ISSUE

Upcoming Events 03 Midnight Sun JUNE Scandinavian Club of Regina Newsletter Midsummer Fest – Picnic & Camping 2 0 0 9 Picnic on June 14th at the Willow Island at 2 p.m.; cost is $7.50 per person, payable to the club that day. There is no longer a fee to ride the ferry. Bring lawn chairs, games, etc. this issue New Camping on June 20th at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park at 5 p.m. Get your New Family Editorial P.1 Passing own campsite; bring your own gear, food and beverages. It is the summer Group Member News P.1,5

solstice and we will be taking advantage of it with a night filled with social activities Perry Thompson of Scandinavian Myths & Traditions P.2-3 & fun. Contact Ida at [email protected] if you are interested and need more It is with pleasure we Strasbourg, SK, Member Portrait P.4-5 details. are announcing our passed away on new SCoR’s Family Scandinavia News P.6-7 March 22, 2009. Corn Roast Group. Greta Lange Upcoming Events P.8 Perry and his wife Sunday August 30th at Candy Cane park in Wascana Centre, at 2 p.m.. Bring has volunteered as an Leona are charter Lawn chairs; Cost is $6.00 per person activity coordinator of members of the this group and she will Scandinavian Club Letter from the Board: the future of our club? Fowl Supper become a great asset of Regina. This letter is from the present executive for some years. We also ask if you Sunday October 25th at Luther College, at 6:00 p.m.; Jon Jonsson will be the in the process of of the Scandinavian Club of Regina to might know of other people of guest speaker. Details to follow. recruiting young The club board, on let you know their thoughts about Scandinavian descent or members of families with children. behalf of all Christmas Party declining memberships. your family who would consider again members, sends If you are interested joining the club to keep it a thriving club Sunday December 13th at St Mark's Lutheran (tentative) The executive is somewhat concerned condolences to the and need more as it was many years ago when our in regard to the present membership in family of Perry information please membership was well into the hundreds. our club. As you may note, we are Thompson. contact Greta by concerned about the declining As you know, we have not taken part in phone at 543-6144 or membership which is 99 members at Mosaic since 1996. You might be Midnight Sun Issue 03 June 2009 at this moment. Many have not renewed aware this event was a significant gretaelange@hotmail. their memberships for 2009. What are source of our income which kept our com the causes for this decline in club going. For the last 13 years, we Call for E-mail membership over the last few years? have not had a major fund raising event. There are probably many reasons for While we still have money in the bank For any questions or further information regarding this addresses! this through age, illness, deaths and from past participation in Mosaic, our newsletter please contact Ida LeRuyet at 757-7708 or other reasons that continue to perplex bank balance continues to decline. [email protected] Sign up with your the executive as to how to keep present email address and So we urge you to renew your members and at the same time indicate what you membership; and if you have been SCANDINAVIAN CLUB OF REGINA increase our membership. We know P.O. Box 37182, Regina, SK S4S 7K4 interested in inactive and not been a member for that many of our families sometimes do receiving. This will some time, then we ask you to rejoin not live in our area or are busy. become our new and recruit new members to join our prime communication If membership continues to decline over club and to ask your adult children, your tool and we want you the next few years, there is a danger of grandchildren, friends, etc. to consider a on board: Email our club ceasing to exist. We urge you membership to keep our club going in [email protected] to contact past members whom you the future . might know who have not been active aSDF

Tell Your Story

Scandinavian Myths & Traditions We want to hear your Henceforth, each 'Midnight Sun' quarterly issue will feature a special topic – related to story about your origin Scandinavian mythology or traditions. A tradition is the process of preserving orally, The World of

