Velkommen Celebrate Danish Days in Solvang
Emma Andersen 2013 Danish Maid
September 20-22, 2013 Entertainment • Danish Heritage • Fun • Food
Danish Food
See our fine selection of Danish and Scandinavian foods, including imported cheeses, liquor, wine and our delicious homemade Danish sausage. Nielsenʼs Market had its beginning in 1911, the year Solvang was founded. With our heritage so deeply rooted in our communityʼs history, we are proud to be a part of this great Solvang Danish Days Celebration.
Nielsenʼs Market
608 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, Ca 93463 • 805-688-3236 • www.nielsensmarket.com
S OLVANG S A
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CALIFORNIA’S
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FINEST COLLECTIVE
Widely recognized as one of the country’s finest antique galleries, Solvang Antiques features exquisite fine art and jewelry. At Solvang Antiques you will find 18th & 19th C. furniture showcased with an exceptional selection of restored antique clocks, watches & music boxes, antique lighting, sterling silver and decorative accessories.
Le Marionette by Louis Icart
See us in our New Location 1693 Copenhagen Drive Solvang, California 805-688-6222
www.solvangantiques.com
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Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
elcome to Solvang and the 2013 Danish Days Celebration, sponsored by the Solvang Danish Days Foundation. This year’s celebration takes place from September 20 to 22, 2013. We welcome visitors from around the world to join our celebration. Danish Days weekend is an open invitation for guests and locals to celebrate the history of our beautiful town, enjoy Danish-style hospitality, and recognize our strong ties to our Danish culture. Originally, the Danish Days celebration was a simple, small town affair. There were few, if any, visitors. It wasn’t even known as Danish Days. It was simply a home-inspired fete designed to remind Solvang residents of their ties with the “Old Country.” Solvang celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1936 and out of those festivities came what is now known as Danish Days.
Velkommen to Danish Days!
Through the years Danish Days has seen many changes. What has not changed is the pride in Solvang’s Danish heritage and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. Thousands of visitors, many returning year after year, come to enjoy the festival. Danish and American flags line the streets, residents don their colorful costumes, and dancing, singing, and entertainment are plentiful throughout the town. Even if you are not Danish, you’ll have a great time being a “Dane for a Day” here in Solvang. Solvang was settled by a group of Danish educators in 1911 on 9,000 acres of a former Spanish land grant. The name of the town is a Danish word meaning “sunny field.” To the small group of Danish settlers, refugees from Midwestern winters, the area looked like heaven. They immediately went to work building the town and a Danish folk school. Atterdag College is gone, but its spirit still lives in the town. When The Saturday Evening Post featured Solvang in a 1946 article, tourists came, attracted by the setting, the customs, and the idyllic life. Shops, galleries, restaurants, and hotels soon grew, each reflecting the area’s Danish architectural heritage. Solvang evolved into the jewel it is today: a charming town with roots planted firmly in Danish tradition. A visit to Solvang is to enter the Danish Capital of America. Old World architectural styles blend with flower-lined streets in our walkable village. Storks peek down from thatch, copper, and tile roofs. Delightful shops offer imported European wares: porcelain collectibles, linens, wrought iron, ceramics, and every form of handicraft. The aromas of chocolate, baked goods, coffee, and beer-garden fare scent the streets. Although Solvang has developed into a major tourist mecca, its many Danish-American residents continue to perpetuate their Danish heritage. Danish and Danish-American fraternal and social organizations are active in Solvang, including Danish Brotherhood and Sisterhood Lodges, Dania Men’s and Ladies’ Lodges, and a Solvang chapter of the Rebild National Park Society. Other ties with Denmark are also evident. Some locals are members of the Royal Order of Dannebrog, awarded in recognition of their contributions towards strengthening the bonds between the United States and Denmark. In addition, Solvang and Aalborg in Denmark are sister cities. To learn more about the history of Solvang, visit the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, where displays of how early settlers lived can provide you with fascinating facts about early Solvang. You can also check out the Visitors Center on Copenhagen Drive to pick up information about Solvang, and the new Centennial Plaza on Alisal Road, a shade structure with benches and display kiosks of historical and centennial information. We hope you enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Danish Days as Solvang takes to the streets for our annual festival. Our well-known “Danish hospitality” invites you to enjoy all there is to see and do in our beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. We hope you have a wonderful weekend and “kom snart igen!” (come back soon) solvangdanishdays.org
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Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Velkommen 2013
C ontents Page
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1..........Velkommen (Welcome) 3.........Danish Days Parade Application 3..........Danish Days Festival Highlights 4..........Torchlight Parade 5..........Artisan Marketplace 5..........Win a Trip for Two to Denmark 6..........Greetings from the Danish Maid 8..........2013 Limited-Edition Collector’s Pin 9..........Emma’s Danish Heritage 10........Æbleskiver: A Unique Danish Treat 11........Musician Sonny Semler to Perform 11.........Danish Days Organ Recital 11.........The Great Danes & Fresno Danish Dancers 12...........Hans Christian Andersen Memories 13..........Comedy Industries, Meltzer & Spang-Hanssen 16..........The Little Mermaid Turns 100
17.........2011 Trip to Denmark Winners 20.........The Carlsberg Beer Wagon 20.........A Message from Solvang’s Mayor 22.........Danish Folk Dance Costumes in Denmark and the USA 24.........Map of Solvang 26.........The Dannebrog and Other Scandinavian Cross Flags 28........Taking a tour of Bethania Lutheran Church 30........We’ve Got You Covered: Favorite Danish Sauces 32........Living History Festival at Elverhøj 39........Danish Days Memories 41........Solvang Still Celebrates Danish Traditions 46........Ravens of Odin, Vikings in Solvang 47........The Solvang Village Folk Dancers
The Velkommen is published by the Solvang Danish Days Foundation, a nonprofit corporation, established in 1995. .
Solvang Danish Days Foundation P.O. Box 1424 • Solvang • CA 93464
Tel: (805) 686-9386 • Website: solvangdanishdays.org Board members: Brenda Anderson, Hans Birkholm, Max Hanberg, Glen Jacobsen, Linda Johansen, Rick Marzullo, Rod Nielsen, Bruce Pedersen, Rose Skytt. Professional advisors: Sorenson & Sorenson CPAs. Committee members: Ken Andersen, Donna Andersen-Ineman, Carl and Beth Birkholm, Denise Birkholm, Matt Farris, Jaeger Family, Brenda Knudsen, Linda Marzullo, Birgitte Pedersen, Petti Pfau, Mark and Maggie Ream.
Velkommen
Scan the Code and learn more about
Danish Days
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Managing Editor: Denise Birkholm
Magazine layout and production: Dean Puccinelli Illustrations: Ed Hansen, Rick Marzullo Cover photo: Allie Andersen
solvangdanishdays.org
Velkommen 2013
2 0 1 3 D a n i s h D ay s T h e m e
Best Danish ____ (Fill in the Blank)
2013 Danish Days Festival Parade Sept. 21 at 2:30 pm Everyone is invited to join in the fun!
Marching Bands • School Bands • Groups • Individuals Complete this form and return to: Solvang Danish Days Foundation, c/o Parade Chairperson P.O. Box 1424 • Solvang, CA 93464 • (805) 686-9376 Name of entry:_______________________________
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
77th Danish Days Festival
SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS September 20-22, 2013 FRIDAY Concert in the Park by SONNY SEMLER 4 p.m. Torchlight Parade / 7:30 p.m.
Danish Days Opening Ceremony Velkommen Street Dance (after parade)
SATURDAY
Contact person:______________________________
Viking Beer & Wine Garden 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Full address:________________________________
Danish Days Parade 2:30 p.m.
Phone:_____________________________________
Danish Days Dinner Dance sponsored by the Rebild National Park Society 6:00 p.m. No-host bar 7:00 p.m. Dinner served Reservations: Erik Pedersen (805) 688-1535
Type of entry:________________________________ Brief description and commentary about your entry: _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
Special Thanks to the City of Solvang, the Solvang Visitors Bureau, and the Santa Ynez Valley Hotel Association for their promotional support.
ROCK & ROLL Live music PARTY Midgaard Pavilion Stage - FREE and open to public 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY Traditional Danish Days Breakfast 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. / Serving Æbleskiver breakfast $7.00 and Æbleskiver breakfast with Medisterpølse (Danish sausage) $8.00 Æbleskiver Eating Contest 11:30 a.m.
Artisans Marketplace, First Street Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Kids’ Korner and Lego Play & Rest Center 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. / Solvang Park
Member FDIC
LIVING HISTORY DAYS Saturday & Sunday / 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Elverhøj Museum
SUNDAY Children’s Parade 2:00 p.m.
Closing Ceremony to follow in the Solvang Park
Thank you to our generous sponsors for 2013 And Special Thanks to Deborah at the ‘Enchante Cottage Spa & Nails’ for letting us use her beautiful garden for our Danish Maid photos.
FREE ENTERTAINMENT BOTH DAYS
Enjoy throughout the Village many talented entertainers, including: The Solvang Village Band on top of the Carlsberg Beer Wagon, the Solvang Village Folk Dancers, the Great Danes, the Fresno Danish Dancers, Scott Meltzer and Katrina Spang-Hanssen/Comedy Industries, Wood Carver George Kenny, Ravens of Odin and Randel McGee as Hans Christian Andersen.
solvangdanishdays.org
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Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Velkommen 2013
Torchlight Parade on Friday the 20th The Torchlight Parade kicks off the Danish Days celebration on Friday night. Public is welcome. Join in and capture the spirit of Danish Days.
