Danish Sisterhood News October 2018

News

Danish Sisterhood

Serving the Danish Sisterhood of America since 1947

October 2018

In this Issue: Lodge Updates All About Legos The Meaning of Hygge DSS Butikken

President’s Corner

News

Danish Sisterhood

www.danishsisterhood.com

Honorary Member Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark

Volume 71, Number 10

Published by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America, (Dansk Søster Samfund) as its Official Publication.

DANISH SISTERHOOD NEWS (USPS 148-200) is published monthly by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America. Office of publication at 1555 Oak St. Solvang, CA 93463. Periodicals Postage Paid at Rochester, MN.

Sindy Mikkelsen, National President

Wow, what a fantastic trip the Sisterhood just experienced in Denmark!!! For the few of us that have made all 3 of the recent tours, it makes you wonder how they can just keep getting better, but they do. We had a fun group on this tour, which I’m personally grateful for. I took a tumble the first evening and had 3 nurses and an EMT in the group that managed my care. Thank you ladies!!! I’m certain over the next few months you will be seeing articles published here from several that were on the tour. The photos that folks posted to Facebook are amazing as well. And, as if that wasn’t good enough, we’re already working on ways to put two more trips together. One will focus on southern Jutland and into Germany with a similar feel as our prior tours, while the other will be geared toward some of our more active members that want more physical exploration of Denmark. Our hope is that we can put a tour together that would involve taking members to areas that we will have bikes rented and available, along with suggested routes and hikes for the day, which sounds exciting!

By now, all lodges should have received a package from National with instructions on selecting your delegate for the 2019 National Convention. Please be sure and check in with your lodge secretaries to get that going, as you don’t want to miss the deadlines. A few questions have already started coming in about the qualifications for delegates. While we want to be very inclusive and assured of every lodge’s participation, we do need to follow the instruction in the constitution for qualification as a delegate. Along with selecting your lodge delegate, this is also a good time to be reviewing the constitution and preparing proposals for change. Just remember, any changes that are voted on will not impact who is eligible to attend as delegate for this convention, but it certainly can help for the next. Please take this

Editor: Lauren C. Nielsen (507) 206-9099

Email: editor@danishsisterhood.com

Articles for publication in the Danish Sisterhood News must arrive to the Editor no later than the 1st day of each month previous to publication.

Subscription: Members $12 (US) Non-Members $20 (US) Officers of the Supreme Lodge National President: Sindy Mikkelsen, Lodge #126 2938 Sweet Grass Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 (707) 755-0260 president@danishsisterhood.com National Vice President & Website: Julie Morrison #126 2368 Hood Ct, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 (707) 360-8377 vicepresident@danishsisterhood.com National Secretary: Glenda Madrid, Lodge #177 1557 Oak St. Solvang, CA 93463 (805) 448-7631 secretary@danishsisterhood.com glenda_madrid@hotmail.com National Treasurer: Carol Faruolo, Lodge #12 19 Fenway Street North, Milford, CT 06460 (203) 878-4924 Fax: (203) 8784924 treasurer@danishsisterhood.com dsstreasurer@gmail.com National Trustee & Butikken Chairman: Linda Holz #102 4400 EP True Pkwy Unit 47, West Des Moines, IA 50265-5615 (515) 225-0951 trustee1@danishsisterhood.com National Trustee & Scholarship Chairman: Christina Sallee #81 16116 SW Deline Ct, Beaverton, OR 97007-3425 (503) 848-0837 trustee2@danishsisterhood.com National Trustee, Membership Chairman & Tivoli Lodge Liaison: Karin S. Wasler #68 814 S Sherbourne Dr #7, Los Angeles, CA 90035 (310) 903-8837 trustee3@danishsisterhood.com National Past President: Lizette Burtis, Lodge #24 1462 Trombetta Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 (707) 545-6023 lburtis@sbcglobal.net

National Historian: Amy Larsen 2611 E 221 St Place, Carson, CA 90810 (714) 488-9515 Larsen_amy@att.net

Copyright 1946-2018 by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America,

continued on pg. 4 Danish Sisterhood News, October 2018

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DANISH SISTERHOOD NEWS, 1555 Oak St. Solvang, CA 93463

All Rights Reserved.

