INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF NORWAY
Oslo Chamber of Commerce
CULTURE CLUES
If you are a newcomer to Norway and looking for an icebreaker to start a conversation with
a Norwegian, talk about the weather. When the cool crisp air comes, days get shorter and
darker and the wind and rain makes life a little harder, the topic weather is of a winner for
small talk. Learn the proper vocabulary and expressions, and you will find it easy to start a
conversation anytime and anywhere with anyone you meet!
Photo: freestockphotos.biz
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2015
Photo: wikipedia.org
December is associated with Christmas nearly all over the world and Norway is
no exception. It is actually celebrated in over 160 countries. Those of you who
have already celebrated Christmas in Norway may be familiar with the traditions,
although there may still be other aspects of it to discover. This month’s Culture
Clues is of course also dedicated to Norwegian Christmas traditions.
For newcomers to Norway, we wish that you experience the best of what Norway
has to offer during the Yuletide festive season: julebord, julemarkeder, juletrær,
julekaker, julemat, julekonsert, julestemning and so on!
NORWAY IN NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
Source: Dinside.no & My Little Norway
Photo: flickr.com
Nobel Peace Prize
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2015
will be awarded to the National Dialogue Quartet for its decisive contribution to the
building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of the Jasmine Revolution of
2011. Read here the announcement from the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
The Nobel Peace Prize has been called “the world’s most prestigious prize” and is
awarded at a ceremony at the Oslo City Hall on December 10, the anniversary of
Alfred Nobel’s death.
Photo: nobelpeaceprize.org
Tax Break
The Norwegian system stipulates that taxpayers are taxed 10.5 months during a
calendar year. In practice, this means no tax in June and half tax in December.
As most employers pay wages around the middle of the following month, it means
the extra money comes in right before Christmas. However, it is up to the employer
to decide whether to pay it in November or December.
The purpose of the tax break is to wish everyone a Merrier Christmas and a Happier
New Year!
The Nobel Peace Prize Concert
The Nobel Peace Prize Concert is a musical tribute held annually on 11th December to honour the year’s Nobel Peace Prize
Laureate. Performers from around the world are proud to join in celebrating this important event, which features music
ranging from pop and rock to jazz, classical, blues and country. The special mix of celebrity, celebration and ceremony makes
this event a magical night to remember.
The event will be broadcast live on NRK1.
If you would like to attend this memorable concert, make sure to book your tickets well in advance.
Winter Tyres
Due to their design and material, summer tyres are not fit for winter driving in Norway.
Tyres must have an adequate tread depth: For summer tyres, the minimum tread depth
is 1.6 mm and for winter tyres, the minimum is 3mm. The use of studded tyres is
permitted in the period from 15 October to 1 May. Studded tyres can be used outside
these dates if driving conditions make it necessary. In some cities, you must however
pay a fee to drive with studded tyres.
Proper equipment is at all times the driver’s responsibility, so if you have not changed
your tyres yet, you should do it without delay.
Source: New in Norway
Photo: pixabay.com
DRIVING IN NORWAY
The tradition of lighting one candle on the first Sunday of Advent and continuing
each Sunday, until all four are lit on the last Sunday before Christmas, is
approximately 100 years old. Almost everyone in Norway has a four-armed
candelabra and lighting the candles on Advent Sunday is what really gets
Norwegians into an early Christmas spirit.
Other Christmas traditions are the Advent calendar, the wreath and the Christmas
tree, originally from Germany.
Photo: pixabay.com
Christmas Markets
As in many European countries, most Norwegian towns and cities also
offer Christmas fairs and markets, seasonal concerts and performances
during this time. Oslo has many great events and markets open to the
public. Bergen is famous for its Gingerbread Town, holiday concerts and
other festivities. The wooden town of Røros is a truly magical place to visit
during the Christmas month, and Tregaarden’s Christmas House in Drøbak
is a must-see as Scandinavia’s only permanent Christmas shop. Hadeland
Glassverk outside Oslo, also has an all-year Hadeland Christmas Shop,
where visitors can purchase handmade glass from local artisans.
According to Travel & Leisure Magazine, Tromsø is one of the best places
in the world to spend Christmas. A chance to view the Northern Lights
and to say you have been to the Arctic Circle for Christmas. Visitors can
enjoy dogsledding, great food, and a mountaintop cable car.