Be a part of danish days by participating in Solvang’s annual Torchlight Parade. The parade begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday evening and takes the following route: begins on Alisal Road at Laurel Street, travels down Alisal, across Mission Drive to Copenhagen Drive, right on First Street to Parking Lot #2. There will be a bus shuttling people from Solvang Park to the start of the parade; greeters will be available at the park to direct those interested in participating in this event. The public (all ages) is welcome. Following the parade, food items and beer will be available and the Solvang Street Dancers will be entertaining on Copenhagen Drive at Parking Lot #2 next to Solvang Park.
~ Danish Days 2013 ~ Help celebrate Danish Days with your own 2013 commemorative button. Available throughout Danish Days weekend Buy yours now ~ $1.00 each Page 4
Solvang Viking’s parade boat in the Torchlight Parade
solvangdanishdays.org
Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Win a Trip for Two to Denmark Each year a round-trip ticket for two to Denmark is sponsored by the Danish Days Foundation. Included in this Grand Prize is a $1,000 cash award. Proceeds of the sales support the Danish Days Festival. Many local businesses throughout Solvang offer the tickets for sale in their stores for $1.00 per ticket. You may also buy tickets by mail; write the Solvang Danish Days Foundation. Tickets will be on sale until the drawing date in October. “Mange tak!”
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Artisans Share Skills at Danish Days
anish Days is once again featuring the Old World Artisans Marketplace as part of the annual festival. The Artisan Marketplace will feature works created by demonstrators and skilled craftspeople. Artisans who have demonstrated in past years have included local Blacksmith (Smed) Hans Duus; Wood Turner (Trædrejer) Mike Magrill who demonstrated his skill in turning fine wooden bowls; Master Papercutter (Papirklip) Rick Marzullo who cuts intricate designs out of paper with his scissors; and Earl Jepson with Viking Age carving demonstrations. Featured craftsmen include Petti Pfau (Pottemager) with her rich-toned ceramics; Alfreds Stinklus of Baltic Crossroads, fine arts and crafts from the Baltic Sea Region; Solvang Husflid (“home industry” handicrafts) showcased knit dolls in Danish folk costumes (strikkede dukker i Danske folkedragter), Rosemaling, Dalmaling and other handwork. The Sisters, Mette & Sissel, added a Norwegian flair to their finely detailed jewelry and ceramic clay pieces. Beautiful jewelry from Sylvie Terrel and unique apparel along with some fun items from Cari Summers, next to Handmade Chip Carved furniture from Robert Laufer of Wild Hare Woodworks, all added greatly to the Artisans’ area. In addition, each year the Danish Sisterhood booth on First Street also features handmade items and delicacies created by members. The First Street “Artisans Marketplace” is a festive celebration of handcrafts and skills. The Solvang Danish Days Foundation’s goal is to promote authentic old-world Arts and Crafts. The festival’s atmosphere and the village’s beautiful old-world style architecture enhance the experience of Danish Days. Each year the Artisans’ area has increased in size and variety of available handcrafts. Artisans who specialize in Scandinavian style wares are encouraged to consider demonstrating or selling at Danish Days. The Husflid/Handicrafts area will also consider unique items for consignment. For more information, please contact SDDF Board member Rick Marzullo at vikingpressprint@verizon.net or contact Rick Marzullo, SDDF Artisans Marketplace, PO Box 612, Solvang, CA 93464-0612. solvangdanishdays.org
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Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Velkommen 2013
2013 Danish Days Maid
Emma Andersen
My heritage in Solvang dates back to 1910
Velkommen til Solvang and Danish Days 2013!
H
i, my name is Emma Andersen and it is an honor to be the 2013 Danish Maid. Danish Days has always been a significant part of my life. At five months old I celebrated my first Danish Days in full costume and have never missed a Danish Days celebration since. Until this year, my dresses have been handed down from my Mor Mor (my grandmother). They have either belonged to her or my Tante (aunt) Donna. My Mor Mor adjusts the dresses to fit as we grow. She also alters outfits my dad wore when he was young for my two brothers. My siblings and I are fortunate to be able to wear such history. This year my dress was custom-made by Roberta Skidmore, who has created a beautiful dress inspired from the region where my great-great grandparents, John and Thora Roth were born. John and Thora came from the small town of Bylderup, near Tønder in Sønderjylland, Denmark. The outfit I am wearing would have been worn in this region by a young girl in the late 1800’s. The crocheted lace that accents the hat, sleeves, and apron were crocheted by my great-great grandmother Thora Roth. It means so much to me that Roberta was
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Allie Andersen photo
able to incorporate this lace into my dress. I am a 5th generation Santa Ynez Valley resident. My heritage in Solvang dates back to 1910, when my great-great grandparents, John and Thora Roth, bought a ranch (now Pollyrich Farms) and relocated their family to the valley. Their daughter, Anna Roth, married a local builder from Denmark name Christen Valdemar Nielsen. He was known as C.V. and he opened Nielsen Building Materials in Solvang in 1932. Today, the business still thrives in Solvang under the management of C.V’s grandson, my dad. Both of my great-grandfathers emigrated from Denmark. Christen Nielsen in 1914 and Christian Andersen in 1928. Both men came to Solvang in search of a better life where they could be surrounded by fellow Danes. I live in Los Olivos with my parents, Ken and Allie Andersen, and my three siblings, Mia,
solvangdanishdays.org
Velkommen 2013
a sign that read, “2013 Danish Maid”. Who knew then that I would become the 2013 Danish Maid? At that time I didn’t know what a significant role Danish Days would play in my life. I didn’t know all the fun I would have celebrating my heritage. I didn’t know all the amazing outfits I would The crocheted lace that be able to wear. I didn’t accents the hat, sleeves, and know that I would par- apron were crocheted by my grandmother ticipate in the parade ev- great-great Thora Roth. ery year and with each year our floats would grow more impressive. Most of my memories include my dad’s unique floats that involve the crowd’s participation. My dad and his friend, Matt Farris, are the creative minds behind the construction. My mom, Tante Donna, Mor Mor, and Bedstefar are in charge of decorations, Emma Andersen when she was months old, in the Danish costumes, and signage. five Days parade. And then my Dad adds the music, which makes the floats come alive. I absolutely love being in the parade. I love seeing the smiles our float brings to the faces in the audience and I also love seeing their frantic hands flying to reach their cameras, hoping to capture the moment. We have built everything from a giant æbleskiver pan, to a giant chicken dancing to “The Chicken Dance”, to a giant barrel (trampoline) crushing grapes (my brothers liked flying through the air on the trampoline the best). I am honored to be selected as this year’s Danish Maid and I understand the commitment that comes with representing our city and my heritage. My family has always put forth their best effort to welcome and entertain all guests on Danish Days and this year I am proud to host this event.
solvangdanishdays.org
Allie Andersen photo
Owen and Nolan. Mia is a sophomore at the Santa Ynez High School (which is my dad and grandmother’s alma mater). Owen is in the eighth grade at Dunn Middle School, and Nolan is in the 4th grade at Los Olivos Elementary School. My paternal grandparents, Andrew Emma and her Bedstefar and Thora Mae Anderdancing at a past sen live in Solvang, and Danish Days my maternal grandparents, Chuck and Shelia Bosselmann live in Lompoc. My maternal grandfather is a veteran of the United States Air Force, and my great-grandfather Chris Andersen served in the U.S. Navy. I am currently a senior at Dunn High School. My junior year I served as student body president at Dunn as well as the president for our local 4-H club, Lucky Clover. For the past four years I have played on my school’s varsity volleyball, soccer and lacrosse teams. This past May I served as the Santa Ynez Valley Youth Rec Queen. I was part of a fundraising campaign which raised over $150,000 for youth recreation activities here in our community. Emma and her parents at her first Danish Days I have played, coached, and refereed on many of the fields Youth Rec has played a vital role in building and maintaining. Our entire family has been positively affected in some way by the programs Youth Rec has supported. It was nice to be able to help the organization and give back to it and the community. I am fortunate to live in a place where sports and community events are passionately supported by the people who live here. When I was five months old, I participated in my first Danish Days parade. Our float had
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
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Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Limited Edition Enamel Collector’s Pin:
2013 – Passing On Traditions
This year’s pin, the eleventh in the series, celebrates the passing on of traditions between all generations. A maid in Danish Folk Dance costume hands a Dannebrog to a young boy in front of a backdrop of the beautiful architecture of Solvang. Designed by Board Member Rick Marzullo, the 2013 Limited Edition Enamel pins will be available for $10.00 each. Pins will be available throughout Danish Days weekend (September 20-22, 2013) at the Pin Booth on First Street until the edition is sold out. Pin sales are on a first-come, first-served basis. Some of the designs from previous years are still available, at
a purchase price of $12.00 each or three for $30.00.
2004 Dancers (Little Man in a Fix) – SOLD OUT 2005 Hans Christian Andersen 2006 Viking Ship or Viking Design (two pins this year) 2007 Stork 2008 Windmill 2009 Spillemænd 2010 Children’s Parade 2011 75th Anniversary Celebration 2012 The Almighty Æbleskive Pan To order your pin before Danish Days weekend by mail, please send $12.50 per pin (shipping included) for each 2013 pin ordered and $14.50 for each previous year’s pin. Make checks payable to Solvang Danish Days Foundation, PO Box 1424, Solvang, CA 93464. Please allow time for processing. Look for other special Danish Days souvenirs which are only available during the festival weekend. All proceeds from the button, pin and T-Shirt sales go directly back into supporting our festival expenses. “Mange Tak!” for helping to support our festival – we hope you enjoy attending!
