On Friday, December 2, between 7:45 and 8 a.m. students, faculty, and alumni walked the track in Carlson Stadium. Members of the Luther College community gathered to celebrate the prominent Norwegian tradition of Friluftsliv, one of the many Nordic traditions practiced on campus. The event was sponsored by Nordic Studies Professor Maren Johnson and the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement.
“Norwegians have this concept of Friluftsliv, which literally translates to ‘free air life,” Johnson said. “Statistics will tell you that 95% of Norwegians will participate in Friluftsliv which shows a huge dedication to the outdoors and a drive to find ways to bring people together that uses the resources of this beautiful space.”
Norwegian heritage is central to what makes Luther College. Campus faculty and staff work hard to provide students with ways to engage with its Nordic past. This semester, Johnson and Andy Hageman collaborated with the CEPE to bring this tradition dedicated to the appreciation of nature to life right here on campus.
“This is our fourth event. We kicked it off this fall. Maren and I were talking about getting people together and outdoors and Friluftsliv was a great opportunity for students and staff alike,” Professor Andy Hageman said. “We also live in such a cold and beautiful place, but it can be very easy to just curl up and watch Netflix.”
Students, faculty, and alumni all participated in Friday morning’s event. For some, it was a chance to take a break or an extra hit of energy before those morning classes. Others came from the community to appreciate the campus they used to call home. No matter what brought individuals to the track on Friday morning, the companionship of Friluftsliv was evident.
Nordic Studies major Nick Rogness (‘23) agreed that this activity was beneficial. He emphasized the importance of incorporating outdoor activities into everyday life for overall health.
“I think we all need to take a break from the stresses we face in our lives and this is a great opportunity for that especially with finals coming up,” Rogness said.
Friluftsliv was designed to help people beat the loneliness and sorrow that can be the result of cold, dark winter days. Community and nature are considered very healing in Scandinavian culture, and this practice is an example of this sentiment.
Sustainability Fellow Olivia Helland (‘22) was excited to participate in this event, as she had some existing connections to Luther’s Nordic heritage.
“This year I have been wanting to do some Friluftsliv series,” Helland said. “As a student I took classes within the Nordic Studies department, which helped expand my passions in Norwegian culture. I think it is very important for people to get outside. It is a great way to start our day.”
The opportunities to explore traditions like Friluftsliv both on and off campus are vast.
All year, students and community members can visit the Vesterheim Museum. The Vesterheim holds special events like Norwegian Christmas, folk art classes, and local art shows.
Friluftsliv is not just an activity, but it is a state of mind. It is accepting things for the way they are. It is using the resources available from the environment in which the individuals reside. Luther College encourages students to explore and connect with the greater world. Friluftsliv is one way in which Luther College achieves that dream.
Every summer, Nordic Fest is put on in Decorah which is full of opportunities to explore some warmer traditions. Students at Luther College can also take numerous courses and even J-term trips to Norway to dive further into the college’s cultural history. Professors Johnson and Hageman hinted that in the coming spring semester there may be even more occasions for participation.
“We are going to keep doing these every Tuesday and Thursday starting in February,” Professor Johnson said. “There is going to be a lot of fun programming coming up in the spring so stay tuned.”
To learn more about Friluftsliv and other Norwegian traditions check out Vesterheim.org, the Luther College Bulletin, or contact the department of Nordic studies on campus.