Source: Visit Norway
Photo: pepperkakebyen.org
Photo: flickr.com
Advent
Advent is the Latin word for ‘arrival’ and is the time for Christmas preparations.
Norwegians bake cakes and biscuits, buy gifts and clean the entire house. This is also the
time for decorating and the closer we get to Christmas, the more Norwegians decorate.
Windows are decorated with red ribbons, stars and candles, angels and anything else
festive you can imagine. A more recent tradition is to decorate with lots of electric lights
outside: trees, balconies, terraces, doors and many other places.
Photo: flickr.com
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS & CELEBRATIONS
Photo: wikipedia.org
Lucia Celebration
Lucia is the patron saint of light and is celebrated on December 13. The modern way of celebrating Lucia is originally a
Swedish tradition adopted by Norwegians. Small girls and boys dressed in white and holding candles celebrate Saint Lucia
and sing the darkness away. Parents are often invited to the kindergartens in the morning, to watch their loved ones sing
and to eat “lussekatter ”.
Tips on How to Buy and Treat Your Tree
- Make sure the tree is fresh and fully green when you buy
it. The needles along the stem should not be brown or dry.
- The tree should not be taken into a warm room right away,
but kept in a chilly place to acclimatize for a day or two.
- Make a cut in the bottom of the tree trunk in order for it
to soak up water and keep the stand filled. That way the
needles will not fall off right away (or so they say!).
The Norwegian “Nisse”
The Norwegian ”Nisse” probably derives from St. Nicholas, but ”nisser ” - elves (or
gnomes) - are old figures existing long before the birth of Christ.
There are several types of ”nisser ” in Norway. The most famous is probably the
”Fjøsnisse”, which takes care of farm animals. He is very short, often bearded, lives
in a barn or stable and wears wool clothes and a red knitted hat. He often plays tricks
and scares people by blowing out the lights in the barn or scaring the farm dog at
night. He can be very friendly with the people living on the farm, as long as they do
not forget to give him a large portion of porridge on Christmas Eve. If they do, he will
play all sorts of tricks, like moving the animals around or braiding the horses’ mane
and tail.
There is of course also a Christmas nisse (“Julenissen”) which is more or less identical
to Santa Claus. The ”Julenisse” brings presents to all the nice children on Christmas
Eve. He is not as shy as the traditional Santa Claus, though, since he delivers the gifts
himself and does not come down the chimney in the middle of the night.
Christmas Eve
The major day of celebration in Norway (as in most of Northern Europe) is December 24. Although it is legally a regular
workday until 16.00, most stores and offices close early.
Church bells ring announcing Christmas, and many people attend a religious service. Some families read Luke 2 (New
Testament) from the old family Bible, keeping old traditions alive.
The main Christmas meal (“Julemiddag”) is served in the evening, from 16.00 to 18.00. Common main dishes include
“ribbe” or ”pinnekjøtt”. Many people also eat “lutefisk” or fresh, poached cod. In families where parents grew up with
different traditions, two different main dishes may be served to please everyone.
Photo: wikipedia.org
Photo: wikipedia.org
Christmas Trees
The Christmas tree tradition in Norway is fairly new. The first tree is said to have been
decorated in 1822 at Bogstad Gård (Manor), an aristocratic estate in Oslo. In the beginning,
it was a tradition for the upper classes. Gradually, more and more people celebrated
Christmas by having a decorated tree in their living room, and now it is impossible to
imagine Christmas without it. What may seem odd to many foreigners is that many
Norwegians decorate their Christmas tree with small Norwegian flags, a custom probably
originated from the time when Norway became an independent country, in 1905. It
is also common to use white Christmas lights instead of coloured ones. On the 23rd
December, the tree is carried into the house and decorated. Once children are in bed,
parents put the presents under the tree ready to be opened the following evening.
Norwegians love their Christmas trees. In fact, many visit the historic Bogstad Manor –
perhaps the finest mansion in Oslo - to see the sumptuously decorated 19th century style
tree, year after year. Every December, the city of Oslo sends an enormous Christmas tree
to England that stands in Trafalgar Square in London. The tree - offered to thank Britain
for their support during the Second World War - is a token of peace and friendship.
