A charming tradition once flourished among Norwegian women where handcrafted tin lanterns were essential for survival during long, cold winter nights. These lanterns, referred to as "skirt warmers," symbolized light, warmth, and life. A Quick Historical Overview of Lanterns and their Use Lanterns have shone their light for countless generations, serving many purposes and roles in human history. They have brightened the interiors of humble dwellings and majestic castles, the pathways of dark and spooky alleys, busy unlit streets, churches, shops, horse carriages, and much more. They also played an important role in navigation, communication, signaling, and storytelling. Lanterns are available in various shapes and sizes. Their design and materials reflect the creativity and culture of their creators. Some lanterns are simple and utilitarian, whereas others are complex and ornamental. For millennia, lanterns have provided light to humans and played a leading role in almost all celebrations. But most importantly, they have offered heat and protection. Even Santa Claus depends on them! So what are Skrit Warmers? Skirt warmers are cone-shaped candle holders usually made of tin with a metal skirt around the base to protect the flame from wind and reflect the light. The skirt is traditionally decorated with punched holes or patterns, allowing candlelight to shine through. But they were not just decorative; they were a vital source of light that pierced through the darkness of the harsh winter nights, keeping the cold at bay and spirits warm. The Artistry of Norwegian Skirt Warmers Each lantern was a unique piece, often reflecting the personal style of its maker or owner. The patterns cut into the tin would cast beautiful shadows, turning each lantern into a moving piece of art. The creation of tin lanterns was a craft that required skill and an artistic touch. Each lantern was a unique piece, often reflecting the personal style of its maker or owner. The patterns cut into the tin would cast beautiful shadows, turning each lantern into a moving piece of art. How the skirt warmers were made Skirt warmers were especially popular in rural areas without electricity. They were often made of tin, a thin metal that was easy to shape and cheap to produce. The skirt warmers had a handle that could be attached around the waist with a strap or a belt. This way, one could have their hands free to carry things or do other tasks. The lanterns also had a small chamber where one placed a candle or a small paraffin lamp. The light from the lantern was not very strong, but it was enough to see a few meters ahead in the dark, and they provided warmth when hung under skirts. Legacy of the Skirtwarmers In the past, women carried tin lanterns under their skirts to keep themselves warm and dry while avoiding tripping on uneven terrain. These lanterns also provided a sense of safety and security, as women could see where they were going and be visible to others. This was particularly useful for women walking on dark forests or mountain paths. Norwegian skirt warmers, dating back to the 17th century, were more than just light sources; they were intricately crafted pieces of metalwork. Often adorned with cut-out patterns and glass panes, these lanterns cast a warm, dancing glow on the snow-laden paths. Women would carry these lanterns to church, their light guiding the darkened streets and their warmth comforted in the unheated pews. Warmth in Worship During long church sermons, these handcrafted lanterns served a dual purpose. They provided a light source in the dimly lit sanctuaries and a heat source. Women would place their lanterns beneath their skirts, the heat rising to ward off the chill. This practice earned the lanterns the endearing name “skirt warmers,” which encapsulates their practicality and the coziness they brought to sacred spaces. A Pathway of Light Beyond the church walls, skirtwarmers were companions in Norwegian women's daily lives. In an era before electric streetlights, these lanterns were essential for evening chores and social visits. The light from a skirtwarmer was a beacon of safety, guiding women through the dark, icy evenings. Norwegian Folk Art and its Heritage Today, tin lanterns are a significant part of Norway's cultural heritage. They represent a time when life was more challenging than it is now. Skirt warmers also showcase how people used what was available to create functional and practical objects. They are valuable to Norway's cultural heritage and folk art and should be remembered and appreciated. These beautiful lanterns can be found in museums, old houses, and private collections. They are not hard to find. Even I have one! I found one for sale online, and being the museum rat I am, I couldn't resist. I don't know how old this one is, but it's been used, and I love the moon and star shapes. And boy, do they get hot, so I understand how they must have been lifesavers during the winter.

