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A look at the life of the Viking woman to be presented

Would today’s Nordic women have been able to survive as a Viking woman?

A look at the life of the Viking woman will be presented by Jill Beatty during the Minot Daughters of Norway meeting Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in the South Room in the Minot Public Library. The library is located at 516 2nd Avenue SW.

According to Beatty:

Vikings had a great sense of family loyalty. The women were very independent and could own property. They were in charge of the household and ran it with authority. When the men were away trading or exploring new lands, the women took charge, and ran their farms. The children were taught to help, and expected to show plenty of “spirit,” especially when learning the skills of survival. One of the skills women excelled at was making clothing. The weather was harsh, and much like living in North Dakota and Vikings had to work outside in rain, wind, ice and snow. Clothing offered protection but it was also very valuable and many times traded.

Clothing was made from natural materials such as wool from the sheep, animal skins and furs. They also made linen from flax. The process of making clothes took a very long time, especially their woven items. They were very skilled at these techniques, but worked on making clothing all year round. Sometimes from trading in the Far East, frieze and silk might be available in the markets, but only the wealthy could afford to buy it. Women adorned themselves with brooches on their clothing , but they served a practical use as well.

The Vikings were excellent silversmiths, and made useful tools and implements, in addition to knives and swords. Viking women would suspended a chain from their brooches which held their tools needed for everyday tasks. These included a scissor, a small knife and sewing needle case, as well as the important key to the stabbur (the food storehouse) of which she was in charge.

The meeting on Sunday is the last meeting on a Sunday before summer when the meetings will change to Wednesday evenings (June 13, July 11 and Aug. 8). Those planning to become a charter member of the Minot Daughters of Norway should attend the meeting to sign up and learn about the plans for the Institution of the Mina Aasen Lodge #55 on Sept. 25 at 4 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church. Potential members should attend at least one meeting before that date. Potential members interested in attending this event should call Sue at 838-5710 or email norskjill@gmail.com.

For more information visit daughtersofnorway.org or on Facebook.

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