2

Velkommen

Lauren C. Nielsen, Editor

Dear Sisters, The trees are have reached peak color here and we just got our first (very light) snow in Minnesota.

I don’t know if I’m yet ready for the holiday season to begin, but I’m starting to get the urge to curl up in a blanket with a cup of tea and a good book, with candles lit and music on in the background. I guess you caould say I’m ready for a hyggelig winter!

In this issue, you’ll find a long article from our sisters in the Milwaukee lodge about what “hygge” means. It’s just fascinating and I hope you enjoy it! Thanks to Annette for writing it up and sharing it with us.

I’ve also truly enjoyed the wonderful news that each and every one of you share with the rest of us. It’s a great way to stay connected to each other and to Denmark.

For those who were lucky enough to go to Denmark on the recent Danish Sisterhood trip, please share stories, photos and any other things you learned or experienced while there. After all, we’re all about Denmark in this organization!

Please also remember to send in your lodge’s Christmas Greeting for the December issue. You can send a ready made (business card size) ad or you can send text and I’ll design up something nice! Please send the $10 for the ad to our National Treasurer, Carol Faruolo (address on opposite page).

I hope you all are well and are having a very hyggelig autumn!

Until next time...

Lauren C. Nielsen Editor

In this Issue President’s Corner............................p 2, 4 Editor’s Welcome.................................p 3 Lodge Updates..................................p 4-8 All About Legos...................................p 9 Butikken ...................................... ..p10-11 Heartland District Convention.............p12 The Meaning of Hygge.................p 13-15

Youth Birthdays Happy October Birthday to: Names Taryn Sanborn Chyanne Holth Charlotte Bergman

Lodge 131 4 15

Age 17 18 17

On the Cover Title: The Memorial Anchor Location: Copenhagen, September 2018 Photographer: Caroline Zurek Submitted by: Karen Hansen This Anchor is dedicated in honor of those seamen who perished at sea during World War II. It is located in Nyhavn Harbor, an area in Copenhagen. Such a colorful scenery to enjoy Danish Cuisine and beverage at one of the cafes along the way on a nice sunny day.

Submit Your Cover Photo!

Do you have a photo that you’d like to see on the cover of the Danish Sisterhood News? Send in your submissions and yours could be featured next!

Photographs must be high resolution and should be accompanied by a short description of the photo’s content. Photos from Danish events, Sisterhood meetings, travels around Denmark, Danish culture and more are all great topics.

Send photos to: editor@danishsisterhood.com 3

Danish Sisterhood News, October 2018

ASSESSMENT NOTICE

continued from pg. 2 President’s

Corner

time seriously as a lodge and read Members: Assessment #1358, for the month of through the constitution for needed January, is due and payable to your local treasurchanges. We are an evolving organization, and we need to remain ers before January 31, 2019.

relevant to survive. Don’t forget, any member can attend the National Convention, so even if you’re not the elected delegate, your attendance is very much encouraged and appreciated!

A reminder that the Board is meeting in early November in Omaha for our fall board meeting, and will be finalizing plans for the 2019 National Convention. Please do send any of us on the Board a note if you would like your thoughts heard at our meeting. We encourage open communication with our membership!

Thank you all for your involvement!

Lodge Treasurers: Assessment #1358, for the month of January, 2019 is due and payable to the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood immediately following your January meeting.

Assessments for the year 2019 will follow in order, with the December, 2019 assessment being #1369.

Sindy Mikkelsen, National President.

News from Lodge 102, Des Moines, IA It was decided at our August meeting to give some of our May Brunch profit, $450, to Dorothy’s House. Monthly donations will be given to the Danish American Museum, and our Christmas collection to the Food Bank. We will contribute $50 to the Country Store at our District Convention. Our cookbook recipes were reviewed.

September was a busy month. Our president, Christina, opened the meeting with a reading from one of Julie Jensen McDonald’s books.