cultural heritage, and/or a belief while a myth, by definition, can be given any of the Science At the next indoor following interpretations (found in YourDictionary.com): The Scientific event, Fowl Supper, 1. a traditional story of unknown authorship, with a historical basis, usually to American Magazine the SCoR is planning explain some phenomenon of nature, the origin of man, or the customs, has released its top to host an information institutions, religious rites, etc. of a people ten global leaders in booth to promote 2. such stories collectively; mythology biotechnology. Scandinavian culture, tourism & history. We 3. any fictitious story, or unscientific account, theory, belief, etc. Demark, , want you to help us. Iceland, and 4. any imaginary person or thing spoken of as though existing Bring anything you The Eurovision Song Contest This year's finals took place in were all in the top ten. It is obvious that our origins are in a part of the world filled with a multitude of traditions, Moscow on the 16th of May, This ranking considers think might interest the is an annual pop music Nordic country winners: myth and folklore. This provides a fairly wide range of possibilities for subjects in our rest of the members. competition, held since 1957 Sweden and the victory by Norwegian areas such as newsletter and we call on our readers to contribute with suggestions for future (season 1974, 1984, 1991, 1999 Alexander Rybak came as a intellectual property, among the members of the related) topics!. intensity, enterprise Talk to John European Broadcasting Union nice prelude to the 17th of Edwardson to bring – However – here goes Myth: (EBU), and it's huge! Each May celebrations. (Alexander support, education, was born in Belarus and workforce and forward any of your Primstav – A Calendar Myth? member country submits a 1985, 1995, 2009 Perpetual calendars like the primstav – calendar stick – were found in many ideas of how we can song to be performed on live speaks fluent Russian.) foundation dropout. share our own stories European countries before printed calendars came into general use. In the Denmark This is a great feat television and then votes are , mainly in Denmark, Sweden (referred to as “runstav”) and which shows how with others. cast determine which is the 1963, 2000 Those 'Midnight Sun' readers Norway, they were probably known as far back as 1000 A.D. and were year's most popular song in with internet access can see Scandinavian primarily to help farmers keep track of when it was time to sow or harvest to Finland and listen to the winning song countries continue to New Book, the competition. Check it out avoid frost on their crops. Movie & Music online here: 2006 on You Tube here: be on the cutting edge Club With the introduction of Christianity the calendar stick became even more http://www.eurovision.tv/ http://www.youtube.com/watc of technology. useful in people's more complicated task of keeping track of all religious feast h?v=uiH4BFTELME The club will be days. In Norway the primstav is known to have been in use well into the 19th featuring century. Other Nordic calendar sticks will have looked very much the same, Who is Ida? Not What You Thought...? Scandinavian but they would differ somewhat in symbols. On the primstav/runstav, every produced books, day is represented with a carved notch, and all the church feasts or other 're- We all think we know Ida – our very own own. Palaeontologist Jørn Hurum has music and movies. letter day' have their own symbols carved into the stick 'Midnight Sun' editor and valued member acquired Ida for the University of Oslo

Get togethers will be of the Scandinavian Club of Regina, Natural History Museum, and a team of The summer side – sommerside – of the Norwegian primstav covered April organized where club Right! But then there is the new Ida. Or scientists finally has got the opportunity 14th (sommermålsdag – First Day of Summer) to 13th of October. There are members can enjoy rather the old Ida. Very, very old Ida! to examine this ancient fossil. many important symbols during those six months such as Barsok, Summer our Scandinavian Solstice and Olsok. Ida is the most complete early primate 'Midnight Sun' readers with internet artistic culture. fossil ever found, recovered from the access can read all about Ida at More information will Olsok (St.Olav's Day) on 29th was the most important religious Messel Pit in Germany by Norwegian http://revealingthelink.com/ and among follow in the next feast in the of the Nordic countries in Medieval times, archeologists. Scientists believe that she other things, Sir David Attenborough's newsletter. Contact commemorating Saint Olav, the Norwegian king who fell in the battle of could be one of our earliest ancestors. enthusiastic comments on 'the Missing Kari at: (Trøndelag) in A.D. 1030. She lived 47 million years ago, and her Link' now discovered. [email protected] The word Olsok is derived from Olavsok or Olavsvaka (Olav's wake). In features show striking similarities to our or by phone 565-2450 many rural communities they would light bonfires on this day. People sgnfjkfdn jn.dnsvm dv

