The History and Folklore of Norwegian Silver

Today on Culture Clique we’re talking about the power of silver, especially when it comes to traditional Norwegian brooches and jewelry. Silver was thought to be a very powerful metal and although it had many practical uses, it was also used to promote health and ward off evil spirits, even ones that might be trying to steal your baby! I sat down with Laurann Gilbertson, Chief Curator at Vesterheim, The National Norwegian-American Museum and Heritage Center in Decorah, Iowa. Laurann tells us about traditional uses for silver in Norwegian culture as well as some of the folklore that goes along with it. I’m Bill Stoneberg with Laurann Gilbertson, on Culture Clique. Original air date: 05/02/19. Culture Clique is written and produced by KQAL on the campus of Winona State University and is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Today on Culture Clique we’re talking about the power of silver, especially when it comes to traditional Norwegian brooches and jewelry. Silver was thought to be a very powerful metal and although it had many practical uses, it was also used to promote health and ward off evil spirits, even ones that might be trying to steal your baby! I sat down with Laurann Gilbertson, Chief Curator at Vesterheim, The National Norwegian-American Museum and Heritage Center in Decorah, Iowa. Laurann tells us about traditional uses for silver in Norwegian culture as well as some of the folklore that goes along with it. I’m Bill Stoneberg with Laurann Gilbertson, on Culture Clique.
Original air date: 05/02/19.

Culture Clique is written and produced by KQAL on the campus of Winona State University and is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

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