Papirklip
Many thanks for letting Danish Days use your facilities again this year.
by Master Papercutter
Rick James Marzullo Velkommen til vort dejlige by! Hand-Cut Paper Art Scandinavian Design Décor & More
Solvang Papirklip / Rick James Marzullo P.O. Box 612 ♦ Solvang, CA 93464 ♦ 805-688-3059 vikingpressprint@verizon.net AVAILABLE THROUGH DIRECT ORDER AND AT: ELVERHØJ MUSEUM, Solvang, CA DANISH IMMIGRANT MUSEUM, Elkhorn, IA ARTISANS MARKETPLACE, DANISH DAYS WEEKEND (third weekend in September annually)
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Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Emma’s Danish Heritage As far as Solvang royalty goes, this year’s Danish Maid has a solid pedigree. Emma Andersen, great-great granddaughter of Jorgen Peter and Thora Line (Nissen) Roth can trace her roots to the founding years of Solvang. Emma is a senior at Dunn School where she plays varsity volleyball, soccer and lacrosse. In addition, She’s been a member of Lucky Clover 4-H for the past five years. An active, involved teenager, Emma well represents this year’s annual Danish heritage celebration. The daughter of Ken and Allie Andersen has the distinction of having participated in Danish Days festivities since the tender age of five months. That was her first parade, said proud grandmother Thora Mae (Nielsen) Andersen, adding that she has not missed a year since then. The eldest of four, Emma’s siblings include sister Mia and brothers, Owen and Nolan. Emma’s maternal grandparents are Chuck and Sheila Bosselman of Lompoc. Jorgen Peter Roth was born in 1863 in Sønderjylland, Denmark and married Thora Line Nissen (born 1865) also from Sønderjylland. After the Sønderjylland area was lost to Prussia in 1864 many Danes immigrated to the United States and in 1889 the Roths made the move. The Roth invasion included some 30 friends and relatives who joined an already sizeable Danish community in Ferndale, California where they farmed for several years. Word of a new Danish colony on the Central Coast reached their ears. Learning of the prospect of the new town of Solvang, in 1911 they sold the farm and headed south from Ferndale. After purchasing land to the west of Solvang the Roth family farming was back in business and a dynasty was begun. Jorgen and Thora Line had four children: Anton, who married Christina Jensen; Anna, who married Christen Valdemar Nielsen; Christian (Chris), who married Else Pedersen and Alma, who married Hermann C. Burchardi. Their descendants fill Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley to this day. Emma traces her roots to Jorgen and Thora’s daughter, Anna, who married Christen Valdemar Nielsen, later shortened to C.V. The Nielsen family included two sons, Daryl and Alton and a daughter, Thora Mae (obviously named for her grandmother Thora Line). Thora Mae married Andy Andersen, parents of proud papa Ken and Emma’s aunt Donna.
Look for Emma dressed in traditional Danish clothing, enjoy this year’s Danish Days and be sure to sample some local fare. It won’t be hard to find this weekend. Danish food has a complexity all its own. It’s much more than medisterpølse and æbleskiver. From a genine Danish source, the grandmother of our maid, here’s a versatile sauce. MOR-MORS HOT MUSTARD SAUCE Sennepsovs 1 tablespoon flour 1 tablespoon superfine dry mustard 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon vinegar water Mix dry ingredients well. Add vinegar and enough water to make a sauce. NOTE: Thora Mae says it is easy to increase this recipe since you always use equal amounts of each ingredient. Excellent, she added, served with ham. ww
The
Book Loft 43 We feature a large selection of Danish and Scandinavian books.
mail@bookloftsolvang.com • www.bookloftsolvang.com
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Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Velkommen 2013
Æbleskiver: A Unique Danish Treat
7 8 Saturday and Sunday morning during Danish Days
Breakfast during Danish Days is served Saturday and Sunday downtown.
Served with juice or milk, coffee and Danish sausage on Copenhagen Drive in the center of Solvang
Æbleskiver are easy to make, try this recipe: 1 cup flour • 1/4 tsp. salt • 1 cup milk 2 eggs, separated • 2 tsp. baking powder Separate eggs and beat the whites stiff. Sift dry ingredients. Add egg yolks and milk to dry ingredients and beat until smooth. Fold in egg whites. Put about one teaspoon shortening into the bottom of each æbleskiver pan hole and heat. Fill holes completely with batter and as soon as they get bubbly around the edge, turn quickly. A knitting needle or fork may be used for turning. Continue cooking, turning the balls to keep from burning. The fork or needle will come out clean from the center when done. Serve hot with syrup, jam, or sugar. Makes 18.
Legend has it that Danish men originated æbleskiver in Viking days. Today they take part making æbleskiver during Danish Days.
Don’t miss the æbleskiver eating contest at 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday Page 10
solvangdanishdays.org
Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Musician Sonny Semler to Perform During Danish Days
Sonny is a multi-talented musician, world-class entertainer, and an accomplished pianist from Scandinavia. He has performed internationally since the 1960s. With his many years of experience performing in different countries, he can serve up a local or international atmosphere and a good variety of dance music. Sonny’s musical repertoire consists of thousands of different songs from various eras and nationalities. Sonny is a world-class soloist with a full-band sound. He can deliver any type and style of band sound you can imagine from small to large to full orchestra. Sonny combines his effortless vocals with piano, bass pedals, trombone, flute, keyboards, and digital synthesizer accompaniment to provide his audience with a truly memorable, rich, and diverse sound experience. Sonny has performed for numerous venues in the U.S., from wine-tastings in Arizona, to festivals in New Mexico, to opening for Danish Days the past few years.
Sonny Semler
Danish Days Organ Concert Saturday September 21 at 1 p.m.
Favorite festival organist James Welch is “Bach” by popular demand for this year’s Danish Days celebration, playing on the authentic pipe organ at Bethania Lutheran Church, Saturday, September 21, at 1 p.m. Welch is a world-renowned concert organist, but don’t let that scare you. His concerts are always full of fun, with something for everyone—from the baroque to the contemporary, from the Old World to California. A direct descendant of Danes from Fjenneslev, Denmark (his grandmother was a Sorensen), he credits his Danish ancestors with his love for music. This year’s concert will demonstrate the lighter side of the organ, with folk tunes, Western music, and some hits from opera and Broadway. And yes, there will be some Bach, too! Get there early, because this event is often a standing room only affair.
James Welch
The Great Danes & Fresno Danish Dancers
The Great Danes and the Fresno Danish Dancers return! Joining the festivities again this year will be the Fresno Great Danes and the Fresno Danish Dancers. Both groups have been coming each year to play Danish music and dance the weekend away for the past 33 years. The Fresno Great Danes group was started in 1980 by director Hazel Larsen who invited Band Leader, Lennart Kullberg from Sweden, to coordinate the group. Besides Danish Days, they perform at many festivals and concerts including the Oktoberfest Celebration and private functions. In addition to playing musical instruments, the four musicians also join in the dancing during the festival. The Great Danes The Fresno Danish Dancers were originally taught by Wilma Andersen who is 91 years “young” and still dancing. Now they are directed and taught Scandinavian and ethnic dancing by Steen Skjellerup from Denmark. They meet weekly to practice and have fun dancing. The Great Danes and the Fresno Danish Dancers joined forces in 1980 and have been wonderful and talented members of the “DD Family” of entertainers. They will be playing their instruments and dancing throughout the weekend – Don’t miss them! solvangdanishdays.org
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Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Velkommen 2013
Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling by
Randel McGee at Danish Days
Watch and be amazed as a classic storyteller brings stories to vivid life. Randel McGee’s portrayal of Hans Christian Andersen gives life and personality to a familiar name. With a flair for captivating audiences of all ages, this Hans Christian Andersen adds new insight to some age-old favorites. While the audience is captivated by the story, Randel McGee’s hands are quickly at work following another one of Hans Christian Andersen's favorite pastimes, paper cutting. By the time the tale has been told, Randel McGee unfolds an amazing depiction of the story cut from a single sheet of paper with ordinary scissors. Whether it is Hans Christian Andersen’s more popular stories like The Little Mermaid or The Ugly Duckling, or some of Andersen's lesser-known stories like The Swineherd or Silly Hans, the audience will be on the edge of their seats watching and listening with great enthusiasm. It is a fun-filled time for all ages. Randel has appeared as Hans Christian Andersen at: The Flying Leap StoRandel McGee rytelling Festival in Solvang, Talk Story Festival in Honolulu, Celebration of Light Festival in Midland, TX, the ’99 National Storytelling Conference, the Donnell Children’s Library in New York City, the Asian Congress of Storytellers in Singapore, and many more.
Where Danish Tradition, Craft Beer and Delicious Food Come Together in the Heart of Solvang’s Historic Downtown Hours: Main Restaurant - 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Bar/Tap Room - 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
1547 Mission Drive, Solvang
Visit these fine businesses at The Windmill & Round Tower
The Windmill Loft • Tower Pizza Johnson’s Jewel Box • Windmill Glassworks
436 Alisal, Solvang
805-688-2337 805-688-BEER
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solvangdanishdays.org
Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Meltzer and Spang-Hanssen Comedy Industries at Danish Days
Scott Meltzer and Katrine Spang-Hanssen specialize in custom-scripted presentations for trade shows, sales meetings, and training sessions. By combining their clients’ marketing and technology messaging with jokes, tricks, and audience participation, they’ve proven over and over again that people learn more when they laugh! Comedy Industries is constantly in demand for after-dinner shows and awards ceremonies, with a highly visual show that can be performed in multiple languages. They’ve headlined comedy clubs, emceed gameshows, and performed at more fairs and festivals than the world’s smallest horse and the world’s largest pig combined. We are very lucky to have Meltzer and SpangHanssen of Comedy Industries entertain at Danish Days. Don’t miss them!
Two shows Saturday and two shows Sunday. Don’t miss this great comedy team!
