Swedish-American Society  Newsletter, January 2000 Edition President: Leland Peterson 489-7061 Web master: Larry Leonardson 721-6827

**Subscriptions to Sweden & America, according to the Swedish Council of America, will be reduced from eight dollars to three dollars for four issues annually. January is the month for renewal. ***The Swedish Emigrant Institute in Vaxjo, Sweden, after discovering our WebSite, has sent us an e-mail asking us to contribute something for next summer's exhibition on Sweden's influence in America. We plan to send some numbers of our newsletter. When Last We Met  The December meeting of the Swedish-American Society was held at First Lutheran Church on December 12th.  We had about 101 members and guests that attended.  The Social Hour at 4:00 met all expectations with the “Out of This World” glogg and hors d’oeurves.  The table decorations were very festive, thanks to the Dilworth Committee.  At 5:00 we gathered at the tables and san Du Gama, and My Country “Tis of Thee, led by Ted Johnson and then prayed I Jesu Namn, our Swedish Table Grace.  The Smorgasbord seemed to include something delectable for everyone. After the meal, 12 little Swedish maidens (and Gentlemen) exited the room, along with Lisbeth Coker, to prepare for the Sankta Lucia Procession.  Bentley Anderson gave us a brief description of the history behind the procession.  Lucia was a young Italian girl who brought hope to the poor in Sweden.  She was martyred for her beliefs in 304 AD.  The Italian version was brought to Sweden by the Christianized Vikings.  The one chosen to be Lucia is usually the one who is awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.  The celebration began in the 19th Century.  It is focused on the hope that spring will be coming.  Lucia mean “Lucidity on Light”.  Following this explanation we had the Lucia Procession while we sang Sankta Lucia and Stallon Vonen stgarnan.  The little ladies entered, being led by Maria Coker, who wore the crown with the 7 candles to dispel the dark of winter.  In the midst of only the soft glow of candlelight the young maidens (and gentlemen) looked like angels with their glistening halos and carrying candles.  Melissa Baumgardner and a “little buddy” were

at the end of the procession, Melissa wearing a smaller Lucia Crown.  The participants were Maria Coker, Sarah Coker, Carrie Mae Bafba, Kathleen Jackson, Jenny Epperson, Kristin Epperson, Milly Stedfast, Irene Zielinski, Nicholas Emmanuel, Marcus Emmanuel, and Melissa Baungardner.  Lisbeth Coker was in charge of this tradition as, as usual, did a beautiful job.  Even though she now lives in Richmond, she plans to continue to make this contribution in the future.  Thank, Lisbeth, for helping to make our Christmas Program such a success. After the procession, Ted Johnson led us in singing Yingle Bells and other Christmas songs.  Thomas R. McLeen played the piano and sang some Swedish songs, Including  Stilla Natt, Heliga Natt.  Our President then thanked everyone for their participation, including decorators, cooks, and participants. Don Lundquist gave the Treasurers Report.  He encouraged members to buy raffle tickets and calendars.  Leland extended an invitation to all guests to become members.  Ted Johnson then sang another song about the “Swedish Christmas Party.”  The raffle was held.  The meeting was adjourned at  7:00 p.m.  Everyone pitched in to help with the clean-up.  A good time was had by all! Respectfully Submitted,    Georgie Unser - Secretary CHILDREN’S CORNER As of the publishing of this newsletter,  I think the children will be making a paperweight. It you have any small seashells that we could use, please bring them to the meeting. We will also be using paint and glue so please take that into account when dressing your child.   If you will be bringing extra children to the meeting, please let Nellie know if possible.  For next month’s project, I will need empty computer or music CD cases. Please donate any you may have.  You can reach me at 721-6827.

DIRECTIONS TO OUR MEETINGS   If coming from the peninsula, take I-64 across the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, follow 64 to 264 East (144). Follow 264 to the Witchduck Road exit, after exiting, turn left onto Witchduck Road. About 1/4 to ½ mile is Ruritan Drive (fire station light is there). Turn left on Ruritan, go the end of the street, building is on the left IN THE NEW YEAR Heaven grant me grace to find Darkened clouds all silver lined; Joy in lowly tasks I do, Health and friends to see me through; Life abundant, love to share, Much to do and heart to care. (Written by Phoebe C. Swanson/Johnson in Jan. 1957.)     God Jul och Gott Nytt År!

Pea Soup During centuries, the pea soup prepared from yellow split peas was served every Thursday. Only during the second half of the 20th century has this tradition begun to disappear. The pea soup is best when cooked on  very large scale; thus, the version served in the Army  has a well-deserved good reputation since it is normally cooked in 200 litres batches. But you might want to try it on a somewhat smaller scale...  Ingredients:   500 grams yellow split peas   1.5 - 2 litres of water or vegetable bouillon            (can be made from bouillon cubes!)   2 finely chopped onions   20 - 30 grams of fresh, whole ginger   5 - 10 grams of majoram or thyme or both         optional: potatoes         optional: carrots         optional: 500 grams of diced bacon  Proceed as follows: 1.  Soak the yellow split peas in water for at least 12 hours. Discard the water (even though some insist you should use this water for the soup).  2.  Boil the peas, bouillon, onion and ginger for at least 90 minutes. Now and then, carefully skim off the pea hulls as they float up to the surface. When 15 - 30 minutes remain of the cooking time, add the majoram and/or thyme.  3.  The optional ingredients should be added at a  late stage during the cooking. Potatoes and carrots will require 20 - 25 minutes of cooking,  the bacon at least 30 minutes  4.  Taste, add salt if required.  The pea soup is often served together with some mustard. A very (old) Swedish tradition is also to serve it together with hot punsch, an arrak-based, intensely sweet liquor.  However, beer will do fine as a substitute. The Leonardson’s have purchased a case of yellow peas. There are twelve bags to a case, 6 -7 bags are available for members to purchase for $4.95 a bag. Call Lenny or Nellie at 721-6827 to reserve your bag.