Photo: nrk.no
Many Norwegians do not get into the Christmas spirit until they have
watched the Czech-German fairy tale “Tre nøtter til Askepott” (“Three
Nuts for Cinderella”) or the Disney Christmas parade. During the
season, nearly all TV channels broadcast Christmas related shows and
movies, being “Kvelden før kvelden” and “Grevinnen og Hovmesteren”,
the most popular ones.
After Christmas dinner, if children are present - and have behaved
well during the last year! - “Julenissen” (Santa Claus) pays a visit
(often a family member will sneak out and disguise him or herself as
“julenissen”). Otherwise, gifts are put under the Christmas tree.
New Year’s Eve
As in many other countries, December 31 (“Nyttårsaften”) is celebrated all over Norway.
Until a few years ago, there was no real tradition of public fireworks in Norway on
New Year’s Eve. This has been changing and there are now some spots where you can
watch firework shows organized by the city of Oslo: Frognerparken, Ekebergsletta, Oslo
Havnebasseng and Furuset Idrettspark.
Nonetheless, since it is usually too cold to go to town, many still prefer going out into
their backyards or a nearby open spot, launch a few rockets and head back inside. The
result is absolutely spectacular, with fireworks shooting up at midnight from absolutely
everywhere!
However, regulations may forbid this practice in the near future and it has already
prohibited the use of rockets, as they are too unpredictable and dangerous. Other more
safe and stable types are recommended.
There are a lot of parties happening around the city for those spending New Year’s Eve
in Oslo, and some of them are already a seasonal tradition. Others opt for organizing
their own private parties with food, music and dancing. Those last for several hours and
everyone dresses up with the nicest clothes. Even if you decide to go to town, everyone
will be dressed up.
“Juletrefest”
Many companies, organisations and other institutions arrange parties for the children of
their employees (or members) in early January. These parties are called “Christmas tree
parties”, and even though it is already past New Year, the theme of the party is always
Christmas. The children are served hot-dogs and Christmas cakes, sing Christmas carols,
play games, form large circles and walk around a giant Christmas tree. Afterwards, Santa
arrives with sweets for everyone!
Photo: wikipedia.org
“Romjulen”
The time between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve is called “romjul”.
This is the time for a tradition called “Julebukk” (literally, “Christmas goat”). Children
dress up in wonderful disguises and visit neighbours’ houses singing Christmas Carols.
For this they normally receive nice treats.
December 25 is a very quiet and relaxed day and church services are often well
attended. The old tradition of a very early service before breakfast has been replaced
in most areas by a service later in the morning.
Afterwards, many families get together for a large typical Christmas meal. Others start
the day with a very festive breakfast (“julefrokost”), that can last quite a while…
December 26 is yet another day of festivities. Cinemas, night clubs and bars are full, and
there are lots of private gatherings and parties, where all kinds of traditional Christmas
food, cakes and sweets are enjoyed. Tasty, fattening dinners are also part of it!
Photo: drammen.kirken.no
Photo: commons.wikipedia.org
Photo: filmweb.no
Rice porridge is also popular, often served for lunch on Christmas Eve
(“Juleaften”). An almond is hidden in the porridge, and the person who
finds it wins a treat or small gift, often a pig shaped out of marzipan.
The leftovers of the porridge are used to make a popular dessert called
“riskrem” (rice cream), served with a delicious raspberry sauce. In some
parts of Norway it is also common to place porridge outside (in a barn,
outhouse or even in the forest) to please “Fjøsnissen”.
For many Norwegians (especially families), television is an important part
of Christmas Eve.
TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS FOOD - “JULEMAT”
There are different traditions in what is considered the main dish to be served on “Juleaften” (Christmas Eve). In the past,
there used to be distinct regional differences, but these have been progressively blurred, as mobility has increased.
Photo: 123.no
Pinnekjøtt
“Pinnekjøtt” is a main course dinner dish of lamb or mutton. It is a festive
dish typical in Western Norway, served with pureed swede and potatoes,
beer and aquavit. This dish is largely associated with the celebration of
Christmas, and is rapidly gaining popularity in other regions as well.
Around 31 % of Norwegians say they serve “pinnekjøtt” for Christmas
dinner.