Svendsgaard’s Danish Lodge Family owned and operated for over 30 years, we welcome you to make Svendsgaard’s Lodge your destination headquarters when visiting the quaint town of Solvang. You will find our 27 standard, 17 deluxe and 4 large suites tastefully decorated, exceptionally clean, comfortable and at an affordable rate that makes visiting us a tradition! www.svendsgaardslodge.com
1711 Mission Drive • Solvang, CA 93463
(800) 733-8757 • AAA Rated Property •
solvangdanishdays.org
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Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Birkholm’s Danish Bakery
Handmade in Solvang
Family owned and operated since 1951
Come and treat yourself to our world famous:
PASTRIES COOKIES PETIT FOURS BREADS
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Enjoy authentic German, American and Danish dishes at our family-style restaurant and beer garden. Located on the corner of Second Street and Copenhagen Drive. Behind the Blue Windmill
805-688-6213
Part of the Solvang experience for 40 years! Page 14
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Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Rebild National Park Society • In Honor of the Past • In Celebration of the Present • A Society of Friends for the Future
Each year the local Rebild Chapter hosts several events for their members, including, in cooperation with the Solvang Danish Days Foundation, the Danish Days Dinner Dance beginning at 6:00 pm at the Veterans Memorial Hall this year Saturday, September 21. They will feature a traditional Danish Dinner and music for your dancing pleasure. Dinner is served at 7:00 pm. This event is always a SOLD OUT affair where young and old come together for a truly enjoyable evening.
A Non-profit, Continuing Care Retirement Community • Lic# RCFE421700369 COA #152
You do not have to be a Rebild member to participate in this event, but if you wish to obtain further information regarding membership or make reservations for the Dinner Dance, please call: Erik Pedersen 805.688.1535 or Marie Jaeger at 805.688.5448.
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473 Alisal Road • Solvang • 688.5426 • Open Every Day Visit Vinhus, at 440 Alisal Road in Solvang A SHOP LIKE NO OTHER. Family-owned and operated, we offer a unique selection of cheeses imported from all over the world. We also carry a variety of wine, beer, liquor, candies, teas, and gifts.
Stop in for cheese tasting. Design a custom gift basket for a friend. Make up your own custom picnic basket in the Vinhus, or call ahead and your basket will be ready to pick up. The Vinhus delivers locally and ships all over the world.
4 4 0 Al i sal Road Sol va ng 805.688.7117
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Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Velkommen 2013
The Little Mermaid Turns 100
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lthough “she” sits demurely on a rock in the Copenhagen harbor in Langelinie Park, how her statue came to be is quite a story in itself. “She” of course is the mermaid in the beloved fairy tale “The Little Mermaid”: (Danish: Den lille havfrue, Literally: the little sea lady), written by Hans Christian Andersen and published in 1837, it may be his best known and loved story, one of many. At Langelinie Pier you will Hans Christian Anderfind one of Copenhagen’s most important tourist attractions: sen was born in the town of The Little Mermaid Odense, Denmark on April 7, 1805. An only child he lived a colorful life writing plays, novels and poems, but is best known for his fairytales that continue to delight children, young and old, the world over. It is said his first attempt at writing fairytales were rewrites of stories that he heard as a child. Regarding his education, it is interesting that in later years, he indicated that his school years were the “darkest and most bitter” of his life. Perhaps because at times he was discouraged from writing in general, causing him to enter a state of depression. In 1847 he made his first visit to Britain and enjoyed wonderful social success during that summer, including meeting Charles Dickens, whom Andersen greatly admired. They had mutual respect for each others work and had some important commonalities as writers. Hans Christian Andersen continued to write fairy tales and published them in installments until 1872. Since then they have been Statue of Danish author Hans translated into 125 different Christian Andersen at the Solvang Park. languages, inspired plays, ballets, motion pictures and animated films. However, to this day they still delight children around the world and this would have pleased the writer dearly. Sadly, in the Spring of 1872, Hans Christian Andersen fell out of bed and was severely hurt, never fully recovering. He began to shows signs of more serious illnesses and in August, passed away in a home called Rolighed (literally: calmness). The home, near Copenhagen, belonged to Page 16
his close friends, banker Moritz Melchior and wife. On a last sweet note, shortly before his death, Andersen consulted a composer regarding music for his funeral. Concerned that most of the people who would be following after him would be children, he noted it would be best to “keep time with their steps”. At the time of his death, Hans Christian Andersen was internationally treasured. The Danish Government paid him an annual stipend as a “national treasure.” Even before his death, steps had been taken to construct a large statue in his honor in the Rosenborg Castle Gardens in Copenhagen. Three more were erected to honor him; in Odense, Denmark; Central Park, New York; and Solvang, California, a city built by Danish immigrants in 1911. And so, we return to the statue of the mermaid in Copenhagen’s Harbor. It is small and unimposing, but, in Copenhagen it is an icon and a major tourist attraction. This year commemorates the statue’s centennial anniversary. In 1909, brewer and art lover Carl Jacobsen (son of the founder of Carlsberg) after being fascinated by a ballet about Hans Christian Andersen the fairytale, commissioned the statue. The sculptor, Edvard Eriksen, created the statue which was unveiled on August 23, 1913. The Little Mermaid, now a famous symbol of Denmark, has graced the Copenhagen waterfront for 100 years. There is one more part to the story. In 2011, Solvang, California celebrated its centennial. Each month Solvang’s Centennial Committee chose a landmark to honor, creating Solvang’s new Heritage Trail. In July 2011, Earl and Dolores Petersen and family were honored at “The Little Mermaid” fountain in Denmarket Square. The statue at the corner of Alisal Road and Mission Drive is a half-scale replica of the famous “Little Mermaid” bronze statue in the Copenhagen Harbor. The family had learned of the existence of the replica and had the fountain built to showcase it after buying the replica sight unseen with a phone call to the artist’s family in Copenhagen. Dolores Petersen drew laughs from the crowd when she revealed that she and her husband, expecting a full-size statue, had a surprise when they opened the box. Solvang’s Little Mermaid statue was installed in July 1976 in Denmarket Square, so the month the Centennial Committee chose to honor the statue marked its 35th anniversary in Solvang. It was also the 26th anniversary of the statue’s image being adopted as Solvang’s official city logo. “The Little Mermaid” has had a long journey, and to Hans Christian Andersen… Mange Tak!
solvangdanishdays.org
Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
2011 Trip to Denmark Winners
Dear Danish Days Committee, We have completed our trip and we had a spectacular time. It was even better than we had anticipated, the people were extremely friendly and helpful, the sites were unequalled, the food was great and the differences between there and here quite notable. Among the most notable differences are the quantity of statuary, fountains and monuments found everywhere with no vandalism or graffiti, it is clean everywhere and the grounds and flowerbeds are very well kept. The picture of two of us (there were four of us that went together) at the Little Mermaid is
of course classic and when you are there it does not take long to figure out that every tourist wants their picture taken there so while visiting try to time your picture between tour busses. The one of the hillside and wind mill I thought not only exemplified the countryside but also seemed to represent the connection to Solvang and the third is just one example of many showing the mix of art and architecture. I don’t think you would care to have the additional two hundred or so other pictures we took but they will remain good reminders for us of the excellent time we had. Once again thank you very much for providing us this opportunity. This was our first trip there but probably not our last so we end with thanks to you and good luck to the next winner. Kevin Torgenrud Polson, MT
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Solvang Danish Days Foundation
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Velkommen 2013
solvangdanishdays.org
Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Solvang Shoe Store ~ Serving Solvang since 1965 ~
1663 Copenhagen Dr. (805) 688-4065 www.solvangshoe.com solvangdanishdays.org
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Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
The Carlsberg Beer Wagon and the Solvang Village Band
The Carlsberg Beer Wagon and the Solvang Village Band is a Danish Days favorite for visitors and locals both. A part of the Danish Days celebration since the early 1960’s, it was started by Carl Birkholm and Ray Paaske.
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he Carlsberg Beer Wagon, with the Solvang Village Band on top, has been a welcome sight throughout the village during Danish Days and other activities and parades, since the early 1960’s. About that time two local businessmen, Carl Birkholm and Ray Paaske, were acquainted with the Danish official in Los Angeles who headed the Carlsberg Beer Foundation. Through them an agreement was made for the beer wagon to be turned over to Solvang as an advertising beer wagon for the cost of insurance and maintenance. At the time, the wagon, originally an authentic delivery wagon in Denmark, was being stored at the Carlsberg facilities in Las Vegas in an outside storage area and was in need of
major repairs and restoration. An army of local volunteers began the painstaking task of renovating the wagon, donating many hours of time and materials, the result of their efforts are still evident today. For over 40 years the Carlsberg Beer Wagon has been drawn through many parades and festivals, by beautiful teams of Shire or Belgian horses with the Solvang Village Band on top. The wagon is now owned and maintained by the Solvang Danish Days Foundation. Thanks to the foresight and hard work of those who started this wagon on its long journey to Solvang, and, to those who will continue to be its “keepers” the Carlsberg Beer Wagon will delight generations to come! ww
A Message from Solvang’s Mayor
Jim Richardson Mayor of Solvang
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Velkommen til Solvang and the 2013 Edition of Solvang’s Danish Days celebration. If this is your first visit we’re happy you’ve come to see first-hand Old Danish traditions and discover a bit of Denmark in Solvang. If you’ve been to Danish Days before, welcome back, you’ll not be disappointed. This year’s event is better than ever. Some of the activities we’ve planned for you include the Friday evening Torchlight Parade, the Æbleskiver Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning, Saturday afternoon’s Danish Days Parade. There’ll be an ancient Viking encampment in Solvang Park, Danish Dancers dancing in the streets over the weekend, Old World Artisans Marketplace on First Street all day Saturday and Sunday, beer garden, concerts, and much much more. Be sure to stop by the Elverhøj Museum to discover the Danish History in Solvang. See the accompanying schedule for all the activities. We know your weekend will be full, so we encourage you to return to Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley to experience the wonders of this paradise. There are enjoyable activities most every week-end throughout the year. Jim Richardson Mayor solvangdanishdays.org
Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
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Solvang Danish Days Foundation
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Danish Folk Dance Costumes in Denmark and the USA
Y
by Rick Marzullo
ou might ask, “What is the difference between Danish Folk Dress and Danish Folk Dancing Costumes?” The former, Danish Folk Dress (or in Danish, Folkedragter), are the clothes worn by people during the 1700s to early 1800s. This includes both everyday clothes (Hverdagdragt) and the fancy festival clothes or “Festdragt”. The latter are clothes that were created in the early 20th century for Danish folk dancers. That’s the easy, short answer. Here’s the longer one: It’s not surprising that the Danes love to dance. They have been dancing almost as long as Folk Costume vs Danish Folk recorded history. Dance Costume Danish Folk Dancing, as seen throughout Solvang during Danish Days, are dances that were created in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The dress that the dancers wear are also usually from that time period. Danish Folk Dress (Folkedragter) are diverse in style, and although some may look similar, they are different. In Danish Folkhøjskol, 1916 fact there are hundreds of different styles of Danish Folk Dress that were worn in Denmark during this time period. But as the 1800s moved on, most Danes found it easier to purchase store bought clothes, and so by the end of the 1800s most of these “Folk Dress” clothes had been put aside. Page 22
Folk dancers at Grand View College, Des Moines, IA – 1916. Photo courtesy of Grand View University.