Are you ready to explore the secrets and curiosities of Norway's culture and history? If so, you can join my journey as I discover more about my Norwegian heritage. Norway has a long and rich history, a vibrant and diverse culture, and a stunning and varied landscape surrounded by fjords and snow-covered mountaintops. And to top it all off, Norway has some really quirky traditions, like reading crime thrillers during Easter or eating a creamy bowl of rice porridge (also called Santa's porridge) during Christmas, hoping you can find the hidden almond that will earn you a sweet marzipan pig. Which I have done many times! I'm a curious and adventurous person who loves to discover new things. But I've realized I have so much to experience and learn about my own country, and I'm super excited to crack on with this goal. Even though I live in Norway, there are so many fjords, mountain tops, and historical villages I still need to visit. I'm looking forward to learning more about Norway's ancient history and its people, from the Vikings to the Sami. Follow me as I dig up, uncover, and unravel mysteries, secrets, traditions, and customs while exploring more of Norway's wild landscapes and unique villages. This website is dedicated to sharing my journey of discovery with emphasis on the following topics: Historical and modern curiosities Photos and videos from my adventures Traditions Discoveries Recipes anyone can make at home And much more! And who am I, you ask? My name is Anne-Ki and I live just outside of Oslo in Norway. I suspect the younger generation would describe me as having reached full maturity, especially since I recently decided to let my grey hairs roam free. By nature, I'm a positive person with an impulsive side. I enjoy everything from history to knitting and constantly want to learn new things. I worked the corporate game for years but quit the rat race seven years ago to pursue freedom and happiness. That was the best decision I ever made, despite plenty of trials and tribulations since then. You can read more about my story here: The Norway Experience is my second attempt to create a place to write and share stories and adventures. The first attempt failed because I was too focused on writing about things I wasn't passionate about. I listened to "gurus" on the internet telling me how easy it was to make a living online, forgetting that to succeed, one has to bring value while enjoying the process. My motto, "free to fail," helped me overcome my failure. I decided to chalk the experience up to a good old-fashioned lesson in what not to do. Because even though I failed, I learned so much! I spent months, actually close to a year, on that project and it tanked miserably. However, the skill sets I gained during that time made this new attempt so much easier. It's been invaluable, to be honest. And that's what often happens in life, right? You learn from your mistakes. So, with a clean slate, I'm again embarking on a new journey. And this time, I'm doing it mainly for myself. If I can entertain anyone along the way or provide some value, that's a great bonus. As they say, sharing is caring. I have no idea what the next year will bring or what it has in store for me. But instead of feeling dread, I'm exhilarated because I'll be exploring and writing about my Norwegian roots, heritage, and culture while discovering more about myself, too. And so The Norway Experience begins...

I've always loved history and culture, but I never imagined that I would get the opportunity to work at a museum in Norway. As a lifelong museum-goer, I often marveled at the thrill of being in the presence of history every day. So, it was a dream come true when I was hired as a guide and host at Ringerikes Museum, an old vicarage from the 17th century. A Museum Building That Tells a Story: It's not just a structure but a representation of history and culture in bygone eras. The oldest part of the vicarage (called the Swedish Room) and the most famous was built in 1635. Countless priests and their families have lived there since then. And I can only imagine all the laughter, sorrow, discussions, and intrigue the walls have witnessed through the centuries. You can also step back in time when visiting Ringerikes Museum and wander through the kitchen, which was added to the original structure in 1729. With its giant hearth and unique relics, you can see how hard people worked to fill their stomachs. You can also learn the fascinating story about early irons (mangle boards) and how they were used as proposal gifts. Imagine getting an iron instead of a ring as an engagement token! It's a very amusing and practical sign of affection. But looking at the intricate and detailed craftsmanship that went into carving the boards, they must have been made to impress. And don't get me started on the secret Norse symbols intentionally burned and painted on the old ambars. 