Christina’s baby, Gracie, charmed us throughout the evening. All officers agreed to keep their positions another year. Carol Rudisill will be our delegate to the National Convention with Carol Christiansen as an alternate. It was mentioned that Linda Holz, Carol Rudisill and husband were on their way to Denmark with the SH tour. Our delegates, Jenny Rupp and Sue Fisher gave a report on the Heartland District Convention held in Davenport, Iowa. The theme was Danish American landscape architect, Jens Jensen’s

Prairie. There was an exhibit from the Museum of Danish America featuring him as well as a very interesting speaker telling about his work in Illinois.

SH Lodge #3 from Davenport were our hosts.

We thank them for a wonderful weekend! Linda Holz, our Nat. Board member, gave us a report on all of the board’s new business and activities.

Big plans are being made for the National Convention in Omaha, Nebraska, October 3, 2019.

Janelle Willis was awarded the SH Great Dane Award. Erna Jensen was given the BH Great Dane Award. Many of our new cookbooks were purchased and will be for sale at future gatherings.

A very moving program was presented at the end of our September meeting by Kellie Markey. She is the head of Dorothy’s House, a home for female human trafficking victims.

Carol Christiansen

In Memoriam NAME Cert # Lodge # Carol Ann Jorgensen 23000 176 Danish Sisterhood News, October 2018

Location Dike, IA

Birth Date Birth Place 9.12.35 Audubon, IA 4

Initiated 8.9.71

Died Benefit 4.22.18 125.

Calling all Lodge Leaders! Join us for a chance to win!

We’ve created a Facebook group just for you. Because without you, we’d be, well, nothing.

If you are a lodge or district officer or a delegate from the 2015 National Convention in Denver, you’re invited to join DSS Lodge Leaders. Or, if you’re a lodge member aspiring to be a leader, you’re invited to join!

Join our new Facebook group today for exclusive access to the resources to help your lodge grow and thrive! Ask questions, share resources and have some fun with your fellow Danish Sisterhood leaders.

Be sure to join before November 15th. Why, you ask? Because we’re running a contest. Lodge leaders who join before November 15th will be entered into a contest to win one of three prizes. (Could it be a Dan-

ish Kringle? Or a book? Or a DSS T-Shirt?)

Remember, we’ll also use this group to communicate with you about our upcoming convention. Please have a member of your lodge leadership team join us.

Find us on Facebook: DSS Lodge Leaders and click on JOIN. https://www.facebook.com/groups/211882436222756/ Questions about DSS Lodge Leaders?

Ask Trustee Karin Wasler. https://www.facebook.com/karin.s.wasler Trustee3@danishsisterhood.com 310-903-8837

Tea Party! Update from Petaluma, CA Lodge 126 We entered Elim Church Hall to find a fall wonderland with exquisite tea services, cloths and decorations. Six tables of eight were set in preparation for the tea. On the sides were intriguing raffle items for which we put tickets into glasses to be drawn later. After announcements, table hostesses served teas. Plates of danish sandwiches (from liver paste to salmon) were passed at each table. Then desserts (custard tarts, a variety of cookies, marzipan and petit fours) were served in the same manner. Talk and laughter filled the room. We judged the variety of vintage and other hats that showed up and awarded prizes for the best and oldest. The many raffle prizes were won and the door prize given out. The silent auction was also successful, being a little mermaid statuette and a memorial plate. A good time was had by all attendees: members, guests and the hosting executive board.

Co-secretary and Correspondent, Carol Hansen 5

Danish Sisterhood News, October 2018

News from HAABETS FREMTID LODGE 78, TROY, NEW YORK After a very hot summer in New York we met in September at a local Country Club to have lunch together, We needed to move indoors due to rainy, cool weather. A special thanks to Marilyn Dore who made all the arrangements for us.

Shortly after our meeting, one of our faithful Sisters, Margit Engel, passed away. Margit had been born in Denmark but has lived in our area most of her life. She especially loved sharing her heritage with the young people, telling them about Denmark and teaching them folk dances and songs.