But not the dances themselves. They continued, and became quite popular in Danish Folk High Schools across Denmark. By the turn of the century, folk dance groups could be found throughout Denmark.
Danish Folk Dance Troupe (Denmark) - 1927
Interestingly enough, this same time period saw the emergence of the Danish Folk High School in America, and folk dancing was a staple of the American schools’ curriculums as well. From 1900 to the time of the First World War, there was a period of National Romanticism throughout Europe, and folk dances played a major part in that movement. It was popular to put on displays of your nation’s folk dances and of course the Danes partook in their fare share of folk dance expositions. Although some dancers could just dust off their family heirloom dress, most of these old clothes had been gotten rid of 30-50 years earlier. At the turn of the century many people had forgotten how they were made. So, during
solvangdanishdays.org
Velkommen 2013 the early 1900s through the 1930s, most Danish dance groups created a pseudo-Danish folk costume, mainly for economic reasons. The simplified pseudo-Danish Folk costume was easier and cheaper to make than true Folkedragter. With the creation of this dance costume, Danish Folk Dancers and folk dance troupes could make a splash of color, while still showing “national pride”. On two continents these new folk dance costumes became the “New Danish Folk Dress” to be seen Else Statom, children and dolls all in at displays of Nafolk dress, Solvang, 1961 tional Folk Dances and worn at most ethnic festivals. Many of these costumes are still worn today. The standard Ladies’ Dance Costume consisted of a white long sleeved blouse, black skirt with rows of red satin ribbon, black velvet vest, fastened in front with red satin ribbon, and a black velvet hat edged in red ribbon, with accenting lace “by the yard” trim. As time went on red skirts were also used, trimmed in colorful satin ribbon. The Men’s Dance costume consisted of a white long sleeved shirt, black or colorful kerchief tied around the neck, red vest, knickers Child’s Folk Dance Costume Courtesy the Statom Family made from long pants, knee socks and the everpresent red knit hat. If there was no one to knit the hat, a red cotton sewn night cap was an acceptable substitute. These became known as “Danish Folk Dress” for three generations of Danish immigrants in the United States, and play an important role in the Danish-American experience. Most of these costumes were made at home. Of course not all Danish Folk Dancers wore these new folk dance costumes. There were purists who insisted on true Danish Folkedragt. Folk dress in Denmark was diverse in color palette and style by regional area, and
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
historic time period. Many Danish-Americans have researched and re-created traditional folk dress to wear during celebrations such as Danish Days. During the 1920s a campaign to document as many traditional folk costumes as possible was begun in Denmark. Cataloguers traveled all over Denmark, looking for examples of different traditional Folk Dress. It is mainly due to these Else Jensen Statom and family in efforts that there is so folk dance costume, Solvang 1956 much knowledge about Danish Folk Dress today. Many of the examples are featured in museums throughout Denmark. It is not unusual to see both Folkedragter and Folk Dancing costumes side by side at festivals all over the United States. See how many Danish Folk Dance or Folkedragter you can spot during Solvang’s Danish Days weekend. And be sure to join in and dance a step or two! ww We’ve moved, around the corner onto Alisal Road!
459 Alisal Road Solvang 805.688.6533
Exclusive local source for LEGO toy building brick kits. Large selection. See our Thomas Wooden Railway layout. We carry a large selection of Thomas & Friends real wood construction railway sets and tracks. Huge LEGO selection too! NEW! SOLVANG 1000 PIECE FOLK ART PUZZLE Made in USA. Dowdle artist painted Solvang for this puzzle, illuminating the city’s folklore.
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Reprinted with permission from the June 2012 Rebild Newsletter
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
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The Dannebrog and Other Scandinavian Cross Flags
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here are many Scandinavian Cross Flags today in the world: some official and some unofficial. To be official, the government of that particular country has to adopt said flag. There are also those that, although they may be in use, have not been given official status. There are even proposed flags that have never been run up a flagpole. And of course there are many historic Scandinavian cross flags that are no longer in use today. The national flags of all the ScandinaSweden vian or Nordic countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland) form a recognizable “flag family” known as the Scandinavian or Nordic Cross. These flags consist of a cross with its vertical arm offset toward the hoist of the flag. Faroes (Denmark) Another flag design feature characteristic of the Nordic countries is that of a forked or swallowtail variant of the national flag, used for official purposes. According to legend, the Dannebrog Skåne (Sweden) or Danish flag fell from the heavens and rallied the Danish troops to victory at the Battle of Lyndanisse, Estonia, in 1219. More than likely this flag or banner had been given to the Danes by the church in Italy for its crusade against the “heathens” in Estonia. However it appeared, it has been the flag of Denmark ever since and the prototype for all other Scandinavian flags. The Dannebrog is the oldest flag of any kingdom in the world still in use today. The flag of Sweden can trace its roots back to the 16th century but its most recent regulations of color and proportions were not standardized until 1906. Finland, Iceland and Norway were at one time dependencies of Denmark, Sweden or Russia. These countries did not gain full independence until the twentieth century. Norway was a part of Denmark until 1814. They had a brief period of independence from 1814-1815, then united with Sweden until 1905. Their flag is based on the Dannebrog, with the addition of a blue center cross adopted in 1821. Finland was an autonomous grand duchy within the Russian empire until 1917 and became an independent Page 26
by Rick Marzullo
Denmark
Norway
Åland (Finland)
Vendsyssel (Denmark)
Iceland
Shetland (Scotland)
Bornholm (Denmark)
Finland
Orkney (Scotland)
Normandy (France)
grand duchy in 1919. The flag of Iceland was adopted in 1915 when Iceland was still a part of the kingdom of Denmark. An early flag proposed for Iceland was that of a white cross on a blue field, but this was rejected by the Danish king as being too close to that of the Royal flag of Greece. Accordingly, a red cross was superimposed on the white cross of the original proposal, creating a flag similar to that of Norway but with colors reversed. There are numerous flags of sub-national and regional variations within the Nordic countries. The Åland Islands of Finland and Denmark’s Faroe Islands both have flags that are officially recognized. In the UK, the Shetland and Orkney Islands, which were at one time part of Norway, have adopted their own Scandinavian Cross flags. There are many proposed flags in the Scandinavian Cross design. Most are not officially recognized and are known as unofficial flags. All of these flags seek to tie their country or regions to a shared Scandinavian heritage.
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Solvang Danish Days Foundation
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Solvang Danish Days Foundation
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Taking a tour of
Bethania Lutheran Church
by Kristyl M. Downey
As part of my work as secretary at Bethania Lutheran Church, I am often in the church when tourists come Kristyl M. Downey to visit. I Church Secretary and Tour Guide at recount Bethania Lutheran Church some of the history of Bethania and talk about the church – the building, the ship, the pulpit, the replica of the Thorvaldsen Christ statue, the stained glass windows – the beauty within. Now, as you read this article, I will attempt to give you a brief tour of Bethania Lutheran Church. In 2012, Bethania Lutheran Church celebrated its centennial making it one year younger than Solvang. The congregation began with Solvang but wasn’t officially organized until 1912. The first worship service was held July 2, 1911 at the Inez School. The Rev. J. M. Gregersen, one of the founders of Solvang, was also Bethania’s first pastor. Services were held at various locations in Solvang until the current church building was completed in 1928. Pastor Gregersen and Pastor Nordentoft, another of Solvang’s founders, both had ties to the Danish Folk School tradition and the teachings of N.F.S. Page 28
Grundtvig. Under their leadership, Atterdag College, a Danish Folk School was built in the location where Atterdag Village of Solvang currently is. Bethania
still carries on the concept of Grundtvig and the Folk School tradition in embracing the concept that learning is for life – meaning lifelong and that it enhances a well-rounded and well-lived life of religion, philosophy, history, nature, language, physical education, music and dance. “To attend one of these folk schools was, indeed, a life-changing experience.” (The Congregation of Bethania: 100 Years) Thanks to the vision, plan, donations, and hard work of many individuals, the church building of Bethania came to be a beacon in the community. Hans Skytt drew up the plans and supervised the construction. The church was built using a frame construction and reinforced concrete. On July 8, 1928 the church was dedicated. Some of the beauty within the church is apparent: The shape and design of the structure, the woodwork
solvangdanishdays.org
Velkommen 2013
of the pulpit, altar, baptismal font and two chairs by Jes Schmidt, two chairs, altar rail and organ cabinets by Johannes Jaeger, carved front doors, stained glass windows by Rick Marzullo and Carol Paaske Petersen, a ship hanging from the ceiling, the organ. Less apparent is the experience and beauty of the people who make up the congregation and the life at Bethania. As I look at the pulpit, I recall with wonder how many sermons were spoken there. Words of inspiration, words of comfort at a funeral, words of hope at a baptism. I see the baptismal font and think about how many children and adults made the promise to live a good life and commit to following Christ. I see the pews and feel the presence of many people who sat there, listened to sermons, sang hymns, and shed tears at funerals, weddings, baptisms. I see the wooden floors and the indentations from women’s heels. We walk those same floors that countless others have walked before us, and many will walk after we have gone. I see the organ and remember the beautiful sounds and music that have filled the church for Sunday worship services, concerts at Danish Days and many other times. Walking around the church property, I am reminded about the life of Bethania: the Hike for Hunger, Vacation Bible School programs, Sunday School, church dinners and celebrations, the work of the women – rolling bandages, making quilts, taking care of one another, the work of the men on the Property Committee fixing and maintaining the buildings and the grounds and so much more.