Photo: godfisk.no
Lutefisk
Most traditional food in Norway does not create much debate, but there is one dish the Norwegians either love or hate. It
is called “lutefisk”, a dish that many foreigners find impossible to eat.
Lutefisk is dried cod soaked in water, then prepared in potash lye (yes, it is true!) before being soaked in water again. It is
usually eaten with creamed green peas and fried bacon, or with a white sauce.
Lutefisk season starts in November and lasts through Christmas, with
many restaurants in Oslo specialising in this dish. There are also several
clubs and associations honouring lutefisk, but according to author and
food critic Jeffrey Steingarten, this is an excellent weapon of mass
destruction!
According to folklore, “lutefisk” originated during the Viking pillages of
Ireland, when St. Patrick sent men to feed spoiled fish to the raiders.
When they found the food, St. Patrick ordered his men to pour lye on it,
with the hope of poisoning the Vikings. However, rather than dying from
ingestion of spoiled fish, or of subsequent poisoning, the Vikings declared
lutefisk a delicacy. This is obviously only a legend, since St. Patrick was
in Ireland about three centuries before the Vikings’ arrival...
Photo: jacobs.no
Ribbe
“Ribbe” (pork side and ribs) is very popular in eastern Norway. It is
baked with very crispy skin that tastes like bacon and has juicy meat.
It is served with sausages (made with nutmeg and milk), sauerkraut
and boiled potatoes with gravy, although some prefer to eat it with
“tyttebær ” (cranberry) sauce. Most will agree that beer and aquavit are
the appropriate things to drink. It definitely goes well with the rich, fatty
food!
Photo: pixabay.com
Photo: smp.no
Cakes & Cookies
Norway also has a great variety of Christmas cakes and biscuits (“julekaker ”).
Traditionally, the woman of the house was expected to bake at least 7 different types of “julekaker ”! These are different in
each county but the most common are “pepperkaker ” (ginger snaps), decorated with icing sugar frosting. They can also
be used for decorating both windows and Christmas trees.
Another tradition is to bake a miniature gingerbread house, decorate it with candy and use it indoors (quite similar to a
Jack-O-Lantern).
Other common biscuits and cakes are “smultringer ” (doughnuts), “sirupssnipper ” (syrup snaps), “sandkaker ” (sand
cakes), “lefsekling” (griddle cake, filled with an icing of butter, sugar and cinnamon), “krumkaker ” (“curl cakes”), “brune
pinner ” (“brown sticks”), “kokosmakroner ” (“Coconut macaroon”) “mor monsen” and “berlinerkranser ” (“Berlin
wreaths”). The traditional Christmas food, “Julemat,” is also served at “Julebord” when friends and colleagues from work
gather around late November/early December to celebrate and have a good time together.
Photo: itest.no
Drinks
Nearly all Norwegian breweries produce a traditional Christmas beer - “juleøl” which is darker, stronger and has more flavour than common Norwegian lagers.
There is also a special soda - “julebrus” - which may be a red raspberry or
orange flavoured soft drink. Usually, both drinks are present at the “juleaften”
feast table.
The Norwegian Liquor “Akevitt” is a must for many Norwegians. This is extremely
strong, but Christmas would not be the same without it! A couple of shots of
Aquavit are necessary in every meal during Christmas (it is actually not shot
straight down, only sipped during the meals, unless you feel inclined to do so…).
Photo: godt.no
“Gløgg” (mulled wine) is a drink with spices and served hot or warm.
This is a traditional drink during winter, especially around Christmas,
when you have it together with “pepperkake” (ginger snaps). Nonalcoholic gløgg can be bought ready-made or prepared with fruit juices
instead of wine. The main classic ingredients of alcoholic gløgg are
red wine, sugar, spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves,
and bitter orange, and optionally also stronger spirits such as vodka,
aquavit, or brandy. Gløgg spice extract and ready-mixed spices can be
purchased in grocery stores throughout Scandinavia.
NORWEGIAN BANDS
Humming People
From the icy urban streets of Oslo, and the backwoods country of Toten emerges an honest, straight-shooting band with
Americana influences ranging from Johnny Cash to Bob Dylan, but with a cultural awareness and musical voice uniquely their
own.