She loved to travel and recently visited Alaska. She was also a member of several Senior Citizen groups as well as being active in her Lutheran Church. Margit will truly be missed by her Sisters. A remembrance was sent to the Cancer Society in her memory.

Our October meeting found us meeting at the home of Judy and Harry Jensen for our annual Medisterpolse dinner. 20 people gathered to enjoy this wonderful danish meal. It consisted of cheese and crackers and salmon with pumpernickel bread. We then feasted on medisterpolse cooked by Judy and Chris Kelsey, creamed potatoes, Jane Hansen’s red cabbage and Marilyn Dore contributed homemade applesauce. Dessert was a “Crowd Pleaser” cake and Lt’s kisses from Gladys Christensen. Yum!! It was all so good. Thank you Judy and Harry for this fun time and great meal. The photo shows our President Anne Taylor, Treasurer Marge Wheeler and host Harry Jensen enjoying some fellowship together.

During the meeting, the annual Treasurer’s Report was presented and approved. W e nominated Marilyn Dore to be our representative to both the National Convention and the East Coast Convention with Marjorie Wheeler as Alternate. These will both take place in 2019.

Marilyn Dore has made contact with Van Schaick Island Country Club for our Christmas Luncheon to be held on December 8th. We will let our Sisters know more information at our November meeting.

The meeting was then adjourned and we wish everyone a wonderful fall season.

Sincerely,

Marjorie Wheeler Treasurer and Correspondent

Membership Expansion

Welcome New Members!

LODGE 188 188 188 188 188

Danish Sisterhood News, October 2018

NEW MEMBER Susan Slyfield Sandra Parker Frances Kinsley Carol Hoiland Clara Mae Dupont 6

SPONSOR Sandra Nelson Sandra Nelson Joan Brown Sandra Nelson Karen Hoylman

Updates from Danmarks Dotre, Lodge #90, Lincoln, NE Earlier this year, we got off to a slow start when we had to cancel two meetings in the winter months due to blizzards. We hope this coming winter will be fairly mild for us in Nebraska.

Lodge #90 has had a good year, and we’ve kept busy with many activities. At each meeting, a member prepares and talks about an interesting “Danish Moment” to share with our members. Some of the informative topics were: scrapbooks and articles with family genealogy; Danish hygge; a Danish relative, a midwife, who fell out of a buggy into a snow drift on her way to deliver; The Lego Group from Denmark; how Lent and Easter were celebrated in Denmark with spring flowers and Easter eggs; Fastelavn a Danish tradition: children singing, dressed in costume, going door-to-door with a can begging for candy, buns or coins.

We had our Annual Ice Cream Social in July with homemade ice cream made by the Bousquets. Committee members Donna Hansen and Olga Nielsen served additional dessert.

The Annual Picnic on August 5 was held at the residence of Mary Lou and Doug Andersen in their community room. It was a very hot day; luckily, we ate inside. Mary Lou provided a meat dish and all of the others brought side dishes.

Committee members were Mary Lou and Joan Tomlinson White.

The 2018 NE/CO District Danish Sisterhood Convention and the Nebraska Danish Brotherhood Convention was held in Lincoln, NE on August 24 and 25. Lodge #90 hosted the Convention at Country Inn and Suites. We were honored to have National DSS Secretary Glenda Madrid from Solvang, California attend our Convention and share a lot of important information from National Board. Mary Contreras was Delegate and Olga Nielsen was Alternate. On Friday night we met at Country Inn for a Welcome and a Reception followed by a meal. The entertainment was by Donna Christensen Thomas who talked about her volunteer work on genealogy at the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa. Other special guests were Rasmus Thoegersen and his wife Jennifer. Rasmus is the

new Executive Director of the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa. Rasmus brought along three Museum Interns from Copenhagen, Denmark.

We enjoy receiving the lovely, handmade birthday cards from Donna Christensen Thomas who mails them out every month to our members. She does a wonderful job.

