GUEST POST:
Nordik Folk Historian / Assistant Secretary Shelly Westlund posted to facebook yesterday all about delicious waffles...so I asked her to write a guest post for our blog. Yesterday was Waffle Day in Sweden; and I realize that this is a day late... but you can always enjoy some waffles!
Glad Våffeldagen!
By: Michelle Westlund
Observed nine months prior to Christ's birthday, Waffle Day commemorates Mary's conception. How did Mary's pregnancy become associated with waffles? This day used to be called Vårfrudagen (our lady day) in honor of the Virgin Mary, and due to dialect corruptions became Våfferdagen, and eventually the modern Våffeldagen. Thus, Swedes enjoy waffles on Lady Day.
Another tale reminds Swedes that migratory birds begin returning to their northern homes around the end of March, and cranes were said to carry sunlight in their beaks. "on Annunciation Day the crane carries light into bed," is a Scandinavian proverb meaning that in early spring, there is enough daylight- making it unnecessary to carry a candle to light one's way to bed. Cranes also brought treats and gifts to children (such as dried fruits and oranges) from southern countries, but oddly enough...no waffles.
Traditionally, the waffles are eaten with cloudberry jam and cream. Glad Våffeldag!
Here is a link of recipes: http://www.swedishfood.com/swedish-food-recipes-desserts/93-waffles
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