With distinct sharpness the band spins their poetic tales with a deep musical beauty and intimacy, but also shamelessly
reveals life’s dirty underbelly. They tell you stories about life as it is, its beauty and ugliness, its better and its worse.
“A hope no man can bind”, their debut record, was released in June 2009 after touring 3 years, playing approximately 120
shows a year, in every hill and corner of Norway. They have also shared their honest, hopeful tunes abroad, mentioning the
UK, The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Israel, Ethiopia, Cambodia and the U.S.
In 2010 and 2011, Humming People played nearly 200 concerts within the walls of Norwegian and Swedish prisons, as part of
a cooperation with the Salvation Army. This cooperation lead to the recording of their second album “Live at Halden Prison”.
Recorded within the high security walls of Halden Prison, in front of over 200 inmates, Humming People’s second full length
CD was released January 2011.
Humming People is now back with their third album, “City of Lost Men”. Producer Phil Madeira was so excited about the result
that he called some friends and suddenly Emmylou Harris, Holly Williams and Sam Bush were also part of the album. “City of
Lost Men” was released in March 2014.
Humming People consists of Joakim Hansen (vocals/bass), John Hjeldsbakken (guitars/ vocals), Christer Slaaen (guitars /
vocals) and Øyvind Berg Aune (drums).
Photo: hummingpeople.no
Source: hummingpeople.no
Thanking for Hospitality
Some of the etiquette when attending a dinner in a Norwegian home is
pretty common.
Take your shoes off to avoid mud and slush on the floors. Bring a small gift
for the host. Show up on time — not late or early - and always check with
your host in advance if you are thinking about bringing someone with you.
When the meal is over, everybody says something you have probably never
heard before. “Takk for maten” means “thank you for the food,” and is a
way to show gratitude to the cook for the effort she or he took to make the
meal. Children in particular are expected to say this.
In Norway it is also common to say “takk for i dag/ i kveld” (“thank you for today/this evening”) when you part, to
say you have enjoyed the experience. You also say “takk for sist” (“thank you for last time”) when you meet again, or
preferably “takk for i går ” (“thanks for yesterday”) if it was indeed yesterday.
You also say “takk for meg” (“thank you for having me over ”) when leaving someone’s house. “Takk for nå” (“thank you
for now”) is a nice way of saying you enjoyed your time and wish to meet sometime soon.
Photo: www.theedgesusu.co.uk
NORWEGIAN ETIQUETTE
Sources: wikitravel.org and matadornetwork.com
RECIPES
NOVEMBER
Pork Knuckle and Potato Dumplings (Raspeballer)
This is not originally a Norwegian dish, and it can be found in countless variations in different countries.
In Norway, it is common to eat potato dumplings with pork knuckle, served with vossakorv sausage and mashed swede. The
dish can be called raspeball, kompe, komle or klubb, depending on the region in Norway.
Ingredients (serves 4):
700 g potatoes
3 dl barley flour
2 tbsp wheat flour
1 tsp salt
1 kg smoked pork knuckle
1 l water
1 onion
10 g thyme
1 swede
400 g vossakorv sausage
Method:
1. Place the pork knuckle in a saucepan and add water to cover it. Add half the onion and the thyme, bring to a boil and
reduce the temperature. Let the pork knuckle cook just below boiling point until the meat is tender and separates from the
bone. Cooking time will be approximately 2 – 2,5 hours.
2. Peel the potatoes. Boil about a third of the potatoes until tender, in unsalted water. Mash the boiled potatoes with finely
grated raw potatoes. Add the flour and salt and stir to form a smooth paste.
3. Keep the pork knuckle wrapped in foil until serving. Form balls of potato with a tablespoon dipped in cold water. Let these
soak in the meat juice until firm (about 20 minutes).
4. Warm the vossakorv sausage in boiling water and serve it together with the meat from the knuckle and the mashed
swede.
Enjoy!
Source: godt.no
Juletorsk
Many Norwegians still eat codfish on Christmas Eve, since freshly caught and
boiled codfish is a delicious and healthy Christmas meal.
