Run 'n Stitch: The Bunad

The traditional Norwegian folk costume is called the bunad. The bunad tradition began in Norway in the 18th century. Since then, people in the different regions of Norway have created bunad designs for their region. These traditional costumes are worn for special occasions like weddings, baptisms and Constitution Day, the 17th of May. There are bunads for men and women. During our Syttende mai celebration, you will see bunads from all over Norway worn by the grand children and great grandchildren of Petersburg's early settlers.

Members of our local Son's of Norway host a style show and luncheon on Friday each year. I took some pictures of the lovely costumes as women arrived to model. Sisters Heather and Liv wear bunads from their grandparent's region in Eastern Norway.

Marlene and Sue visit in the sun before going into the Style Show.

Glorianne Wollen organizes and moderates this incredible event. She has made more than half of the bunads modeled in this show. In 2005, Glo was awarded the Norwegian Ambassador's Award in Washington, DC, acknowledging her hard work to keep our Norwegian cultural history alive in Petersburg. Glo is standing with Darryl Jensen, grandson of Andrew Wikan, one of the founding members of Petersburg.

Upstairs in the Son's of Norway Hall, people were getting ready for the style show.

My niece Julia and her grandma Jill in their bunads and Solje (Norwegian Jewelry) from Sunnmore, Norway.

Sharon and her daughter Katrina help the youngest members of the family get ready.

Gwynne and Steven, sister and brother, will model their grandparent's bunads from Western Norway.

My daughter braids my granddaughter Jill's hair. Jill is wearing a Swedish National Costume.

My sister-in-law Tam, helps her daughter Mary put her Solje on.

Niece Mary will model with my granddaughter Audrey who is wearing a lovely Hardanger baptismal gown. Both of these beautiful garments were made by Glo Wollen.

Brenda and Marilyn are wearing bunads from the Western Region of Norway. Brenda's grandson is wearing a Tlingit vest made of otter fur.

Marilyn and her mother embroidered her beautiful costume.

Kaile and Sonja wear bunads from Nordeland.

Kari, Megan, Lynette and Rosi wear bunads from their great grandparents' region of Noway.

These young men model bunads that belong to the Lodge. They were made by a women for her sons many years ago.

Heidi's dancers prepare to model the bunads from Petersburg. These bunads were made many years ago for middle school dancers who did more sophisticated dances for tourists throughout the Summer.

Glo Wollen and Mark Hofstad wear bunads made by Glo.

Cynthia and Sig wear bunads from the Western Region of Norway.

On with the Show!!

The style show was held downstairs in the main hall of the Son's of Noway. Mistress of ceremonies, Glo Wollen shared interesting information about each of the beautiful bunads, the history of the costumes and the people who wore them.