Julefest warmth abates winter chill

POULSBO — Freyr, the Norse god of rain, laid early claim to the day Dec. 2, dumping almost a half-inch of rain on Poulsbo as Scandinavia’s children dined on traditional foods at the Sons of Norway and readied for the night’s Julefest.

But that evening, Freyr and Hodr, the Norse god of darkness and winter, met their match in Lucia at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park.

Lucia, remembered for her generosity to those in need, lighted the bonfire to bring light and warmth to the world.

“Draw near and pay heed, for tonight we speak of things ancient and sacred,” a Viking proclaimed. “Behold, the wheel of time has turned, and again we are here with friends old and new to mark the passage of the old year and to remember again the traditions that make us who we are.”

Vikings blew their sounding horns in celebration, and under the cover of the Austin-Kvelstad Pavilion there was traditional song and dance. Then, Saint Nicholas arrived to visit with children.

Julefest, one of Poulsbo’s most significant Scandinavian cultural celebrations (the others are Viking Fest in May and Midsommarfest in June), is a midwinter festival that marks the winter solstice, the day when daylight is shortest and darkness is longest.

While the event had its moments of levity — after the bonfire was lighted, the Vikings chanted, “Lutefisk, lutefisk, lutefisk and lefsa, we are the Vikings, yah, vy sure, you betcha!” — the significance of the day was not lost on participants.

Lucia (283–304) was a Christian martyr who died during a period of great persecution by the Roman Empire. During her life, she was known for her generosity to those in need. She is venerated as a saint by the Anglican, Lutheran, Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.

Kaitlyn Bell had the honor of representing Lucia because she is the Poulsbo Sons of Norway queen; she is also active in the Leikarringen youth dance group. She said she hopes Julefest will bolster interest in Norwegian history. Julefest “is very significant to the culture,” she said.

Robert Moseng, whose parents were born in Norway, talked of the cultural importance of the event. “It’s really about bringing the light into this dark time of year,” he said. “That’s the religious significance of Lucia — that she was persecuted for her faith but brought a light into the world. That’s the faith aspect of her life — that she brought food to the poor, that she persevered through adversity.”

Of the Julefest celebration, Moseng said he hopes participants take away “an appreciation for the culture. There are a lot of cultures in this world, and this is [an opportunity] to see something very beautiful.”

Poulsbo is within the historical territory of the Suquamish people. A wave of Norwegian immigration to Poulsbo began in the 1880s; newcomers were drawn here by the availability of land and resources, and surroundings similar to their native home. A post office was established here in 1886 — named Poulsbo, or Paulsbo, for a town in Norway. Poulsbo became a city in 1907 and five of 21 mayors were Norwegian-born (another was born in Denmark). People of Norwegian ancestry were the dominant population until the 1940s, when the city’s population doubled during World War II.

King Olav V of Norway visited Poulsbo in 1975 as part of the celebration of 150 years of Norwegian settlement in the United States. King Harald V and Queen Sonia visited Poulsbo in 1995.

— Richard Walker is managing editor of Kitsap News Group. Contact him at rwalker@soundpublishing.com.

Vikings await the arrival of the Lucia Bride Dec. 2 at Poulsbo Marina. (Richard Walker/Kitsap News Group)

Vikings escort the Lucia Bride from Poulsbo Marina to Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park, Dec. 2 during Julefest. (Richard Walker/Kitsap News Group)

The Lucia Bride, Kaitlyn Bell, arrives under Viking escort to the Julefest bonfire, Dec. 2 at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. (Richard Walker/Kitsap News Group)

From left, Miss Viking Fest Mattilyn Richardson and Miss Poulsbo Caroline Atkins watch as the Julefest bonfire is lighted Dec. 2 at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. (Richard Walker/Kitsap News Group)

Vikings await the Lucia Bride’s lighting of the Julefest bonfire, Dec. 2 at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. (Richard Walker/Kitsap News Group)

The Lucia Bride, Kaitlyn Bell, prepares to lower her torch onto the Julefest bonfire, Dec. 2 at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. (Richard Walker/Kitsap News Group)