the Danish-ruled Kalmar Union. It is a would dress in their best clothes and eat Olsok porridge (rømmegrøt). Slimy Summer News Stories th marking of Swedish independence, though Fact or Fiction? June 5 - Denmark The symbol on the primstav is an axe, the Olav's Axe. Olsok was an important day Treats in the event occurred so long ago that it does for weather forecasting. In Hordaland (Western Norway) they expected weather Denmark The southernmost of the Scandinavian not have as strong of a presence in the Myth: change - for better or worse – and the new weather type would last until Larsok When asked about her countries does not have a national day as social consciousness. Norwegians eat a lot (August 10th). dearest memory of the such, but the June 5th Constitution Day of lutefisk and lefse (all June 7th - Sjomannadagur (Seafarer’s Danish summer, (Constitution of 1849) is the closest They were generally anticipating rain, and a wet Olsok forebode a the time). Day) wet fall. A verse from Frosta (Trøndelag) goes: “Er Olavsdagen Hanne Marshall bursts Denmark comes to a national celebration. On this day you will see Iceland’s entire våt, skal bonden hauste med gråt”. Roughly translated: “If Olav's Fact: out “Stegte friske ål” - However, June 15th has national status. fishing fleet in the Harbour. This is the day Day is wet, the farmer shall harvest with regret”. Good Olsok In spite of the “Fried fresh eels”! The day commemorates King Valdemar that the people of Iceland pay respect to the weather meant good fall weather. In many places in Western country's many valleys Fried fresh eels with the Victorius' (Valdemar Sejr) victory over men and women who brave the unforgiving Norway they believed that after Olsok the meat would no longer and fjords, Norway is stewed potatoes and the Estonians in the 1219 Volmer sea for a living, which have provided the taste of grass – hence they could slaughter after that day. an urban society. Out white sauce – no (Valdemar) Battle near Lyndanisse, foundation for Iceland’s prosperity. This is a of a total population of doubt! Estonia. According to legend, the Danish day to remember our forefathers who have close to 4.8 million, Now, many of us will flag, Dannebrog, drifted down from the Iceland ic Myths Finnish Myths faced danger and made sacrifices for the more than 75 % live in have eaten delicious sky during the battle. There are no Myths have been an important part of Before 1316, the summer solstice benefit of their families. cities or other urban smoked eel at some historical facts to support the legend, but Icelandic culture throughout its history. was called Ukon juhla, after the th settlements. naturally it is one of those myths that will June 17 - Icelandic Republic Day The people who settled Iceland had to Finnish god Ukko. For example point, but to this Dane, always live. The day also celebrates the find ways to pass time during the long Karelian tradition, many bonfires were the real first sign of This public holiday celebrates the Kingdom Urban life rarely allows reunion of Sønderjylland (Southern dark winter; they entertained each other burned side by side, the biggest of summer was when of Iceland becoming a republic in 1944. The time for anything as they could get fresh Jutland) with the rest of Denmark after the by reading and telling heroic stories of which was called Ukko-kokko (the date of June 17th was chosen as a way to work consuming as 1920 referendum. the times gone by. This love of story "bonfire of Ukko"). After the eels in the market. The honour Jon Sigurdsson (his birthday) who lefse baking. They can th telling has created a country that can celebrations were Christianized, the precious buy would be June 6 - Sweden Icelanders regard as their national hero. buy it, of course, but boast universal literacy, and a wealth of holiday is known as juhannus after St. brought home in a The biggest parties will be held in Reykjavik eat it mainly on special The tradition of celebrating this date John (Finnish: Johannes). The burlap sack, wriggling with events throughout the city. One of the written work that has been passed down began in the 1910s at the Stockholm occasions. and squirming even as throughout the ages. These stories Swedish-speaking minority calls the most beloved events is the Fjallkonan (the Olympic Stadium, in honour of the election explained the natural phenomena that event midsommar. they were being cut up woman of the mountains) clad in Lutefisk has become of King Gustav Vasa in 1523. This event surrounded them while featuring heroic During the Finnish midsummer and put into the frying Skautbúningur, who recites an energetic an exclusive & was considered the foundation of modern celebration, bonfires (kokko) are burnt pan. poem. She represents the fierce spirit of the figures. Some of the best known for Sweden as the event signify the end of expensive dish. By these characters are the Norse Gods at lakesides and by the sea. Especially These strange Icelandic Nation and the Icelandic nature. and large, it is eaten the hjhv and Goddess, Odin, Freyja, and Thor in eastern Finland entire young birch creatures have a during the months of Feeling like hot springs this summer? just to know a few. The Icelanders were trees (decorative entire young birch remarkable life cycle, November, December Everyone knows Icelanders are and inspiring. Overseas tourism is also known for their Sagas, these are tree is called meiju while birch in which begins and ends and January when it is resourceful in a crisis, but their present expected to increase heavily this summer stories that tell of the trials and Finnish is koivu) are brought to both in the middle of the at its best. Real situation is demanding that they more so and Iceland is preparing. This year there tribulation of the Icelandic people. The sides of the front door to welcome Atlantic ocean in the lutefisk lovers would than ever. Iceland has been hit hard by are 60 recent graduates from the Tourism tradition of Saga telling still lives on with visitors. In Midsummer night the sauna Sargasso Sea. But not be caught eating the world financial crisis with banks being Guide School of Iceland and the those who immigrated to Canada as is typically heated and family and most importantly, they frozen stuff - which nationalized and people losing their jobs, government is working to improve their seen in the Gimli Saga and the friends are invited to bathe and to grill. migrate to Danish tastes like a bleak but the country is not accepting defeat. tourism office. So if you are planning a Icelandic River saga. In the coastal areas some of the rivers and on early copy of the real thing. The government is capitalizing on what summer trip, Iceland is only a short flight Swedish speaking communities raise summer nights to Every district has its they have around them to help the from Toronto and they would love to have a maypole, a tradition that has spread Danish dinner plates! own range of side from Sweden during the 20th century. economy. Iceland’s natural beauty has you. dishes – eating lutefisk