On May 12 an Aebleskiver and Sausage lunch was prepared and served to all of our members in attendance. Committee was Joan Tomlinson White, Mary Brass, Donna Christensen Thomas, and Donna Hansen. They all kept busy in the kitchen that day, the Danes love food!

Within a period of nine months, three of our long time members passed away. Dorothy Ekblad passed away on November 14, 2017, joined Danish Sisterhood on November 11, 1989, and she was 91 years of age. Vera Hansen passed away on June 18, 2018, and joined DSS on March 11, 1983. She lived to the age of 103.

Ingrid Hansen passed away on July 14, 2018, she joined DSS on July 11, 1959, (she was a member for 59 years) and she was 84. We all miss our wonderful Danish Sisters that we have known for so many years. There seems to be some empty spots amongst us. We are starting a new generation of members.

On September 22, we celebrated our Lodge’s 113th Anniversary at the Eatery Restaurant. Two new members were initiated that evening. They are Molly Boyd from Lincoln and 7

Danish Sisterhood News, October 2018

Mary Stanley from Ceresco. Linsey Knerl and her husband Sam from Tekamah were also in attendance.

All three ladies attended the NE/CO DSS District Convention in August, too. Linsey is a member of Lodge #300 and is a prospective member of our Lodge. Our special guests, Molly, Mary and Linsey cut and served the anniversary cake. In celebration of our special evening, Donna Christensen Thomas talked about the early history of

the National Danish Sisterhood of America. Joan Tomlinson White wrapped up the program by sharing some highlights of Lodge #90 history. It’s hard to believe we are 113 years old, we hope that we have many more enjoyable years together.

The holidays will soon be here so we wish you all a Glaedelig Jul og Godt Nytar.

Olga Nielsen,Correspondent, Lodge #90

Thank You from Camp Grant Recipient Dear Danish Sisterhood, Thank you so much for the Camp Grant you gave to help make it possible for me to attend camp this summer. I really love Camp Geneva and hope it will go on for many more years to come, and thankfully people like you are willing to help children like me go to camp.

My favorite parts were free time and quiet time. My favorite game was Color Wars. I was able to swim a lot, and the polar plunges were very fun. I also really liked my counselors Meg and Ashley.

My “adopter” Rose was the arts and crafts leader so we had fun doing water colors during our cabin activity. I also enjoyed the meals. My favorite were the tacos and walking tacos.

Thank you so much again for donating money to help me have a great experience at camp.

Sincerely, Esmeralda Gugino

Left: Me (on the right), Right: Me on the left with black shirt and shorts/ giving piggy back ride.

Danish Sisterhood News, October 2018

8

10 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT LEGO

1 2 4 3 6 5 78 9 10 Lego was founded in Billund, Denmark in 1932.

Lego comes from the words “Leg godt,” meaning “play well” in Danish.

In 1936 Lego employed 6 people. As of 2017 they employed roughly 16,800 worldwide.

Lego is the original maker of the game Tiddlywinks.

Lego was first sold in the U.S. in 1961

1992: Lego Imagination Center is opened in the Mall of America

In 2014 Lego officially became the world’s largest toy company.

2011: LEGOLAND Florida opens and becomes the largest one worldwide

1978 was when the first Lego mini figure was released. Can you guess what it was?

An astronaut.

Duplo are exactly 8 times the size of a regular Lego.

Photos used by permission from Lego.

9

Danish Sisterhood News, October 2018

The Danish Sisterhood Marketplace Butikken DanishSisterhood.com

Contact Linda Holz for shipping and handling charges.

Red plastic heart-shaped paper clip $1.00 Letter Opener $4.00 Black baseball cap with heart logo in sequins $20.00

Black baseball cap with heart logo in satin stitch embroidery $20.00

Hygge T- Shirt  Red with white print M, L, XL, XXL $20

Frik T- Shirt Red with white print (Front and Back Shown) M, L, XL, XXL $20

Laser cut boxes (unassembled) for table favors $ 0.75

To order contact: Linda Holz Email: trustee1@danishsisterhood.com Phone: 515.225.0951 4400 EP True Pkwy, Unit 47 West Des Moines , IA 50265-5615 Danish Sisterhood News, October 2018

10

The Danish Sisterhood Marketplace Butikken DanishSisterhood.com Contact Linda Holz for shipping and handling charges.

