This October, Cathy and I will be away – traveling again, this time to Alaska, Japan, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Vietnam, and finally to Singapore, where we will fly home. We will be thinking of all of you, and, unfortunately, we will miss the next Heritage meeting and The Viking Fair.

I hope you will enjoy the October Flammen, as we are adding a corner for our members called “Getting to Know Your Membership.” Each month, we will ask 5 members to share a little about themselves with a photo, and I hope each of you will provide a short narrative about yourself or your family when we ask for your story. For October, I thought I’d start with myself and a few others you probably already know.

Norwegian Families

Norwegian families traditionally emphasize togetherness, mutual support, and respect for individual space. Historically, families were tightly knit and often worked together in agricultural or small community settings. Today, although family structures have diversified, close family ties remain a cultural cornerstone in Norway. In Norway, “family” refers to a household connected by marriage, but culturally it also reflects deep values of support, closeness, and shared traditions.

Norway’s Culture and Way of Life

Over the past several months, we have been sharing stories with everyone about what it means to be Norwegian and what life is like in Norway. These include stories about shipbuilding, hiking in Norway, the traditions we grew up with, and the cradle-to-grave discussions we have had. Our goal is to share as much as we can about Norway’s culture, and we hope you are enjoying all the wonderful topics we have shared with you.

Cultural Values and Traditions

Cultural values play a significant role in shaping family life in Norway. One of the most prominent values is equality and fairness, deeply embedded in Norwegian society. This principle extends to family dynamics, where both parents are encouraged to share responsibilities equally, whether in childcare or household chores.

Quote on Families: “Author unknown.”

“Families are like branches on a tree. We grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one.”

Mark Wedo
Fjellheim Lodge President