been characterized as mythical, is a serious matter! otherworldly,

include lefse,ponnukokur, wienerterta, Member Portrait of krumkaker. They are not club members, A little bit of Scandinavian Club of AGM new President; how can we attract their interest?” Scandinavia in st Regina’s new April 21 , 2009 It became apparent that Mosaic website John Edwardson Regina participation is close to John's heart. … to sum it up Each newsletter a member of During this year's Cathedral Village Arts The SCoR is underway the club will be interviewed “I would love to have Mosaic again. I Festival Regina based storyteller Kevin of launching its very own always came from Carlyle where I lived The 2009 AGM was held and profiled. We found this an MacKenzie http://www.storiesbykevin.com/ on April 20th 2009 and website. It is already up excellent opportunity to before moving to Regina. But the club gave a fascinating rendition of the presided over by and going but have very introduce our new President, must change with the new times. Norwegian folk tale Lurvehette or little information posted. Laureen Smith. There John Edwardson, and look into Without change we lost Mosaic. We ”Tatterhood”. The story is taken from Peter was a delicious dessert However, it is our goal to the future of the club. must be willing to invest the resources – Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe's have a nice functional money and work it takes to get us in buffet to get the night collection of folk tales. Kevin as a As we arrive, John is caring for the winter “With the Internet, those ties grow even started. A big thanks to website by the end of again. There are profits to gain from professional storyteller gave his own twist damage to the backyard lawn of his stronger”, he says. “Features like Skype Kelly Nelson who the summer thanks to participating too. Profits from the Mosaic to the story, and his audience was Kim Gillies’s leadership. Orchard Crescent home. On the patio he enable us to meet our relatives face to prepared a letter which bar sales are shared among the enchanted by Tatterhood and the trolls, has spread out several items of written face. And think about Google Earth, by was read at the meeting, Thank you! participants. There are other small witches and magic in the story. The Regina materials on Norway provided by the typing in the street address you can country heritage clubs. We could join it was a great catalyst Public Library has a book of folk tales For anyone interested Norwegian consulate. Obtaining similar basically see their house on your screen! for the club to discuss forces, share costs and profits alike and which contains excerpts from the story with material from the other consulates and Internet broadens your knowledge about the future of the club. check the site out at: make ourselves visible! the original illustrations by Norwegian sharing this information with SCoR the world.” One thing that was “Change is key. Without change we can artists Erik Werenskiold and Theodor www.scandinavianclubre members is one of the things John sees “Communication is so much easier now. apparent throughout the only sit back and watch memberships Kittelsen. gina.com as steps to revitalising the club. People My father lived here for full 33 years meeting is that the shrink. New activities are important. could sign out the material they're before he went back to Norway for the club has and the And we must make ourselves visible!” interested in borrowing, and bring it back first time for his parents' 75th wedding desire and energy to Use this as our new for sharing with other members. anniversary. After that, he visited While talking to John, he definitely deal with any hardship promotional tool if you John has lived in Regina since 1996. several times.” showed his pride and passion about we will experience in the know of someone who Scandinavia and also the club. We look future. One change you After 27 years as a Mountie, he has now “There are so many Scandinavians in are interested in joining forward to seeing the results from his might notice in the retired and has been doing home repairs this area, so why doesn't our club have our club! efforts to revitalize the SCoR. upcoming year is the for seven years. During his RCMP career 200-300 more members? Where are the membership fee he was stationed in Camrose, Alberta, for children of our present club members? The Scandinavian Club`s Board of Directors 2009 increase of $5. This will some years and met lots of Norwegians Parents could put a bit of pressure on and other Scandinavians there. cover the increasing their sons and daughters to get them join President: John Edwardson expenses the club has “I am proud of my Scandinavian heritage”, the club, but the most important thing is Past President: Laureen Smith Join us in welcoming the new been facing. he says, “as well as of my being a that there must be change. The Vice President: Kim Gillies members to the board, congratulate

Scandinavian Club of Regina of 2009 those who took on a greater role and Canadian”. Our ethnic background is an Treasurer: Michael Larsson The next AGM will be must look to new ways of attracting wishing them our best of luck as they important feature of our culture and our Directors: Kelly Nelson held on April 12, membership and care for the interests of take on the future of our club. personality, well worth taking care of and Ken Trapp 2010 communicating to new generations. I can new members.” Brian Beck

bake krumkaker and three kinds of lefse, Marlin Berg We really appreciate all your work. “Look at this group of ladies calling Hope to see everyone he confides to us. (Skills this reporter, Membership: Larry Bristol themselves 'Scandinavian Sweethearts'. there. born and bred in Norway, certainly does Phone Coordinator: Gudrun M. Jonsson THANK YOU! They sell their Scandinavian baking at

not possess...) the Farmers' Market on Scarth St. which

John's father was Norwegian from Bodø, his mother Swedish from Ludvika, and. he has strong ties with family in Norway.