Showing posts with label Denmark. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Denmark. Show all posts

July 28 - Olavsoka Eve in Faroe Islands

   Posted on July 28, 2022     


This is an update of my post published on July 28, 2011:


Isn't it nice when a nation celebrates the opening of its law-making sessions?


The people of the Faroe Islands have rowing competitions, art exhibitions, folk music, chain-dance performances, and calvacades (which are parades of people riding on horses) tonight—all to celebrate the opening of their parliament tomorrow!


The Faroe Islands are halfway between Norway and Iceland, far to the north in the Atlantic Ocean. Although the nation is self-governing, it is part of the kingdom of Denmark and depends on Denmark for military, police, justice, and foreign affairs.

There are 18 major islands, most of which are long and skinny, in the group.



The Faroe Islands boast cool summers and mild winters, but the sky is usually overcast. One special thing about the islands is that, although they have miles of coastlines, they lack beaches. Instead, most coastal areas have tall sea cliffs; as a matter of fact, the sea cliffs of these islands are the highest in Europe and some of the highest in the world.








Also on this date:






Plan ahead:

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June 23 - Midsummer Party in Denmark

   Posted on June 23, 2022     


This is an update of my post published on June 23, 2011:


 



It may be, in the past, that people gathered around bonfires on the shortest night of the year to ward off evil spirits, but nowadays people still enjoy this cozy tradition for the fun with friends and family.


Large bonfires are burned in several open spots in Copenhagen, and undoubtedly other interior cities, but they are most common along the coast, where people bring blankets to sit on and picnic baskets full of food and beverages to enjoy while waiting for darkness. A speech is commonly given by someone of some import, such as a mayor or local artist, and people sing “Midsummer Song,” also known as “We Love Our Country.” Since universities and schools have just finished their courses for the year, students have a tradition of throwing lecture notes into the fire!



I read that people enjoying bonfires along the coast can see numerous other bonfires. That seems like a nice thing to me—and I imagine being able to hear people singing, faintly, from afar, and deciding to join in...



Hold your own Midsummer Party!

  • Go to a beach, lake, or backyard with a fire ring, and have the traditional bonfire. Sing songs!

  • Drink apple cider or pear juice, perhaps made “sparkling” with the addition of 7-up or Sprite. Eat a picnic supper.

  • Wear flowers in your hair, and make garlands out of greenery, perhaps decorated with more flowers. 





Plan ahead:


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June 15 - Valdemar's Day in Denmark

   Posted on June 15, 2022     


This is an update of my post published on June 15, 2011:




The legend says that the Danish flag fell from the sky on this day in 1219. King Valdemar II the Victorious was crusading about at the time, and he was embattled in Estonia, about to give up, when the flag supposedly fell from heaven. Seen as a sign of God's favor for the Danes, it is said, the Danes took heart, surged forward to re-engage the Estonians, and won the battle.


The Danish flag falling from heaven.
Do you think this really happened?

Apparently, this story didn't arise until 1500, long after the battle.

Because of this legend, June 15 became a flag day in Denmark, and little flags are bought and sold and seem to sprout up everywhere. I was interested to read that every year there are 33 flag days in Denmark, when the Danish flag, called Dannebrog, is flown in celebration!




Go Dane for a day!

Here are some Danish foods to try.

And here are facts about Denmark, and some Danish craft ideas.



Do the LEGO thing!




LEGO bricks started in Denmark, and the first LEGOland was in Denmark, too. Get out all your LEGOs and build a cool construction today. Or visit the official LEGO website. 







Plan ahead:


Check out my Pinterest boards for:

And here are my Pinterest boards for:


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