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Monday through Friday I am reminded about the beauty of the children who participate in Bethania’s Preschool and After School Program. On Wednesdays, when I lead chapel for the children, I see the pure joy of the children, the real treasure of Bethania. The program at Bethania is a jewel, thanks to the implementation of so many people past and present. Another gem of Bethania is the church cemetery, located on Chalk Hill. It, too, is filled with memories of the people who have participated in the life of Bethania and the life of the community. The beauty within the cemetery is both obvious and sublime: the plants, the birds, the views and the expression of the devotion of individuals who take care of their loved ones’ graves. As a conclusion to my tour of Bethania Lutheran Church, I invite you to stop in to see the church while you are in Solvang for Danish Days or any other time. The Danish Days Organ Concert, featuring Jim Welch, will be Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013 at 1:00 pm. Worship service is at 9:30 am on Sundays. The church is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, and on the weekends from about 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Bethania Lutheran Church is located at 603 Atterdag Rd. in Solvang. Solvang Cemetery is located on Chalk Hill Rd about 1/6 of a mile from the church and is always open. “The Congregation of Bethania: 100 Years” which recounts the life and history of Bethania in narrative and pictures is available for purchase ($25) through the church office. You may contact me at 805-688-4637 or bethania.lutheran@verizon.net
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Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Velkommen 2013
We’ve Got You Covered:
Favorite Danish Sauces
by Rick Marzullo
Clockwise from top: Caramel Sauce Mustard Sauce Brown Sauce Fruit Sauce Remoulade on Pølse Dill Sauce Parsley Sauce Remoulade on Smørrebrød
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here are quite a number of traditional Danish foods, and it’s amazing that many of these have an accompanying sauce. These sauces run the gamut, from light to dark, sweet to savory, mild to spicy. They cover everything from fish, poultry, beef and pork, vegetables, and desserts. Even the street vendors’ Pølse (Danish hot dogs) partake in a few of these delectable toppers. Some of these recipes have different ingredients and methods of cooking, depending on which part of Denmark you come from. And, of course, there is always the variation “the way Grandma made it.” You might notice that some of these sauces sound like French cooking and, well, they are. They most likely entered the Danish food lexicon in the late 1700s and the early 1800s. But nonetheless they became staples of a good Danish cook’s repertoire. So you might say “Bon appetit!” but as all good Danes say, “Vær saa god!” Brun Sovs A very common sauce with a meat stock base or broth made from bouillon cubes and thickened with flour or cornstarch. Peasants would often use the water from boiled potatoes instead of beef broth. Brun Sovs is colored a rich, deep brown with brun kulør (literally, “brown coloring”) or madkulør (“food coloring”). It is similar to brown gravy in the U.S. 4 tablespoons Danish butter 4 tablespoons flour 3 cups beef stock 3 tablespoons white vinegar Salt and pepper 3 tablespoons sherry Coloring to darken the gravy (Kitchen Bouquet is acceptable) Melt butter over low heat in a pot. Add flour and stir until smooth. Add half of the meat stock slowly while constantly stirring. Add rest of the stock with vinegar and boil slow-
So you might say “Bon appetit!” but as all good Danes say, “Vær saa god!” ly, while constantly stirring. Add pepper and salt. Add sherry at the very end, just before removing from heat. Remove from heat, allow gravy to cool 4-5 minutes while stirring constantly. Serve with white potatoes, and almost any kind of beef or pork. Variations include whiskey sauce, mushroom and onion sauces.
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Hvide Sovs 2 tablespoons margarine 2 tablespoons flour 1 cup milk Salt and pepper to taste Melt margarine in heavy sauce pan, add flour and make smooth paste. Add milk slowly, stirring constantly over low heat. Cook 5-10 minutes; add salt and pepper. In Denmark mixed veggies are often bathed in a white sauce. Use this basic recipe to make herb, parsley, pepper, mustard, horseradish or dill sauces. Frugt Sovs 2 cups red fruit juice (currant, raspberry, cherry, etc. or a mixture of any of these—the addition of whole fresh fruit is always welcomed, such as rhubarb, Satsuma plum, currants or cherries) 2 cups sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch Pinch of salt (If using canned fruit juice, adjust sugar to taste) Mix sugar, salt and fruit juice together and bring to a boil. Thicken slightly with the cornstarch, which should be dissolved in ¼ cup of water. Serve cool. Cherry is the most famous Danish sauce, but all types of fruit sauces are popular. Really great over rice pudding or vanilla ice cream. Karamel Sovs ½ cup sugar ½ cup whipped cream ½ cup water Melt sugar in sauce pan, over low heat. Do not burn. When golden brown add water and cook 5-10 minutes. Cool and mix with whipped cream. Delicious! Remoulade Basically, a Danish Tartar Sauce ½ cup mayonnaise (better if you make your own) 1 tablespoon chopped capers 1 tablespoon chopped sweet pickles, drained of excess brine 1 teaspoon lemon juice ½ teaspoon salt white pepper Combine all ingredients. Use on open face sandwiches and fish. There are some recipes that call for carrots and celery, cut fine and boiled until fork tender. Then drain and add to sauce. You can also add yellow table mustard. Danes really seem to love this sauce/condiment and put it on just about everything.
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Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Velkommen 2013
Living History Festival
at Elverhøj Museum of History and Art
Photos courtesy of Elverhøj Museum of History and Art
by Esther Jacobsen Bates
Elverhoj Museum will celebrate Solvang’s history and cultural roots during the Living History Festival, Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22. Artisans, storytellers and craftspeople will demonstrate their skills and entertain visitors throughout the weekend. The public is invited; admission is free. “There will be hands-on activities for all ages and lots of variety this year,” said Esther Jacobsen Bates, Elverhøj Executive Director. “Artisans demonstrating woodworking, blacksmithing, and Viking chain mail construction will join some of our visitor’s favorite crafters showcasing bobbin lace making, Danish papirklip Clara Ehrsam, (papercutting), and fiber arts.” Bobbin Lace Maker Bobbin lace makers will create samples of their intricate work and offer guests an opportunity to try their hand at this centuries-old art. Exhibits come to life with demonstrations of spinning and weaving. Skilled craftspeople will teach visitors about the centuries old fiber arts of Viking knitting, Hardanger, and Nolbinding. Visitors are invited to linger in the Museum garden where blacksmith Hans Duus will be pounding out metal pieces. Joining him will be a stone carver and woodworkers demonstrating their crafts. Docents clad in colorful Danish folk costumes will be creating woven paper hearts and paper stars, favorite Danish Christmas crafts. Storyteller Randel McGee, always a Festival favorite, will perform as world famous author Hans Christian Andersen. Functional art pieces displaying handmade craftsmanship and beautiful, rare and exotic woods will be showcased in the Museum Gallery. “Transitions: Wood as Art,” opens August 3 and runs through October 27. The Festival will be an opportunity to meet some of these talented artisans and Storyteller Randel McGee will per- see them practicing form as world famous author Hans their craft. Christian Andersen both days at Rounding out the Elverhøj Museum. Page 32
weekend of free activities are docent-led tours of the museum’s historical, cultural, and art exhibits. For a full schedule of activities, visit www.elverhoj.org. Elverhøj Museum is housed in the former residence of one of Solvang’s most artistic families. The historic handcrafted struc- Rick James Marzullo will be ture, two blocks south of demonstrating papirklip. the village center, is the former dream home of artists Viggo Brandt-Erichsen and his wife, Martha Mott. In 1949 they began building in a style derived from the large Danish farmhouses of 18th century Jutland. Many elements of Scandinavian architecture were incorporated into the design. Ornamental wrought ironwork, sculptures, a carved redwood main entry door, and hand painted wall panels are just some of the permanent imprints of this talented family. For 25 years Elverhøj Museum has been welcoming and educating visitors. Among the permanent exhibits is the Solvang Room which presents the town’s history with photos, video, artifacts and models. The Emigrant Room displays artifacts from Hans Duus, Blacksmith a rural one-room Danish home as it might have looked in the 1870s when Danish emigration to the United States was at its peak. Tucked in a corner of the garden is the diorama cottage which houses small scale buildings depicting 1920s Solvang with its mix of architectural styles that did not yet include the Danish designs adapted in the 1950s. Elverhøj Museum of History and Art is located at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang, two blocks south of Copenhagen Drive, just off of Second Street. Regular Museum hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:00 pm. There is no charge for admission; suggested donation is $3. For more information, Solvang history, and a calendar of events and exhibitions, visit www.elverhoj.org or phone (805) 686-1211
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Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
485 Alisal Road,
Named “Best
Unit 152
Clothing Store
(facing Mission Drive
in the Valley” by
in Frederik’s Court)
the Santa Ynez Valley Journal
805.686.2868 Like us on Facebook
solvangdanishdays.org
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Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Gaveaesken (The Gift Box)
Fine Domestic, Scandinavian & European Gifts
Coffee Shop and Marketplace
Offering the best quality in wedding cakes 438 Alisal Road • Solvang • 805-688-4939
See our new line of Frigast Nordic Fairytale full porcelain dolls, made in Denmark, collected the world over.
www.solvangbakery.com
805.686.5699 • 9:30 - 5:00 Daily
Come visit us at our new location!
