Christmas Carols # 23

Silent Night, the famous German song, is said to be the most common and most beloved Christmas Hymn.
In the early seventies a new Norwegian Christmas tradition was founded. The radio, the NRK, played Mahalia Jackson's version of this beautiful Hymn on the late night show. Since then, no "Little Christmas Eve" without Mahalia Jackson. She's become as important as the Christmas tree, she belongs in our Christmas hearts.

Christmas Carols # 21

This carol originates from Germany, but we consider it Norwegian. I found this clip where Sissel is singing with Vienna Opera Children's Choir in German and Norwegian. The text  on the video is Spanish. I know that Trey reads Spanish.
A happy amateur have also made his video. I think his original Norwegian videos are great.

Norwegian Christmas Carols # 20

Trygve Hoff has written this psalm on dialect about people of North Norway and God. I love the first YouTube clip. Children are just like these. The last clip contains photos from North Norway.

 North Norwegian Christmas Psalm
 Bless you the day over the fjord. Bless you light over the land.
Bless you the eternal words about hope and a reached out hand.
Protect what little you gave us, the day you moved us here north.
So we feel you will never forsake us in poverty and toil.

We lived with our cap in our hand, but had such a strong faith,
and one thing we have truly seen; we are tough ones, we, like you.
Now we have the hardest turn, we work to move forwards towards the light and the Advent time, it's a long way south to Bethlehem.

God's peace over mountains and hillsides, may life prosper where we build and work,
God's peace over the cattle in the barn and over a frosty and meager soil.
You see us in the Polar Night country. You bless us with eternal words,
The houses, the mountains, the waters, and the people who live here North.

Christmas Carols # 15

This carol was written in 1992, but has already become a dear contribution to our treasure of Carols. Sung on TV and in churches, in schools and kndergartens.
That is what I like about about our Christmas songs, they are a living phenomenon, midst among us. As long as the gospel is living, new songs will be written and keep the words and content alive. Christmas celebration may be a tradition, but it's also much more. It's the beating heart of Norway, performed everywhere in November/ December.

Norwegian Christmas Carols # 14

We have an abundance of Christmas carols needed to be sung at Yuletide.
One is standing out among the hundreds and that is "Deilig er jorden ", meaning "The Earth is wonderful".
Whereeveer this song is performed, the whole assembly will automatically raise and join in.
Like today at my aunt Aase's funeral.
"Generations will follow generations, but the song about the Eternal Savior born in Bethlehem shall never be silenced."

Christmas Carols # 13

On St. Lucia Day, December 13 th, my Mom went to heaven in wonderful peace.
St. Lucia is a Sicilian Saint celebrated in Lutheran Sweden and Norway with children singing, carrying candles and bringing buns to family and neighbors.
A perfect Homecoming Day.



As Gunnar and I arrived the Home today to follow our Mom on her last journey, the hall was filled with happy kindergarten children singing Santa Lucia.

 

Norwegian Christmas Carols # 8

For more than fifty years The Silver Boys have "sung the Christmas in," as the expression goes. After church, but before dinner, the boys choir has sung first in the radio later also in TV Christmas Eve.
I try to show you how the Norwegian Christmas Carols are a part of Norwegian Christmas celebration not only in churches, but in kindergartens, in school choirs, among Norwegians abroad, in the mountains and at sea.

Bright and Glorious is the Sky

1. Bright and glorious is the sky,
Radiant are the heavens high
Where the golden stars were shining
And their rays to earth inclining,
Beckoning us to heaven above,
Beckoning us to heaven above.
2. On that holy Christmas night
Through the darkness beamed a light
All the stars above were paling,
All their luster slowly failing,
As the Christmas star drew nigh,
As the Christmas star drew nigh.
3. Sages from the East afar,
When they saw this wondrous star,
Went to the find the King of nations,
And to offer their oblations
Unto Him as Lord and King,
Unto Him as Lord and King.
4. Him they found in Bethlehem,
Yet He wore no diadem;
They but saw a maiden lowly
With an Infant pure and holy,
Resting in her loving arms,
Resting in her loving arms.
5. Guided by the star they found
Him Whose praise the ages sound,
We too have a star to guide us
Which forever will provide us
With the light to find our Lord,
With the light to find our Lord.
6. As a star God’s holy Word
Leads us to our King and Lord;
Brightly from its sacred pages
Shall this light throughout the ages
Shine upon our path of life,
Shine upon our path of life.