SALE Sisterhood License Plate Frame Frame has dual fastening holes at the top of the fame. White with red DSS logo. $4.00 each or 2 for $6.00

Red ball point pen with Sisterhood website address $5.00

DSS Fleece Jacket Available Red and Black $37.50

Coral Pendant with Silver Filigree Red and silver necklace pendant $45.00

Wine Bottle Opener Red with black trim, danishsisterhood.com printed on side. $10.00 SALE PRICE $5

Denmark Flag Enamel Earrings pierced $10/pair

Onesie Red with white print 6 mo - 12 mo - 18 mo $15.00

Heartscarf Available in Red and White $15.00

To order contact: Linda Holz Email: trustee1@danishsisterhood.com Phone: 515.225.0951 4400 EP True Pkwy, Unit 47 West Des Moines , IA 50265-5615 11

Danish Sisterhood News, October 2018

Heartland District Convention Recap From the “Jens Jensen: Celebrating the Native Prairie� informative traveling exhibit, to the the raspberry filled Danish/American cake,(photo) to the Danish flag banners overhead, we were surrounded by all things Danish the weekend of September 14-16, 2018 at the Heartland District Sisterhood/ Brotherhood convention in Davenport, Iowa, hosted by Lodge #3. Sarah Bengtson, President of Lodge #3 began the convention by announcing that September 14th was also the 134th anniversary of the beginning of our Lodge #3.

Newly elected Heartland District Sisterhood officers for next year are pictured here, along with National Trustee Linda Holz. (from left Linda Holz National Trustee & Butikken chairman, Past President-Janelle Willis, President-Carol Rudisill, Vice President-Sarah Bengtson, Secretary/Treasurer Jane Paulsen).

Erna Jensen was presented the Great Dane award (photo from left Mike Nielsen, Carol Christiansen, Erna Jensen) and Janelle Willis received the Heartland District Outstanding Sister award. (photo from left Jim Willis, Janelle Willis, Melody Loft).

The convention was a weekend of reconnecting with old friends, meeting new ones, learning about the Quad City area and appreciating and sharing our Danish heritage.

Danish Sisterhood News, October 2018

12

HYGGE, MORE THAN JUST AN UNTRANSLATABLE WORD When our program chairman, Marcia Jante, contacted Claus Elholm Andersen from the Department of German, Nordic and Slavic Studies at the University of Wisconsin in Madison to discuss a program option, he suggested hygge. Marcia told him we would prefer a different slant on this subject and so on September 19, 2018 at the home of Ann-Marie Bergman, Dr. Andersen spoke about three aspects of hygge, history, language and hygge as culture.

He began his talk with the danish quote “Hvad udad tabes, skal indad vindes.” (What has been lost outwardly, must be gained inwardly.)

This quote from the Danish poet H. P. Holst says a lot about Danish culture. As we have heard in other programs, with the War of 1864 Denmark lost a lot. They lost land, they lost many men (6,000 in one battle), their place as a powerful nation, and eventually many citizens who emigrated. According to Andersen, Denmark was on the brink of extinction. 2.1 million people, over 1/3 of the Danes and 1/3 of the physical land had been lost. Only recently has documentation been found that things were so bad King Christian IX asked Bismarck to make Denmark a part of the German coalition. Bismarck said, “No” and the country of Denmark survived.

Denmark gave up all claim to greatness and turned inward as a country and as a people. This quote is central to understanding hygge and the Danes.

The word hygge first appeared in Danish writing in the 19th Century but the origin of word can be traced back to the Old Norse term hygga, which means “comfort” but it can also be traced to the verb hyggja which means “to think” in Old Norse. Andersen traces the meaning from “to think about someone, to then care about someone and, as it is thought of today, to spend time in ‘pleasant togetherness.’ ”

What most of us have heard many times in the talks and books we have read about hygge is that it cannot be translated. Andersen disagrees

with this. He said most languages have a word with a meaning like hygge. But to Danes, said Andersen, it is important that this word cannot be defined with a translation. It is a part of being Danish—being special.