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433 Alisal Road, Solvang (across from the post office)
solvangdanishdays.org
Velkommen 2013
solvangdanishdays.org
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
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Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Velkommen 2013
No visit to Solvang is complete without a visit to
Rasmussen’s
Gifts • Lang Graphics • Fabrics • Yarns
Solvang’s BIGGEST Little Toy Store We carry unique toys, favorites like Legos, Hot Wheels, Arts and Crafts, Puzzles and other fine toys and collectibles.
(805) 688-7577 1664 Copenhagen Drive . Solvang
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Solvang’s Original Department Store
Featuring Scandinavian and European Imports
Rasmussen’s
1697 Copenhagen Drive • Solvang, CA 93463 (805) 688-6636 Call for our full-color Christmas catalog
solvangdanishdays.org
Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Curtains • Lace Fine Imported Gifts Copper & Brass Antiques Danish Dolls Royal Copenhagen bing & grĂ˜ndahl Collectibles
1676 Copenhagen Drive 805-688-3750 Solvang, CA 93463 805-688-4661
solvangdanishdays.org
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Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
STAR DRUGS
Your Hometown Drugstore
Drugs & Sundries Gifts & Toys First Aid Supplies Greeting Cards & Gift Wrap
School & Office Supplies Boxes, Bubble Wrap, Tape & Other Packing Supplies
prescription delivery service UPS & FedEx Shipping
Color Copies & Fax Service
3576 Madera Street, Santa Ynez P: 805.688.6898 F: 805.688.6047 Monday-Friday 830AM-630PM Saturday 9AM-5PM www.stardrugsantaynez.com
Thank you
to Cal Coast Machinery for loaning us the “little green machines.” We don’t know where we would be without you.
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Velkommen 2013
T
Danish Days Memories
he weeks leading up to Danish Days in Solvang, traditionally held during the third weekend of September, were always busy at our house. Both Mom and Dad were very involved in celebrating the Danish Heritage of the families of longtime Solvang residents from the early 1950’s until the mid 1980’s. In 1958 Dad served as chairman for that year’s event. I can still see the photo that was placed on the front page of the Valley News back in 1958, with Mom and Dad, my brother, Dana who was 6 years old and me, at age 2 dressed in our authentic Danish costumes promoting the weekend’s events. I still have Mom and Dad’s Danish costumes that were custom made for them and they wore proudly for many years. I remember Dad would start getting his cameras and equipment ready weeks in advance of the big weekend. In his 30 years as editor of the Valley News, I don’t think he ever missed covering Danish Days from start to finish. No digital cameras in those days, I remember helping get his leather camera bags ready to go. We made sure he had plenty of film, along with the heavy strobe lights with their large batteries the size of shoe boxes that accompanied his signature Rolleiflex cameras. My job was to help carry the extra film and batteries as Dad and I began
DANISH MILL BAKERY & Coffee Shop
“Since 1960”
The Arvid Petersen family came to Solvang from Denmark in 1957 and opened the Danish Mill Bakery in Solvang on Sept 17, 1960. Through the years the family has always maintained the finest quality baked goods. 1682 Copenhagen Dr. • Solvang • 805.688.5805
by Kevin Merrill
covering the day’s events early Saturday mornings. I remember both Nielsen and Solvang lumber yards providing trucks and equipment to set up two stages made out of plywood. The stages were located in the parking lots located on both Alisal road, across from Rasmussen’s and on Copenhagen Drive just south of the Park. As the stages were being assembled, bleachers were hauled in so the thousands of weekend visitors could watch Viggo Tarnow’s young gymnasts perform as well as the Danish Dancers outfitted in their traditional colorful costumes, accompanied buy the Village band seated high upon the Carlsberg Beer Wagon. Forklifts and trucks were also busy hanging the huge shade between what was then, the Santa Ynez Valley Bank and Margret and Paul’s Restaurant on the corner of Copenhagen and First Streets, so the long lines of stoves used to cook the Aebleskiver and Medisterpølse (Danish sausage) breakfast could be placed beneath it, keeping the cooks cool while working tirelessly both Saturday and Sunday mornings I remember getting out of school early when I was going to Solvang elementary on the Friday of Danish Days, Mom would always drive downtown to check out all of the activity before we went home. Later, as we got older, she became the first fulltime Executive Secretary for the Solvang Business Association and Chamber of Commerce, where she utilized her vast knowledge of the local area to promote the community and its unique Danish Days heritage. While growing up in the Valley, I was able to experience Danish Days from a unique perspective, helping my Dad who covered the event from start to finish, chronicling the three day event for over thirty years, providing Valley residents and visitors alike with photographic memories that will last for generations to come. I was truly blessed to help him. I will always remember and cherish my time riding atop the Carlsberg Beer Wagon while playing my trumpet as part of the Village Band, or marching in the Danish Days parade with the Ballard Drum and Bugle Corps. My favorite memory of Danish Days will always be, when as a young boy, I walked into my Dad’s office at the Santa Ynez Valley News in the middle of Copenhagen Street on a hot, busy Danish Days Saturday afternoon and asking him for some money to go to K.P. Knudsen’s on Alisal to buy a cold ice cream cone. Dad gladly reached down into his pants pocket and gave me a handful of change. I hope you and your family enjoy Danish Days this year while participating in the traditions that make Solvang, the Danish Capital of America.
solvangdanishdays.org
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Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
The Santa Ynez Valley Hotel Association is happy to welcome visitors to the 77th annual Danish Days! Our 32 member hotels have been the “home away from home” for generations of visitors to this special annual event.
Johnson’s Jewel Box Manufacturing Jewelers Gemologists
Velkommen og kom igen! (Welcome and come back!)
Our pleasure!!
436-B Alisal Road • Solvang, CA 93463 (805) 688-3080
The Danish Pioneer Newspaper – Since 1872 ARTICLES IN ENGLISH & DANISH
We Invite you to join The Danish Pioneer Family today! Please help us to preserve The Danish Pioneer, the oldest Danish-American newspaper in the U.S.A. Join us in celebrating 141 Years in 2013! -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Danish Days Special Offer for New Subscribers & Gift Subscriptions:
An ideal gift anytime! Features 26 quality issues per year including the Big Holiday Edition. Subscribe today! First year only: 26 Issues for $32.00 via periodicals delivery or 26 Issues for $48.00 via first-class mail in the U.S.A. Service also available to Canada, Denmark & outside the U.S.A Please call or e-mail for rates. ----------------------------------------------------------------------
For subscription & advertising services, please write, e-mail, or call: Elsa Steffensen, Publisher, Linda Steffensen, Editor & Elizabeth Steffensen, Webmaster Bertelsen Publishing Company, 1582 Glen Lake Road, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60169 USA
Tel. 847-882-2552, Fax 847-882-7082, E-mail: dpioneer@aol.com www.thedanishpioneer.com (English) or www.dendanskepioneer.com (Danish) Page 40
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Velkommen 2013
SOLVANG STILL CELEBRATES
DANISH TRADITIONS
TRADITIONAL DANISH WEDDING CAKE
The Kransekage is a delectable Danish tradition. It is often made for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries and birthdays. This almond ring cake, dating back to the 1700’s is made with the following ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs almond paste 1 1/2 cups sugar 3 egg whites, slightly beaten Crumble almond paste and mix thoroughly with sugar and egg whites. Put through cookie press filling 18 kransekage rings that have been well buttered. Bake at 300’ for 20 minutes or until lightly brown. The frosting is made with the following: 1 egg white, beaten frothy 4 drops vinegar Powdered sugar to make a thin frosting Each ring of the Kransekage must be placed on top of one another as if to build a tower. Traditionally, the Kransekage is decorated with Danish and American flags in Solvang.
CELEBRATING A SILVER OR GOLD WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Another tradition for the Valley Danes occurs for the celebration of a couple’s Silver or Golden Anniversary. Friends and family will make an arch of pine branches, called an “æresport”, gate of honor, and will place it by the couple’s front door early in the morning and sing them out of bed. After a few songs have been sung and the couple has risen out of bed, coffee and pastries – maybe a snaps or two – that have been brought by the guests are shared for breakfast. Pictured here are Dave and Vibeke Harrison celebrating their silver anniversary.
“Rejsegilde” A Danish custom often honored in Solvang and elsewhere in the Valley is the Rejsegilde which translates into English as “Raise the Roof Tree”. This ceremony occurs when the highest rafter is in place of a new home. A wreath is hung from the highest rafter. At this point of construction, friends and family are invited for food and drink. This is always a good time to visit, take a look around, and wish the new home owners happiness in their future home
STORKS BRING GOOD LUCK Adhering to Danish tradition, figures of gleaming white storks perched on top of their nests grace the rooftops of many of Solvang’s commercial and residential structures, Regarded as a symbol of good luck, legend has it that the presence of a stork’s nest not only protects the home owner from lightning, but also assures the occupant that he/she will live long and grow rich. It was also thought that the stork that came to preside on the family roof was the embodied soul of some ancestor and took a lively interest in each anticipated descendant. (Perhaps that’s where the belief that storks bring babies came about) solvangdanishdays.org
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Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Velkommen 2013
Holding onto tradition by sharing ‘amuyich
It’s a Chumash tradition to reach out to our neighbors and care for our community. We call it ‘amuyich.