Grundtvig

Norwegian Christmas Carols #7

Det kimer nu til julefest is a Danish song, but used in Norway for over hundred years.

Country of Origin: Denmark

1. The bells of Christmas chime once more;
The heavenly guest is at the door
He comes to earthly dwelling still
With new year gifts of peace, good will
2. This world though wide and far outspread,
Could scarcely find for you a bed
Your cradle was a manger stall
No pearl no silk no kingly hall
3. Now let us go with quiet mind,
The swaddled babe with shepherds find,
To gaze on him who gladdens them
The lovliest flow'r of Jesse's stem
4. Oh join with me, in gladness sing,
To keep our Christmas with our King,
Until our song, from loving souls,
Like rushing mighty water rolls!
5. O patriarchs' Joy, O prophets' Song
O Dayspring bright, awaited long
O son of Man, incarnate Word
Great David's Son, great David's Lord
6. Come, Jesus, glorious heav'nly guest,
And keep your Christmas in our breast
Then David's harpstrings, hushed so long,
Shall swell our jubilee of song.

Norwegian Christmas Carols # 5

I'm So Glad Each Christmas Eve is written by  a young maiden, Maria Wexelsen, in 1858. Norwegian children has sung this song ever since it was published the year after.
I therefor find it suitable to present the song performed by young school girls. They also sing the carol from yesterday, A Child is Born in Bethlehem.

I am so glad each Christmas Eve,
The night of Jesus’ birth!
Then like the sun the Star shone forth,
And angels sang on earth.

The little Child in Bethlehem,
He was a King indeed!
For He came down from Heaven above
To help a world in need.

He dwells again in heaven’s realm,
The Son of God today;
And still He loves His little ones
And hears them when they pray.

I am so glad on Christmas Eve!
His praises then I sing;
He opens then for every child
The palace of the King.

When mother trims the Christmas tree
Which fills the room with light,
She tells me of the wondrous Star
That made the dark world bright.

She says the Star is shining still,
And never will grow dim;
And if it shines upon my way,
It leads me up to Him.

And so I love each Christmas Eve
And I love Jesus, too;
And that He loves me every day
I know so well is true.

RUBY CHRISTMAS IN HAUGESUND

Haugesund has at least four kinds of weather in a week. Lately we've had, snow, frost, storm and more snow. Here is The Salvation Army "playing the Christmas in" on the town square like they have done the last sixty years.
They are loved and respected by high and low, and use Advent time to collect money to make a proper Christmas for the less fortunate.

The Christmas tree in front of the City Hall was beautifully decorated by children from all the kindergartens of our town. The tree was roped by experienced sailors, and did withstand the storm, but the decorations were somewhat messed up.


Christmastime is also when we mostly miss our dear ones, who have created our best childhood memories. Therefor it's custom to visit the graves with candles and wreaths before Christmas. Three miniature roses on the moss and cone wreath at the grave of Gunnar's parents. He has four graves to decorate every December 17th. The one of his parents, his sister Bjorg, his grandfather and cousin Ragnar. It's a privilege to honor and visit Gunnar's loved ones.

As years go by, we try to cut down on "unnecessary" gifts.
We haven't yet reached the point of money only". Gunnar has hidden in my study to wrap in some secrets.

Our house guest, Silk Kitty. seems to have adopted us. The strong affection and admiration is mutual.

Serina came home through storm and ice and immediately took up her duties. Decorating the tree and wrapping parcels.

The Kitty and Serina fell deeply in love at first sight.

Cuddling and sweet talking for hours.

Fourth Sunday of Advent we went to the annual Christmas Concert in the mighty Church of Our Savior. Luckily some of the audience wore red robes.
Photo by Serina. The church was packed for two concerts this evening, and
inner peace and spiritual needs were richly filled.

Tears of joy could not and should not be held back.

What's moving me even more, is riding past The Thousand Homes".
A large public housing complex built in the 1920-ies. Now a refugee for alcoholics, drug addicts and criminals. Every year I am moved to tears, seeing a few Advent sticks in the windows there too. Waiting and hoping is what's keeping us all going on.

At home our Kitty lies in perfect harmony.
A blessed Christmas and New Year to all bloggers in my world.



The Nordic tenors were among the performers yesterday.
They sung this song among many others.

