A Peek Into 19th Century Norway
I belong to five family names. I am a Grover, a Rogers, a Tanner, a Young, and a Roberts. These lines have come from many different places including Denmark, Scotland, England, and Ireland. Most of the Tanner line came from Norway. I have always been impressed with the stories I had heard growing up about my grandfather’s mother, who came from Norway. It seemed like a white and cold, yet magical place.
Most of my ancestors in the Tanner line lived in Norway for generations and generations. I could not find exactly when they had settled there, or how long they had been there, but they lived in Norway up to the 19th century. I learned that around 1912 my great-grandmother Tanner heard of the gospel as a young teenager. She was kicked out of that household, and within the next few years came to America. My grandfather was not sure of the time that she traveled over, but he guessed it was between 1912 and 1920. After she came to America, she married and started a family in the gospel in Utah. She still retained her Norwegian heritage, and kept many of the customs and traditions. Norwegian meals were still served in her home as well.
Besides wanting to go to America to join the Saints, there were other reasons my great-grandmother wanted to leave Norway. Although the country is a beautiful landscape, the 1900-1920’s time period was rough for Norway. It has just reached independence in 1905, and was struggling to get back up and running after the Swedish rule. The majority of Norwegians voted for a monarchy as their new government. They chose Prince Carl of Denmark, who became King Haakon VII. Soon after the formation of their country and their government, Norway began to prosper. Women’s rights to vote in local and national elections were given in 1907 and 1913. The economy of Norway boomed with the introduction of the ten-hour workday, and hydroelectricity became one of the top industries of the nation.
Then came WWI. My great-grandmother was still in Norway for part of this war. Although Norway remained neutral and stayed out of the war, casualties still occurred. Because of German naval warfare, the Norwegian fleet was half destroyed and thousands of sailors died. During WWI and after, unemployment skyrocketed in Norway. During these years, Norway had its own depression, though it was not as severe as the Great Depression. Combined with her family disowning her, it is no surprise my great-grandmother Tanner left Norway for America.
As a country, Norway is situated on the west side of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It borders the North Sea and the Barent Sea. Most of the country lies above the Arctic Circle. There is a large mountain range that extends down the entire range of Norway, with many fjords (large inlets of water). There is only a small percentage of land that is suitable for growing crops. Fishing has been the dominant industry of Norway for centuries.
My grandfather remembered much of Norwegian culture and food that my great-grandmother brought with her. I talked to him for a while and discovered many things about Norwegian lifestyles.
Norwegian food is simple and natural. Breads are a staple. My grandfather remembers a lot of rye bread, flatbread, and crisp bread. Norwegians liked dairy foods such as cheese, sour milk, yogurt, and butter. They loved their meats as well. Their beef, chicken, pork, and fish were all cooked in very different and unique ways. Each had a specific and certain method to it. They loved their smoked fish. They added in potatoes and other vegetables when they desired, or when they had them available. My grandfather recalled the special Norwegian cookies his mother would make. Those recipes have been passed down, and my own mother will make them occasionally.
I learned that Norwegians have a very deep sense of belonging to nature. They love everything natural and down-to-earth. Norway as a country has resisted urbanization because of its deep relationship to the earth. In the summer, all Norwegians do is hike. During the winter, all they do is ski. They also love to hunt, and they love to show off their prized kills in their homes.
One cultural tradition of Norway that my great-grandmother carried over is a Norwegian Christmas celebration. This was my favorite tradition that I encountered as I researched. Norwegians celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. Not only do they celebrate a day early, and all day, but also they celebrate for at least two weeks before Christmas Eve! My grandfather and grandmother told me that the two weeks before Christmas are full of dancing, singing, celebrating in general, and food. Norwegians cook meats, fish, vegetables, and many desserts over the course of the two weeks. They cook them slowly for long periods of time, with rich, creamy, sugary ingredients. My grandfather mentioned how good Norwegian food is many times. They also put out boots instead of stockings for Christmas. They did not get presents, but they did get hard tack candy and other treats and tinker toys.
Even though my great-grandmother left Norway a little less than 100 years ago, and even though she has passed away, that Norwegian influence and culture still remains in my family today. My grandfather upholds some of those little traditions and beliefs, and Norwegian food is still made at family get-togethers. All in all, Norway is a beautiful country with a deep rich heritage that stretches through the generations to touch the lives of descendants around the world.
Works Cited:
1. Personal phone call with my Grandfather and Grandmother Tanner.
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