It’s Australia Day today.  I did all I could to spread the Australia Day cheer.  I couldn’t let my friends and family here in Norway be completely oblivious.  I got questions like ‘what do you do’ (answer: we go to the beach!) and ‘what happened on this day’ (answer: the First Fleet (11 convict ships [...]

Juletid (Christmas time) is a celebration of traditions and family in Norway. With the fall of winter snow and the wonderful displays of Northern Lights, Norwegians sit round their fire places, dance around the Christmas tree, enjoy rich food and share julefryd (Christmas cheer) with family, friends and in their communities. At this special time [...]

In Norway, Advent is the time of year when Christians count the days to the birth of Christ celebration – Christmas.  Technically Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before 25th December and is remembered each Sunday until Christmas Day.  This season features the colour purple as purple symbolises anticipation and preparation.  Traditionally four purple candles [...]

“Med denner ringen tar jeg deg til ekte” (With this ring, I thee wed) – these poetic words describe the promise of two people in love.
The wedding ring is a symbol tied to romantic traditions that have run through the course of time. As far back as the Pharaohs, a circular band was seen as [...]