This is a folktale called “The Pancake” or “The Runaway Pancake.” The story is most likely Russian or Scandinavian in origin, and was first written down in Norway in the mid nineteenth century. In Russia, the pancake is a kind of doughy cake called Kolobok. There are versions recorded at around the same time in… More Scandinavian Folklore and Folktales #3: The Runaway Pancake
Now that our HaikUff-da contest has come to an end (the winners will be announced soon) perhaps it is a good time to review the Norwegian phrase most used in the United States. Uff da interj. \ oof \ – \ da \ It’s what your dad said after a hard day at work when… More What Does Uff Da Mean?
Walpurgis night (Valborgsmässoafton in Swedish and Vappu in Finnish), is a great celebration in Sweden and Finland. The tradition comes from Germany and celebrates of the 8th century abbess Saint Walpurga. (St. Walpurga inspired Walburga Black, one of the witches in the Harry Potter series of children’s books.) Since the Middle Ages the last day… More Walpurgis Night Is Upon Us