While hygge may be more about atmosphere and experiences, especially remembered experiences, in most books and articles it is talked about in terms of things used to bring about hygge. Writing a book about something that cannot be defined in another language leaves the writer little option but to write about the “things” that can help the reader create hygge in his life.

Hygge becomes a concept defined by materiality.

They describe an abstract intangible and yet use concrete examples to do so.

The Danish language commonly uses this word. Following are some of those common uses: Hyggestund: A hyggestund is a cozy time on your own or with friends.

Vi skal rigtig hygge: Danes say this when they want to express anticipation for a planned hyggestund Tak for en hyggelig aften Thank you for a cozy evening. Thank you for a lovely time.

Uhyggelig: [Un-cozy] Uhyggelig actually means the complete opposite of hygge. ‘Uhyggelig’ is the Danish word for scary, spooky and bloodcurdling.

Det lyder hyggeligt: [That sounds cozy] Sounds like something you would enjoy.

In fact, one of the worst things you can say about something in Denmark is that it was not particularly hyggelig.

But what makes something hyggelig? Our speaker talked about some of the cultural aspects of hygge, built on the notion of equality—cultural, social and economic equality.

Lad os sætte sig ned. Let’s sit down 13

Danish Sisterhood News, October 2018

This is one of the most common phases in the Danish language. But the concept of sitting down to talk with people is found throughout the world.

“Let’s sit down and talk about it.”

Sitting down to talk brings equality into the equation. While sitting and talking, no one talks down to another. Adult humans are relatively the same height from their bottom to their head. So by sitting, we become more equal. Danes especially do not like to have anyone talk down to them. It is socially unacceptable to make others feel like you know more than they do.

And it is not just sitting down, but sitting in a circle that adds to this equality. But here Andersen pointed out something especially interesting about the circle. When you sit in a circle it becomes very clear who is in the group and who is outside of the group. He talked about cultural uncertainty. In Denmark you cannot be Danish and something else. Either you are a part of the group (Danish) or you are not a part of group.

in Denmark.

Economic Equality We often think of Denmark as a country where financially people are very similar. There are few very wealthy and few very poor. It is the idea of N.F.S. Grundtvig, “a country in which few have too much and fewer too little.” In fact this is not really the case.

The wealthy in Denmark are becoming very wealthy. An article in the Copenhagen Post on September 14, 2017 stated that according to a report by the Economic Council of the Labour Movement on average the wealthiest 10% of Danes own 47.3% of the total net wealth of the country and the poorest 50% of Danes own just 5 % of the total net wealth. Per capita Denmark is the in the top 20 of countries with the most millionaires.

And what about the poor in Denmark. According to “The Local,” a Danish news site found on line, “The total number of Danes considered to be living in poverty has more than doubled from 18,650 in 2002 to 44,141 in 2015, according to the analysis by Arbejderbevægelsens Erhvervsråd, ECLM. A ten percent increase was recorded alone from 2014 to 2015, according to the report, which is based on figures from Statistics Denmark.

While the numbers seem to deny economic equality, perhaps in their minds the Danes maintain the belief that it still exists.

The program ended with Andersen asking for comments from those in attendance. There were several questions and interesting comments from the membership. One concerned Danish happiness. Denmark has lost its standing as the happiest country in the world, replaced by Finland. When asked why Denmark was for so long the happiest country in the world, Andersen brought up some of the aspects of Danish life that he thinks are important to their happiness. It was not “low expectations” as is so commonly believed to be the cause.

He said, “The most important factor to happiness is the lack of worry that comes with the welfare state: free, excellent healthcare, cheap and great daycare, good schools and free colleges, and the knowledge that even if you loose

Social equality/trust Hygge is more of a middle class concept. Our speaker told us that Danes are often suspicious of big houses and the upper class. This is related to the social control of the egalitarian society. The welfare state eliminates many of the day to day worries giving people more time to embrace the company of others.

