worn, some of plain leather and others of reindeer fur. Reindeer fur leggings are worn in winter over the pants, these sometimes have 'wings' attached to the upper edge. Hats and bonnets vary greatly according to location. The basic color of the cloth is usually the blue of the Saami flag, but it may be black, off-white, or sometimes green. Garment pieces may also be of leather. The trim is almost always red and yellow, with some green added at times. Overgarments of reindeer fur are worn in winter. DMC has put out a book titled 'Lapland Embroideries', but NONE of the embroidery designs pictured in the book are Saami. There are a couple of designs from the woven sashes on p. 40, but the rest of the designs are from various other northern peoples ranging from the Icelanders to the Nanai. The Saami do not traditionally do embroidery as such. They do a lot of applique and patchwork on their costumes, and they do a type of metal couching using pewter wire. This is commonly done on belts, and on the bags which hang from the belt, and are also done on the dickey which is worn under the main garment in many Saami costumes. Here are a couple examples of this work, In the eastern parts of Sabme, beadwork is also done. In this image, the two woven sashes are Northern Saami from Enontekiö (Eanodat) in Finland, and the beaded one is Skolt Saami. I will now give short illustrations of the costumes of the various groups. This will by no means be exhaustive, as there are many regional types, and detailed information is difficult to find on some of them. Please refer to the above maps. SOUTH SAAMI There are about 2000 South Saami, of whom perhaps 600 can speak the language. Here is the costume from between Femunden and Saltfjellet in Norway. A closeup of the dickey, pin, purse and belt of this costume. Notice the pewter wire couching. This costume is from around Idre in Dalarna, Sweden. This young man is also South Saami from Sweden, from around AmmarnäsTärnaby, VilhelminaÅsele. CENTRAL SAAMI The central Saami traditionally spoke the Ume, Pite and Lule languages, going from south to north. Ume Saami currently has about 10 speakers, and Pite Saami has between 25 and 50. There are more who no longer speak the language. So many good sources of images do not bother to record the exact origin, so many of the images which I have are simply marked 'Sweden' or 'Norway'. I have not been able to find many images of these people. Ume Saami This is the only image which I have been able to find which is unequivocably Ume Saami. This woman is LenaMaria Nilsson who is active in Saami politics. Pite Saami Lule Saami Lule Saami is still spoken by perhaps 2000 people, the second largest of the Saami languages. A Lule Saami couple from Tysfjord Norway Lule Saami from Jokkmokk (Jåhkåmåhkke or Dálvvadis) in Sweden NORTHERN SAAMI The Northern Saami are found in the northernmost parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Theirs is the largest of the Saami languages at 15,000 or more speakers. There are districts where they are still the majority population. There are a dozen or more very colorful costumes worn by the Northern Saami I will highlight just a few. Sweden: Jukkasjärvi (Čohkkirasjávri) Karesuando (Karesuanto, Gárasavvon or Karasavvon) Norway These are some of the Northern Saami costumes found in Norway. Troms (Romsa) Varanger (Várnjárga) Karasjok (Kárášjohka) The same basic costume is also worn in Tana. You can see the 'wings' on the fur leggings on the man. Kautokeino ( Guovdageaidnu) This is often described as 'embroidered', but in fact the ornamentation consists of rows of appliqued patterned ribbon. Finland The costumes of Enontekiö (Eanodat) are basically the same as in Kautokeino (Guovdageaidnu) Sodankylä (Soađegilli) Utsjoki (Ohcejohka) INARI SAAMI The Inari and Skolt languages are each highly divergent from the other Saami languages. About 300 people currently speak this language, although there is a movement to start teaching it to younger people. The Inari only live in Finland. SKOLT SAAMI The Skolt Saami number about 1250 and live in Norway, Finland and Russia, although most of the 400 speakers of the language live in Finland. Some of them abandoned the Gáktii for chemise and Sarafan as worn by their neighbors, The Karelians and the White Sea Russians. The women wear beaded caps which are similar to the Sorokka worn by the Karelians. KOLA SAAMI These only live in Russia. Of the three languages, Akkala is extinct, and 2 people still speak Ter. Kilden Saami is still spoken by perhaps 600 people. It is not used much in daily life, and most Saami in Russia do not speak it. I have found several images of Saami from Russia, but I do not have information as to which costume comes from which location. Some of these may be Skolt. Here is one blog which is devoted to Saami culture. This is well worth looking over for more information and links. http://saamiblog.blogspot.com/ Thank you for reading. I hope that you have found this interesting. The circumstances in which the Saami find themselves, being split by political borders, having local ways of speaking which are unintelligible to other communities, having no common language of their own, Identity at best ignored or often suppressed by the governments of the majority people are not unique. They are unfortunately similar for many indigenous people around the world. Each culture is a unique treasure which in a sense belongs to humanity at large. We should at least be aware of them. I have pieced this article together from many sources, and while I have caught some obvious errors, there may be others which have found their way into this article. I am particularly unsure concerning the material from Sweden. If anyone, Saami or otherwise notices such errors, I apologize and would greatly appreciate better information and images. Thank you. Feel free to contact me with requests for research. I hope to eventually cover all of Europe and the Former Russian Empire/Soviet Union. I also gratefully accept tips on source materials which i may not have. I also accept commissions to research/design, sew, and/or embroider costumes or other items for groups or individuals. I also choreograph and teach folk dance. Roman K. [email protected] Source Material: Ulf Hård af Segerstad, 'Dakkan En Bok om Samernas Slöjd', Malmö, Sweden, 1971Rolf Kjellström et al, 'Saami Daaidda', Helsinki, 1981 Heidi Fossnes, 'Norges Bunader og Samiske Folkedrakter', Oslo, 1994 Liv Trotzig et al, 'Sockendräkter Dalarna', Dalarna, 1976 Natalia Kalashnikova et al, 'National Costumes of the Soviet Peoples', Moscow, 1990 L. N. Molotova, 'Folk Art of the Russian Federation', Leningrad, 1981 Max Tilke, 'East European Costumes', London, 1926 Charles Holme, ed., 'Peasant Art in Sweden, Lapland, and Iceland', London, 1910 Laila Duran, 'Scandinavian Folklore vol I - III', AB, Sweden, 2011-2013 Much of this material I found online, I thank all those who make such information available. Upon request I will include explicit sources of the images. Thank you