Codfish tastes definitely better during the winter months and in the old days this
was a cheap and available food for all who lived along Norway’s coast. The tradition
is still the same in several parts of the country and many people simply cannot
imagine a Christmas without codfish. Indeed, Norwegians consume on average
more fish during Christmas than at any other time of the year!
Ingredients (serves 4):
800g codfish loin
2 tbsp. salt per liter of boiling water
Garnish: Cooked carrots, onions and
boiled dill potatoes
Egg Butter:
1dl fish broth
100g butter
2 boiled eggs cut into small cubes
Method:
1. Cut the codfish loin into serving pieces and sprinkle some
salt over.
2. Boil water using a low pot or pan with lid. Add the fish and
leave on a low heat until it is cooked, about 5 minutes. Take
the fish out and put them on a serving plate.
3. Prepare the egg butter: Melt the butter and mix it with hot
broth. Add the boiled eggs right before serving.
4. Serve the cod with egg butter, boiled carrots, onions and
dill potatoes.
Enjoy!
TRAVEL TIPS
Photo: venturenorway.com
Photo: venturenorway.com
A Day Trip to Eidsvoll 1814
Eidsvollbygningen is the birthplace of the Norwegian Constitution and a house
full of exciting history. For Norwegians it is one of the most important national
symbols, inextricably tied to the constitution, independence and the dramatic
events of 1814.
In April 1814, against the backdrop of the Napoleonic wars in Europe, 112
representatives met at Eidsvoll with a formidable task: to decide the nation’s
future. Six weeks later they signed the Constitution and elected a king for the
new independent state of Norway; a crucial event remembered ever after in the
May 17 celebrations.
Eidsvoll House is more than just a monument to politics. An ironworks has
been there since the early 1600s, and a works owner residence dating from
approximately 1770 constitutes part of the main building. When Carsten Anker
created his luxurious residence around the turn of the 19th century, it became one of the country’s most modern private
residences and was modelled on French and Danish ideals. Anker’s passionate attention to detail and sure sense of style is
reflected in everything from the neo-classicist architectural main features down to the details of the interior.
At the visitor centre - Wergelands Hus – you can enjoy the exhibition “Citizens in a Living democracy”, emphasizing past and
present stories of people committed to a cause, as well as other smaller changing exhibits inside and outside the house. The
centre is located only 50 meters from the main building in nice surroundings.
Kafé Standpunkt, located at the visitor centre, is a modern coffeehouse inspired by the coffeehouse traditions that were
established in Europe during the 17th century. The coffeehouse offers tasty pastries, lunch and coffee in a modern interior
which includes a small bookshop.
The museum shop at Eidsvoll 1814 has a charming atmosphere and is considered one of the best in Norway.
Click here for more information, send an email to kontor@eidsvoll1814.no or call 63 92 22 10.
Address: Magovegen 13, 2074 Eidsvoll Verk. Click here for driving directions.
How to get there: Train to Eidsvoll Verk
Source: eidsvoll1814.no and visitnorway.com
Photo: julehus.no
Photo: visitdrobak.no
Christmas Inspiration
Drøbak, a small town about 35 kilometres south of Oslo, is famous for two things:
locals sank a Nazi war ship in the narrow straight it fronts...and it’s Norway’s
self-proclaimed capital of Christmas. Still, Drøbak feels like any idyllic town on a
fjord. It just has a passion for promoting Christmas and selling the notion that it is
Santa’s postal code.
Treegaarden’s Christmas House, a converted church, overlooks the town square and
is open all year round. It is filled with red Christmas elves and holiday handicrafts
designed by Eva Johansen and her talented staff.
The local restaurant serves all the traditional meals with the fire overlooked by impish elves and Julenissen. Down at
the marina the director of the tourist office grows a scraggly beard and wears his “julenisse” outfit and scatters mail
everywhere. They claim to receive 1000 pieces of mail addressed to Santa Claus each year. They actually mail back a card
with a holiday greetings to each letter received and the particularly heart-tugging letters get a small present in the mail!
Click here for more information.
Address: Havnebakken 6, 1440 Drøbak
How to get there: Buses 500/500E to Drøbak. Click here for driving directions
Best regards,
The INN Team
INN® - International Network of Norway
OSLO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
P.O.Box 2874 Solli
0230 Oslo, Norway
Phone:+47 22 12 94 00
inn.chamber.no