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians embraces this tradition to make our community a better place to live. We are proud to support Danish Days.
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation www.santaynezchumash.org
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solvangdanishdays.org
Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Visit us at in the HC Andersen Hus, located in the courtyard by Ingeborg’s Chocolates.
We offer imported Danish needlework from:
• Eva Rosenstand/Clara Waever • Permin • Oehlenschlagers • Danish Handcraft Guild • Heritage Stitchcraft from England. Also Featured:
BIEN
Since
1882
Our 126th Anniversary
Only Danish Weekly Newspaper Printed in the United States First with Local and Danish News!
Yearly Subscription: $45 (US)
I enclose my check in the amount of $45.00 - Please start sending BIEN to: Name: (Please print)_______________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________ City:____________________________________ State:________ Zip:_______________Page 25 Mail to: BIEN, Inc. PMB#519, 19360 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch, CA 91326
solvangdanishdays.org
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Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Velkommen 2013
Celebrating Jesus Christ’s Birth for 46 Years
• Unique ornaments • Wooden Nutcrackers • Nativities • Danish Items • Collectibles
Valley Hardware & Garden Center 1665 Mission Dr., Solvang, CA 93463 805-688-4191 • 800-676-4191 Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Make Valley Hardware your one-stop headquarters for a great selection of gifts and unique home decor. Convenient hours to help make shopping fun. In downtown Solvang, across from the park.
Welcome to Danish Days
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Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
PRIVATE PARTY ROOM
1693 Mission Corner of Mission and Alisal (805) 688-7733 Ice Cream Bar Lunch • Dinner Mini Donuts Burgers, Fries and Shakes Open 7 days a week 11:30 a.m - 8 p.m.
chompsolvang.com
solvangdanishdays.org
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Velkommen 2013
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
VIKINGS IN SOLVANG
photo by Harrison Wang
the Ravens of Odin Solvang’s Viking Heritage
By Jaan Calderon
hunting of marine mammals The Danish Days festival celebrates the ancestral culwas also practiced by those tural heritage of the Danish people who founded Solvang. living in coastal regions. Returning this year is the acclaimed historical Viking Originating from the Age educational group, Ravens of Odin. The group procountries recognized today as vides a “snapshot in time” with their portrayal of the Denmark, Norway, and SweDanish/ Norse /Scandinavian culture. den, Scandinavian “Vikings” The Viking Age was an era in Scandinavian history raided, traded, and settled in spanning roughly the years 787 AD to 1066 AD. Among the lands recognized today Scandinavians, the term “Viking” was used to define the as England, Ireland, Rusactivity of individuals during this time period, rather than sia, Ukraine, Poland, Spain, to signify a distinct group or national identity. In modern France, Germany, Scotland, photo by Catherina Baghoomian times, the term “Viking” has been expanded to refer not Greenland, Iceland, Isle of only to the raiding actions Man, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, but to the entire period of Lithuania, North Africa, and the Middle East. the age. The catalyst for this sudden expansion stemmed from The word “Viking” a technological innovation known as the Viking ship. This is derived from the Old nautical achievement, combined with maritime skill and the Norse word “Vikingr.” Nordic cultural ethos, enabled far-ranging Scandinavians to During the Dark Ages the leave their secluded homeland and influence the European word denoted a Scandinaframework culturally, militarily, and economically. vian pirate or waterborne Norse explorers discovered North America around the raider. The root of the year 1000 A.D. and founded a colony, almost 500 years beword stems from “Vik,” which in Old Norse means a creek, fore Christopher Columbus’s voyage of discovery in 1492. fjord, river, bay, or inlet. The Norse expansion into Eastern Europe through To “go a Viking” defined the actions of adventurous the vast network of river waterways reached the Byzantine Scandinavians Empi re/Conwho sailed out st a nt i nople. Solvang Park is the site of the Ravens of Odin encampment during Danish Days. from the frozen This served to They appear formidable in these photos but they’re actually a nice bunch. Visit north, seeking increase the their camp and learn more about the lifestyle of the Vikings of old. their fortunes scope of the by raiding EuWestern European coastal villages and monasteries. The Norse also ropean economic state. Enterprising Norse adventurers ranged further abroad and undertook voyages of explorahelped to re-open stagnate trade avenues with the Middle tion, trade, and commerce. It is noteworthy to mention that East, which had collapsed after the fall of the Roman Emduring the Viking Age, only an estimated 3% of the Scandipire in the West. navian population actually went The Viking influence on Europe remains to this day. “a Viking.” Many English words originated from the Scandinavian The majority of Scandinalanguage. The days of the week: Tuesday through Friday vians were farmers. They pracare named after Norse deities: Tuesday (Tyr), Wednesday ticed animal husbandry and (Woden/Odin), Thursday (Thor), and Friday (Frigga/Freya). raised crops. Cattle and sheep In an effort to recreate an accurate historical portrait to were the most important livethis exciting period, Ravens of Odin feature knowledgeable, stock, as they contributed both historically costumed men and women brought together by to diet and clothing. Barley, their passion for Norse / Viking culture. rye, oats, flax, and wheat were Ravens of Odin philosophy echoes the followamong the crops cultivated. The ing quote taken from the “sayings of Odin the high people lived in farm settlements one,” which is found in the Elder or Poetic Edda of the or villages. Fishing and the Germanic/Nordic Culture: photo by Catherina Baghoomian
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solvangdanishdays.org
Velkommen 2013
photo by Harrison Wang
“Cattle die, kindred die, Every man is mortal: But the good name never dies Of one who has done well.”
“Hail to the speaker, Hail to the knower, Joy to him who has understood, Delight to those who have listened.”
Finally, when the crowds have dissipated, and the Danish Days festival has come to an end, the residents of Solvang will perhaps pause and embrace a moment of reflection. They can take pride that their colorful heritage has been displayed to people from all over the world with an accuracy and passion that would have made their ancestors proud. Poems from The Havamal of Odin
The Solvang Village Folk Dancers
M
any couples who grew up in Solvang and the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley, but later left the area for career reasons, return each year to participate in Danish Days. Over the years an informal group of dancers reunite every Danish Days in Solvang to dance for up to 20 hours throughout the weekend. The group eventually adopted the Solvang Village Folk Dancers name. After
the original founders, the Cretneys, moved out of California, David Heald became the dance group leader. Although David lives in Los Angeles, he returns to Solvang on weekends to teach international dance to the group throughout the year. He also conducts practices during the months prior to Danish Days, introducing new dances and refreshing older ones for performance and participation. photo by David Wilkes A website, www.svfolkdance. com, provides information about the Solvang Village Folk Dancers and their activities. Over the years, the children of many of the original participating couples joined in the dancing, and more recently, their children’s children participate. Over the years thousands of Solvang visitors have enjoyed the lively Solvang Village Folk Dancers.
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photo by Harrison Wang
This philosophy is evidenced at the events in which the group participates. They ceaselessly strive to maintain their “good name” and reputation as world class educators of Viking Age culture. It is from Nordic mythology that Ravens of Odin takes its name. In Norse mythology, Odin, the chief Nordic deity has two ravens, Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory), which he sends forth every day out into the world. When the ravens return, they bring him information of what is happening. The members of the group view themselves as a modern version of this as they go out into the world educating people on the Norse culture. An event will feature cutting and combative demonstrations using the weapons and techniques that were employed in Dark Age warfare. Ongoing engrossing lectures explain the construction and usage of the various weapons, armor, shields, and helmets which are on display. Live demonstrations of Viking Age metal and woodworking are prominently displayed. All manner of items from helmets to wooden bowls and trenchers are crafted using the exact tools and techniques observed by Viking Age craftsmen. The daily activities of the Nordic woman are faithfully recreated. Demonstrations in the arts of weaving, braiding, storytelling, sewing, cooking, and herbal lore are featured.
On the hospitality table are examples of all manner of foods that were consumed. Visitors can also view the various trade items that would have been bartered by a Viking Age merchant. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the group members, try on armor, hold an exact replica of a Viking Age weapon, and examine such items as tents, cooking implements, fishing/fowling gear, crates, barrels, storage chests, and furniture. This provides a great photo opportunity, to be up close and personal with the Viking culture. There is no greater reward for members of the group than to share their knowledge with those who exhibit a yearning to learn about the Viking Age. It is fitting that this quote of the Elder/Poetic Edda summarizes a visitor’s experience to the Ravens of Odin encampment.
Solvang Danish Days Foundation
Velkommen 2013
These are the days to celebrate.
Making our communities better places to live and work is a great responsibility. That’s why Montecito Bank & Trust is proud to support the good folks behind the 77th Annual Danish Days Festival for all their hard work bringing the Solvang community together. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate.
Member FDIC
montecito.com Call for more information 591 Alamo Pintado Road, Sovang • (805) 688-2300 Carpinteria • Goleta • Santa Barbara • Montecito • Ventura • Westlake Village
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• 48 Spacious Rooms • Loft Suites • Year-Round Heated Pool • Meeting Facility • Group Discounts • Theater & Golf Packages
ROYAL COPENHAGEN
I N N ■
■
Escape into the old world charm and hospitality of our newly renovated Inn, in the heart of Solvang .
• Continental Breakfast • Pets Welcome • All major credit cards accepted
1579 Mission Drive • Solvang, CA 93463 805.688.5561 • Fax: 805.688.7029 Reservations: 800.624.6604 www.royalcopenhageninn.com
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