First Sign of Spring
The sun is back, days are getting longer, the weather is warmer and the snow is rapidly melting away here in Tromsø. Even with all these things happening, there is still only one traditional “sign of Spring” in Norway: The first appearance of the Hestehov (English: Coltsfoot). As soon as there is a patch of bare ground and some sunlight, these small (raggedy) yellow flowers pop up alongside roads, fences and ditches everywhere. Soon the ground is covered in yellow and children run around to pick a bunch for their mums.
The first coltsfoot of the year always makes a story on the news. It’s as if it is a symbol of life’s triumph over the cold winter and of nature waking after the Great Slumber. In the south of Norway, the coltsfoot is known to appear as early as January, whereas in the north the little fellas tend to hold it off until April.
The coltsfoot is by many considered an “invasive species”, but since they prefer wasteland they don’t really present a problem to gardening. The plant is actually quite edible and can be used for tea, seasoning, cough medicine and even as a tobacco substitute – without the unfortunate nicotine side effects!
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Reindeer herding is more than just an occupation, it is a way of life and an integral part of the Sami culture and identity.
Runes were the written language of the Vikings.
There is an opposition in everything. At the darkest time of the year, we celebrate Christmas. And at the exact opposite end, when the midnight sun is at its highest, we celebrate Midsummer.
The sun never goes down during this season but the mountains to the East are so high that the sun still has to raise above them in the morning hours and an artificial dawn-effect wakes the city.
In Norway, there are still Lefse recipes around from the 1630s! This is supposedly the traditional and original Hardanger recipe used:
I’m so glad you posted about spring in Tromso. I did a post today about spring in Phoenix, Arizona. I love how we can share photos of where we live. I feel like I get a glimpse into your world too. It does make the world seem like a smaller and hopefully …closer place. Happy Spring L-Jay!
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From Moose:
Thanks!
Happy Spring back at you!
Just spent the weekend in Tromsø. Even though Sunday was rainy, Saturday was totally worth the long trip from Luleå. The town is as lovely as when I first visited it in 2003. I really envy you for the privilege of living in Tromsø!
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from L-Jay:
I’ve heard of Luleå! One of my friends played at a jazz concert there not so long ago. We get holiday magazines about Luleå delivered to our mailbox every year enticing us to go – one day I will, I promise!