A Nordic Christmas: Myths, Legends & Fairytales runs through January 10, 2016 at American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis
The Nordic region is a mysterious and enchanting land where it’s often believed that mountains are disguised giants or moss covered rocks are lively trolls. Full of natural beauty year round, it is perhaps during the Christmas holiday season that the myths, legends and fairytales of this northern landscape shine brightest.
The American Swedish Institute (ASI)’s 2015 holiday season in Minneapolis, Minnesota highlights the joyful yet mischievous stories of tomte from Sweden, nisse from Denmark and Norway, joulupukki from Finland, and of course jólasveinar (13 yule lads) of Iceland. Years ago, many people truly believed in the power of these netherworld figures of the dark forests and foggy lakes and islands. Their stories have been passed down from generation to generation as honored tales that have become interwoven with Nordic wintertime celebrations. Each country’s myths, legends, and fairytales are showcased in the ASI Christmas Rooms – elaborately decorated rooms throughout the historic Turnblad Mansion.
For the 2015 holiday season, ASI collaborates with The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) to share holiday traditions and fairytales from across the Baltic Sea in a sixth Christmas Room. Winter folklore lives on in the Russian legend of Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and his little helper, Snegurochka, a blue and silver clad snow-maiden (the daughter of Winter and Spring). The pair delivers holiday gifts to children across the vast country in celebration of the New Year – the honored time for merrymaking and singing. TMORA docents will be on site each Saturday (1-3 p.m.) to share these stories and traditions.
ASI is one of Minnesota’s most treasured holiday destinations and a wintertime visit to the museum is a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. The ASI Family Gallery celebrates A Troll Family Adventure and offers a space for even the youngest visitors to play and enjoy the magical season, curated by troll residents.
The ASI Christmas Rooms are complemented with two smaller exhibitions: The Troll With No Heart: Woodcuts by Betsy Bowen and Stories by Lise-Lunge Larsen (Minnesota artist and folklorist depicts Nordic fairytales through original art; pictured) and Only Mama Is Awake (a retrospective of a Swedish holiday favorite – this radio program of the same name was a National favorite during Sweden’s golden age of radio).
A Nordic Christmas: Myths, Legends & Fairytales is a prelude to ASI’s 2016 theme: Nature Culture — a year-long exploration of the Nordic sensibility of the seamless and timeless relationship between the natural environment and social culture. For more information and holiday hours, visit http://www.asimn.org.
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