Originated by MaryT, check hers for today

RUBY TUESDAY IN DECEMBER

People in our town are very much like the average Norwegian.
We don't do much new stuff around Christmastime; we are too busy repeating our traditions. This provides a feeling of stability in an unpredictable world of storms. It's also the best way of passing on our common heritage. Like baking gingerbread cookies.


Eating rice porridge with raisins, sugar, cinnamon and a butter eye in the middle also belong to Christmas traditions. Red juice, preferably from red currants to drink.

Families, kindergartens, even the giant Statoil plant took part in making a gingerbread village, competing for the prettiest building.
The exhibition stood for two weeks in a public center for youth and elderly people together.


The center is called The old Slaughterhouse, cause way back it really was a slaughter house. We used to frequent this place a lot in the eighties and nineties.
There were also a huge craft market. I bout this hand knitted cat for less the 2 dollars. Gunnar agreed to pose with it.


Out in our garden looking inside.

Some red, even out on our terrace.

Our Nativity Scene have figurines assembled through years in different materials and styles. Serina's self made, happy, red haired angel is a must.


The old youlenisse is wearing a jumper my mother knitted for me when I was 1 year old. He is the Norwegian pendant to Santa Claus, but only loosely connected. Every farm had nisses living in the stable, like the trolls lived in the mountains and the hulder; partly wonderful young girl, partly cow (hidden under the skirt)lived up on the summer farmland in the woods. The youlenisse was to be fed with the best porridge for Christmas, or he could do a lot of harm both to the people and the animals on the farm. Some hundred and fifty years ago he was slowly transferred to the continental Santa. But he kept his name and his farmer clothes.

From our kitchen, a silk rose.

Our advent calendar, embroidered by my mother about 1956, with the help of my brother and me. The youlenisse is holding a jug of ale in one hand and a Holy Three King's candle in the other. Combination of paganism and Christianity.
In every Norwegian home you can see this advent lights in one or more windows. In the wooden bowl is and advent orange with 24 cloves in it.
The true fragrance of Christmas. The picture was shot last week, therefor only two candles are lit on our advent wreath.

Homemade hearts.


Our TV room is partly decorated in pastel, except for the poinsettia.
Today, Monday 13th, we celebrate Santa Lucia, a Sicilian saint. Children are dressed in white, singing the ancient song about this remote saint, while carrying candles and handing out buns. Nobody really knows why this special saint is so tightly connected to Scandinavia. Not even 500 years of protestantism has managed to delete this beautiful celebration.
Serina in front of her friends on Lucia day 19 years ago.

Originated by MaryT, check hers for today

THE BLUE HOUR

In summer we have blond nights, but in the winter, with sundown at four p.m., (and it's still going to get darker), we have the blue hour.
This picture was taken outside the church after Christmas mass a year ago, in the blue hour.
It's magic. So silent and yes,- so blue, the light is blue, the sky and the snow is blue .
A fairytale tells, that the blue-nisses of the mountain make the blue hour from blueberry juice.
Our heavenly Father knows better. He knows the laws of physics and the psyche of his children. He made it so wisely, that in our darkest days, before the sun once more is turning, the scenery is dressed in white and both dawns and sunsets are blue, filled with dreams and hopes.
To day was first Sunday of Advent, and in less than three weeks my girl will be home for Christmas.

RUBY EASTER YARD

Our kitchen table is laid for Easter.
Serina will be home early next week, and I like to keep the house ready for homecoming queen.
I have gathered hens, cocks and chickens for decades. Many are antique, other are home made.
Darling daughter has carved out the tiny wood cock, and signed her name on its tale.
There are different explanations as to why poultry seems to have such great influence in Scandinavian Easter celebration. Again the link between spring and new life. The hen and the eggs are ancient fertility symbols. Where as the rooster points at Peter's fall in Gethsemane. Mathew 26: " ³⁴Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice."

Once more pagan and Christian culture live side by side. Yet we celebrate Easter or paske as we say, at the same time of the year when the Jews are celebrating their Pésach.
First Sunday after first full moon after the veronal equinox. And we like to eat our Easter lamb.

Originated by MaryT, check hers for today

RUBY SHROVETIDE

Once again I'll post a picture of the fastelavensris,
the lent faggots.
I quote from Wikipedia;

"Fastelavn evolved from the Roman Catholic tradition of celebrating in the days before Lent, but after Denmark and Norway became Protestant nations in 1537, the holiday became less specifically religious. This holiday occurs seven weeks before Easter Sunday and is sometimes described as a Nordic Halloween, with children dressing up in costumes and gathering treats for the Fastelavn feast. The holiday is generally considered to be a time for children's fun and family games.