17-century ambar (jar) used to carry Kitchen at Ringerikes Museum (1729) Travel essentials from the 18-century porridge. On the second floor, added in 1745, you can visit Norway's first homefront museum. The homefront museum displays weapons and equipment from the German occupation of Norway during World War 2. It also tells an impressive story about the men and the vital resistance movement in the region of Ringerike and Hole. It's a fascinating exhibition that gives you insight into the lives of these brave men and how they managed to survive and fight until the Germans surrendered in May of 1945. You will also be amazed by the beauty and splendor of the scenery, which is a sight to behold. From the museum grounds, you can gaze at the horizon and marvel at the endless beauty of Ringerike, where the sky and the earth meet in a symphony of colors. Ringerike is where the past and the present meet, where the ancient and the modern coexist. It is a land of legends and lore, warriors and kings, art and culture. It is a land of stunning natural beauty, rolling hills and valleys, lakes and rivers, forests and fields. It is a land where you can see the traces of history in every corner, from the stone carvings and burial mounds of the Vikings to the medieval architecture of Norderhov Church. The Swedish Room at Ringerikes Museum: A tale of deception and victory in the 18th century One of the most fascinating rooms at the Ringerike Museum is the Swedish Room, where you can witness the traces of a historic battle in 1716. The Room was the scene of a daring deception by Anna Colbjørnsdatter, the vicar's wife. She tricked the invading Swedish soldiers into believing they were safe from the Norwegian and Danish armies by inviting them to a feast and making them feel safe before sending her housemaid out to warn Norwegian officers about the Swedish army's arrival. The local militia got wind of the news and, at 3 a.m. in March of 1716, ambushed the 600 soldiers camping nearby. You can still see the bullet holes in the walls and the weapons used in the fight. The Swedish Room is a great place to learn about the bravery and cunning of Anna Colbjørnsdatter, who is considered a national heroine in Norway. In addition to authentic 18th-century heirlooms displayed in this room, you can also marvel at the ancient leather-bound bible that belonged to Anna and dates back to 1632. I have so much more to tell you about this historical place and its secrets, but I'd rather show you. That's why I'll shortly upload a YouTube video in which I walk you through the museum so you can see for yourself how incredible it is. Why Working at the Museum isn't just another Job. For as long as I can remember, the secrets of the past and all its mysteries and curiosities have captivated my imagination and fueled my passion for history. I've always been fascinated by the stories of people who lived before me, their achievements and struggles, their cultures and beliefs, and their hopes and dreams. I've wanted to learn more about them, explore their worlds, and uncover their truths. That is why I decided to apply for the part-time position of guide and host at the Ringerikes Museum. "I have never tried that before, so I think I definitely should be able to do that." Since I had no prior experience, I didn't have much faith in being hired, so I was thrilled when I received the good news. I spent the first few weeks reading up on the history of the building, the relics on display, and the people who once lived there. I soaked up all the information like a sponge, letting my nerdy side shine! I truly enjoy guiding, too. Not a day goes by without me learning something new. And when I get questions I can't answer, I jump at the chance to dig deeper and learn. Maybe I should've become a historian or an archaeologist. Who knows? I don't dwell on it, really, because I love the ride life is taking me on at the moment. I would never have guessed that I'd be working at a museum while traveling last year and trying to make a go of a blog I didn't feel connected to. I love to write, but I was writing about all the wrong things and topics. It wasn't me, and it wasn't authentic. I was listening to famous internet gurus about how to make money online and what to write about. In other words, I got caught up in all the hype. I finally abandoned that blog and accepted failure. Strangely enough, I didn't feel devastated. Looking back, I believe it was a powerful learning experience. And that is the positive side of failure. However, I still dreamed of creating a blog. I wanted to write. But I needed to breathe and find my bearings while soaking up the past year's experiences. But now I have found my calling, thanks to a stroke of luck that brought me to work at a museum. There, I started to think about my Norwegian roots, heritage, wonders, and traditions. There is so much to learn and so many places to see and people to cross paths with. So, I've decided to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery in my home country. I also plan to check out my immediate surroundings with a fresh set of eyes because I've realized there are so many interesting things right outside my front door. I can't help but wonder if The Ringerikes Museum, or one of its ghosts, has helped open my mind to starting The Norway Experience. Maybe Anna herself has somehow influenced my thoughts. Anything is possible, right? After all, I got my dream job working at a museum, which has already changed my life. Below is a List of the 10 most Popular Exhibitions at Ringerikes Museum: The Swedish Room The Swiss Room The Vicar's Office Kitchen from 1729 Toys Room Accordion Museum Homefront Museum The Monk House Europen Icon Collection (the oldest one is from the 15th century!) Jørgen Moe's Furnishings (famous Norwegian author) * Note: I will be writing separate posts for many of these rooms/exhibitions since there is so much to tell :) Opening Hours Ringerikes Museum: Ringerikes Museum is open from early June through August from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The address is Nordrehovbakken 8, 3512 Hønefoss (approx 45 min. drive from Oslo) E-mail is: nicolaysen@buskerudmuseet.no Website: https://buskerudmuseet.com/ringerikes-museum/ Ticket prices 2023: Adults: 100 NOK Children: 40 NOK Seniors and Students: 60 NOK Families (2 adults and 2 children): 250 NOK Groups over 20 persons: 60 NOK per person The museum also serves delicious Norwegian waffles, which you can enjoy on the grounds while taking in the views and wondering about what life was like hundreds of years ago.