Andersen told us an interesting story. His wife is not Danish and when they moved to a new apartment in Copenhagen, she suggested they get together and meet their neighbors. He had to explain to her this would not be found acceptable in Denmark. In Denmark there is a great deal of social trust. Of course part of the reason for this is homogeneity and equality. Andersen said, “In Denmark we trust each other and we assume our neighbors are just like us.” He added with a smile, “In the United States we do not have the same trust in our unknown neighbors so we introduce ourselves. In effect we are saying to them, you can trust me, I am not going to kill you.” To make that effort to introduce yourself to others in Denmark would be taken as an insult. The same is true for the common hello we give to strangers on the street. That is not considered acceptable Danish Sisterhood News, October 2018

14

your job you will not lose everything due to the social benefit programs.” And he added that for his generation, two things happened in 1992 that added to this happiness phenomena.

First the Danes won the UEFA, European Football Championship. They did not follow the common path. They only qualified after Yugoslavia was disqualified as a result of the breakup of the Soviet Union and warfare in their country. It was somewhat of a miracle as the team basically was given no chance, had to be speedily assembled with just one week’s notice, and yet managed a fairytale win. The story has been made into a movie Sommeren ’92.

Secondly the Danish Maastricht Treaty referendum regarding the European Union was turned down by the Danes by 50.7% of the voters with a turnout of 83.1%. Suddenly the little country of Denmark was in the news and had some real power. They were able to negotiate four exceptions for Danes from the Maastricht Treaty, one of which allowed them to keep their currency.

Danes like to believe they are a special group of people, the kind who could win the UEFA Championship against all odds and the kind who could stand up to the European Union and make it meet their demands. While they may believe themselves special it is definitely not something they would ever say out loud. It is something you do not talk about. For a view into the Danish psyche Andersen suggested the books

by Morten Korch. During his lifetime, he was the most widely read author in Denmark. Korch wrote 123 novels.

The evening ended with a short business meeting. Judging by the comments of all those present, it was a great evening with a great program. A special thanks to Marcia Jante for the amazing job she has done this year in bringing us these wonderful programs. And, of course, a special thanks to Dr. Claus Elholm Andersen for presenting his program and giving us this particularly interesting and educational evening.

Annette Lind Dronning Margrethe Lodge #15

Address Changes If you have moved please use this form to notify the Danish Sisterhood of America.

Clip and mail to: Danish Sisterhood News National Secretary: Glenda Madrid 1555 Oak St. Solvang, CA 93463 I belong to Lodge #: Name: New Address: City: Zip Code:

State:

Submissions Guidelines Submissions should be received by the Editor by the 1st of the month previous to the month published (Deadlines can be found on page 2).

Please submit captions for pictures, including names of people in the picture.

Text for submissions should be less than 600 words (one typed page).

Mail or electronic submissions are welcomed The Editor will proofread for spelling and grammatical errors and will edit for clarity.

Upcoming Newsletter Deadlines December 2018 issue.....Submit by November 1 January 2019 issue.........Submit by December 1 February 2019 issue............Submit by January 1 March 2019 issue..............Submit by February 1 April 2019 issue.....................Submit by March 1 May 2019 issue........................Submit by April 1 June 2019 issue........................Submit by May 1 July 2019 issue.........................Submit by June 1

15

Danish Sisterhood News, October 2018

News

Danish

Periodical Postage Paid

Sisterhood

Published by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America National Secretary: Glenda Madrid 1557 Oak St. Solvang, CA 93463

POSTMASTER PLEASE RUSH TIME DATED MATERIAL!

Published by:

Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America National Secretary: Glenda Madrid 1557 Oak St Solvang, CA 93463

The Danish Sisterhood News including, but not limited to, design, text, & graphics, are Copyright 2016 by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Any use of materials in this publication, including reproduction, modification, distribution, or republication without the prior written consent of DSS, is strictly prohibited by law. Copyright infringement will be punished to the maximum extent the law allows.