On Sunday, Feb. 4 at 1:30 p.m., Nordic ladies are invited to attend the next organizational meeting for the Daughters of Norway in Minot. Experience the “Glede over a vaere sammen” (Joy of being together), as we make Norwegian Valentine cards and woven hearts. The meeting will be held in the South Room of the Minot Library. Refreshments will be served.

In Norway, Valentine’s Day is referred to as Valentinsdagen. Many also call it “Alle Hjerters Dag” or “All Hearts Day”. Valentinsdagen is a relatively new holiday celebrated in Norway and has not practiced the time honored traditions we have come to know in America. Norwegians are now beginning to send postcards and buy chocolates, however, they have always enjoyed spending time together, and celebrate love and romance.

In Norway, Valentine’s Day has become a very important part of the social calendar for many, especially younger folks. According to Norwegian legend, the sight of birds returning from winter are a sure sign of spring and love. So on Valentine’s Day in Norway, Norwegians tend to look for birds. Spring celebrations and Valentine’s Day celebrations have become interlinked over the years. In Norway’s big cities like Oslo, you can see stores displaying red hearts and other Valentine themed presents.

Come to the library on Sunday, to make your loved ones a Norwegian woven heart or valentine card. We look forward to seeing you there and ha en fin Valentinsdagen alle sammen or “have a nice Valentine’s day everyone”.

The Minot Library, is located at 516 2nd Ave SW, Minot, ND 58701. Potential members interested in attending this event should call Sue at 701-838-5710 or send an email to norskjill@gmail.com.

Daughters of Norway are a non-profit organization open to women of Norwegian/ Nordic heritage. To be eligible for Standard Membership in a subordinate lodge of the Daughters of Norway, a woman shall: a) Be at least thirteen years of age, b) Be of Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, or Swedish birth or descent, c) Have, or had, a spouse of Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, or Swedish birth or descent, or d) Have a “slektning” (relative) married to a person of Norwegian birth or descent.

The mission and purpose of the Daughters of Norway is to unite into a sisterhood, women who wish to preserve Norwegian heritage; maintain among members a knowledge of the history, culture and language of Norway; and build a strong support system and bond of friendship within the sisterhood.

Lodges are located throughout the Central and Western United States. See our web site at http://www.daughtersofnorway.org for more information about lodges and the Daughters of Norway organization.