Anne-Ki Magraff The Norway X perience Welcome to Norway! Ready for adventure? My name is Anne-Ki and I'm on a mission to explore and learn more about my heritage. Join me! Read More I 'm on a mission to explore and learn more about Norway's modern and historical culture and my Viking heritage. With its beautiful fjords, majestic landscapes, old relics, unique Christmas traditions, and historical fun facts, it's going to be an adventure. So many curiosities waiting to be discovered, and YOU can join the journey :) Start here Be Part of the X perience! Subscribe to my monthly newsletter to enjoy behind-the-scenes video clips, perks and sneak peeks. Enter your email here Sign Up Welcome To The Norway Xperience! Highligts Home Page HIGHLIGHTS Streets of Oslo My Story May 17th Celebrations Nordrehov Medieval Church Mysterious Folkart LATEST POSTS Skirt Warmers: How Tin Lanterns Kept Norwegian Women Warm and Saved Lives What is the Primstav? A Spellbinding Look at Norway’s Historical Calendar Sticks Ringerikes Museum: Explore the Curiosities of an Ancient Vicarage in Norderhov, Norway Discover the Extraordinary Icon Art at Ringerikes Museum in Norway, the Second Largest in the World! YouTube C lips: Traditions shorts Discoveries Adventures MUSEUMS & PARKS Ringerikes Museum: Explore the Curiosities of an Ancient Vicarage in Norderhov, Norway Road Trips Home Page ROAD TRIPS Check back soon Once posts are published, you’ll see them here. VIKING LIFE Check back soon Once posts are published, you’ll see them here. OFF THE BEATEN PATH Uncovering the Mysterious Norwegian Relics of the Medieval Norderhov Church in Ringerike, Norway FOLK ART Skirt Warmers: How Tin Lanterns Kept Norwegian Women Warm and Saved Lives What is the Primstav? A Spellbinding Look at Norway’s Historical Calendar Sticks How the Ambar Unveils Norway's History of Unique Folk Art European Mangle Boards: The Fascinating Folk Art of Smoothing Laundry FOLLOW THE JOURNEY Follow on Instagram

WHERE TO STAY Be Part of the X perience! Subscribe to my monthly newsletter to enjoy behind-the-scenes video clips, perks and sneak peeks. Enter your email here Sign Up Welcome To The Norway Xperience! Discover & Xperience Norway Traditions Curiosities Adventures Folk Art Viking Life Destinations Museums & Parks Norway on a Plate Off the Beaten Path Hotels Discoveries Nordic Living Check back soon Once posts are published, you’ll see them here. FOLLOW THE JOURNEY Follow on Instagram

FOLK ART Be Part of the X perience! Subscribe to my monthly newsletter to enjoy behind-the-scenes video clips, perks and sneak peeks. Enter your email here Sign Up Welcome To The Norway Xperience! Discover & Xperience Norway Traditions Curiosities Adventures Folk Art Viking Life Destinations Museums & Parks Norway on a Plate Off the Beaten Path Hotels Discoveries Nordic Living Skirt Warmers: How Tin Lanterns Kept Norwegian Women Warm and Saved Lives What is the Primstav? A Spellbinding Look at Norway’s Historical Calendar Sticks How the Ambar Unveils Norway's History of Unique Folk Art European Mangle Boards: The Fascinating Folk Art of Smoothing Laundry FOLLOW THE JOURNEY Follow on Instagram