Viking Magazine - Sep/Oct 2023 - 4

VELKOMMEN
By Ron Stubbings, International Board Chair
WEARING YOUR HERITAGE ON YOUR SLEEVE
W earing a bunad is not only a symbol of my
connection to the Norwegian community-it
also represents ties to family. Part of what makes a
bunad so special are the personal touches that remind
you of people you love, or of the festive occasions it is
associated with.
Th e bunad I wear is from Voss in Vestland county.
Th is regional style is a variant of the men's bunad
popular in 1800s Hordaland, in Norway's western fj ord
region. Th e green insert on the red vest, a 1950s addition,
creates the illusion of a double-vest, and provides
the opportunity to add more shiny buttons.
My bunad was made for me by fellow Norwegian
folk dancer Ellen Bergenhus, way back in 1978. Sewn
using sturdy wool fabric, this costume is created to last
a lifetime and longer. And it still fi ts. Th is is a benefi t of
staying active!
Th e bunadsko-traditional shoes with silver buckles-
I purchased in Bergen in 1989 on my fi rst trip to
Norway. Th e shirt is only a handful of years old as my
original one needed replacing due to wear and tear.
My wife Riitta sewed me a new shirt, and the hardangersøm
on the cuff s and chest plate were hand-embroidered
for me by former District 7 Secretary Th elma
Lysne. Th is surprise was orchestrated by Th elma and
Riitta. I had no idea until the big reveal and am thrilled
to have received such a meaningful garment.
As part of my costume, I also put on two silver sølje
pins, and usually wear my medal from when I was
knighted by King Harald. Wearing my bunad makes
me proud to be involved with the Norwegian community
and Sons of Norway.
Being able to dance and perform in my bunad is
extra special, as dancing is how Riitta and I fi rst met.
We are excited that the Nordic folk dance and music
festival that brought us together, Nordlek, will be
hosted by the town of Arendal, Norway, in 2024. Th e
festival is an exhilarating event where you can
learn dances from across the Nordic countries
and kick up your heels for a whole week.
Have you seen the Bunad Map that headquarters
staff created to educate us on
bunads? Visit sofn.com/bunad-map to
learn more about some of the stunning
bunads from around Norway. If
you look at the map, my Vossabunad
stems from the area just northwest of the
two women wearing Hardangerbunader.
If you haven't taken part in the Cultural
Skills Program before, I recommend looking
into it. When logged into sofn.com, you
can fi nd information on how to earn pins
for achievements in hardangersøm, folk
dance, chip carving and other fun pastimes.
If you aren't online, talk with your
lodge cultural director about obtaining a
printed copy.
Happy fall to you!
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user/sonsofnorwayhq
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4
Sep/Oct 2023
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ILLUSTRATION RANDALL NELSON PHOTO SONS OF NORWAY

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Viking Magazine - Sep/Oct 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Viking Magazine - Sep/Oct 2023