In Denmark and Norway a popular baked good associated with the day is Fastelavnsbolle (lit. "Fastelavns bun", also known in English as "shrovetide bun" or "lenten bun"), a round sweet roll usually covered with icing and sometimes filled with whipped cream. The day after Bun Sunday is Blue Monday, probably the feeling of having eaten and drunk to much. Then comes Fat Tuesday, the last day to fatten up before Lent. Ash Wednesday the Lent starts. In older days this was the day to go to mass and get a ash cross painted on your forehead.

Another popular custom is the "fastelavnsris", with which children ritually flog their parents to wake them up on the morning of Fastelavns Sunday (Quinquagesima).

Fastelavnsris have many shapes and forms and differ from area to area. In some areas they are bunches of twigs, usually from fruit trees and preferably with buds. Those are often decorated with feathers, egg-shells, storks and little figures of babies.

Earlier, it was mainly the young women and the infertile who were flogged. It was also common that a young man would carry his "fastelavnsris" and (of course gently) strike at young women he met on the street. Later it became the children's special right to flog their parents on this day. In any case, the reward given for the flogging would be a fastelavns bun.

Fastelavensris truely is a reminiscence from pre-Christian times.
Now it's mainly made by a women's welfare association. Colorful feathers attached to birch. We buy new every year.

Originated by MaryT, check hers for today

RUBY JUL

Overseas Christmas is over once the gifts are opened Christmas Day.
Not so in my country. The Norwegian Jul, pronounced Yule,is not over till 20th Day of Christmas, January 13th. Then comes Santa Knut and chases Christmas out the door.
Today is the first workday since Christmas Eve.

Our small family has as always been gathered.
Home for Christmas is a privilege, not an obligation.
From my first year my mother, Monten, has been Mater Familias, and head of the celebration. Even when regular guests like my grandparents or my aunt and uncle who later immigrated to America were visiting, my mother did the all preparations, the cooking, baking, silver polishing, decoration and purchases on her own.

Things have gotten easier lately, but the spirit is the same. Also the habit of crushing me in Chinese Checkers.
My mother here posing in her red chair, wearing a blouse Serina bought her and proudly presenting much appreciated gifts from America.


Join in for Ruby Tuesday at teach Mary's

THE ADVENT ORANGE

Advent orange with 24 tacks and a fur cone nisse mother accompanied by fresh juniper.
Hiker ladies gathered for Christmas workshop in my kitchen.

The Christmas in Cobbler's Street was sent back when Norway only had 1-one- TV channel. Young and adults gathered to celebrate advent time with cobbler Andersen, his little lodger Slipperius, and young & old living in Cobbler's Street.
Andersen invented the advent orange with 24 tacks in it. One to be removed each day in December till the 24th.I think I've had my own Advent orange ever since. It smelling so wonderfully of Christmas memories.
Join in for Ruby Tuesday at teach Mary's

THE NISSE FAMILY'S LULLABYE

The Norwegian Youlenisse usually lives in the barn. One can easily imagine a whole nisse family living thee, like in this Advent series from the NRK. I prefer watching Youle on the Moon peak to any late night crime series. The nisse family are singing a goodnight song.
It's not that many years ago people in Norway actually believed in both nisses and trolls.Superstition lived side by side with Christianity. Few farmers dared to celebrate Christmas without leaving a huge pot of porridge for nisse daddy. At least till about 150 years ago that was the tradition on farms, maybe even longer. Now our Youle nisse has been mixed with St. Claus till something nobody can relate seriously too. maybe that is a loss, especially to those, to whom Christmas only is gifts and food.

FRIENDS LEAVING FOOTPRINTS

We have lit the first candle in our Christmas wreath.Time for meditation and peace of mind.

RUBY FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

November 29th and we are celebrating the first Sunday in Advent.
In summer we have blond nights,in Advent time both dusk and dawn are dark blue.
The seven lights are shining from window candlesticks all over Norway, in private as well as public buildings. It's pure magic how young and old, rich and poor, businessmen, military, seamen in ferries and passenger boats, police, hospitals, all, choose to place these lights of waiting and expectation wherever they stay.
Some wants to make us believe that faith and hope are dead, that Christmas is just good for business. The advent sticks tell otherwise.

Originated by MaryT, check hers for today.