Lögberg-Heimskringla - 22.05.1998, Blaðsíða 3

Lögberg-Heimskringla • Föstudagur 22, mai 1998 *3
Lillian Lois Olafson
crowned Fjallkona for
Islendingadagurinn ’98
Sunday, May 3, 1998, the
first happening of the year
that is sponsored by the
Icelandic Festival of Manitoba took place.
The event was the annual Fjallkonan Spring
Brunch, where the traditional handing over
of the Fjallkona’s crown occurs. This year,
it was held at the Country Resort in Gimli.
Up to this date the recipient of the crown is
kept a secret. Announced at the brunch as
the recipient of this year’s crown was Ullian
Lois Olafson, Fjallkona of the Icelandic
Festival of Manitoba for 1998. Susie
Erickson-Jacobson, the current President of
the Icelandic Festival Committee, intro-
duced her in the speech that follows:
I have the distinct pleasure of intro-
ducing our Fjallkona for 1998 to you.
The Fjallkona has played a major role
in Islendingadagurinn since 1924. The fes-
tival committee at that time was looking for
something entirely different to express the
Icelandic heritage. They wanted to transplant
the symbolism of Iceland’s mountains, wa-
terfalls, glaciers and valleys into the Tradi-
tional Program. Originally, they discussed
having a symbolic poem to be recited annu-
ally until they found a poem written by
Eggert Olafson entitled Islartd, in which Ice-
land was symbolized as a woman. In the
poem, Iceland, the Fjallkona, mountainous
maid, marvels at her attire, describes her
green coat and the crystal blue lines which
were so meaningful to “my dress.”
The 1924 committee abandoned the
idea of choosing a poem, but the symbol
of Fjallkona prompted the choice of a dif-
ferent kind of symbolic representation
from Iceland. A woman, Fjallkona herself,
would dress in Icelandic costume and ad-
dress the festival audience in Icelandic. At
the festival, the Fjallkona sits on her el-
evated throne, clad in the beautiful and
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COUNSELLORS
1998 Fjallkona, Lillian Lois Olafson (left),
receives crown from Loma Tergesen,
Fjallkona for 1997. (Photo by Linda Colette.)
dignified formal Icelandic costume of a
white gown, green robe with ermine, golden
belt, high-crowned headdress and white
veil falling over the shoulders to the waist.
The Fjallkona was an immediate suc-
cess at the 1924 festival. Her costume,
speech and presence were a tremendous
addition to the program. She delivered a
message of encouragement from Mother
Iceland to her children now living in an-
other country, making it clear that although
they now resided in Canada or the United
States, she was still their Mother and that
relationship would never be broken. The
Fjallkona’s message has not changed over
the years. She still insists that although one
may be bom and brought up away from
Iceland, one’s roots are Icelandic. She rec-
ognizes, with pride, the accomplishments
of her children, but constantly wams them
never to neglect their duties to Iceland.
To this day, the symbolism associated
with the Fjallkona has not changed. We
look for a woman to represent Mother Ice-
land, and I am honoured to introduce
Continued on page 6
“Routes to the Roots”
Programme for People of lcelandic Descent
3-week programme, August 9-31, 1998
Week one:
Reykjavík — accommodation in private homes.
Sunday, August 9, 5 p.m.: Get-together reception
Léctures: 09 - 12.00. Monday - Friday
lcelandic Language and introduction to lcelandic history,
literature, art and society.
Afternoon lectures or Visits, excursions: 14.00-17.00. Monday- Friday, including:
The University area, the Arni Magnusson Institute, the National Library, Reykjavík city
walk, House of Parliament, City Hall, National Art Gallery, Kjarvalsstadir Art Gallery, Einar
Jonsson — gallery and garden, Hallgrimskirkja church, Arbæjarsafn open-air museum,
National Museum, Bessastadir — church and presidential residence, Hofdi House,
Laugardalur outdoor area and swimming pool visit.
Week two:
Day 1: Reykjavík - Hvalfjordur - Borgarfjordur. Reykholt (lecture on Snorri Sturluson)
Husafell, Hraunfossar, Borg, Borgarnes guided Saga Walk.
Theme: The Sagas. Viking poets. Snorri Sturluson. Eaill Skallaarimsson
Day 2: Snæfellsnes peninsula. Snæfellsnes Glacier, beautiful nature, area of “alfar and
huldufolk” (elves, trolls and fairies). Visits to famous sites.
Theme: The mysterious lcelandic Folk Tales.
Day 3: Snæfellsnes — Skagafjordur. Various stops on the way.
Theme: Culture, Glaumbær farm museum. Introduction to life in the
“old days,” with special emphasis on the old food/culture — lecture.
Day 4: Skagafjordur. Free day for exploring, horse riding, river
rafting, hiking or relaxing. Tracing roots.
Theme: Discover life in the countryside.
Day 5: Skagafjordur. Holar bishopric and saga site. Hofsos — emiaration centre.
Lecture on the emigrants. Geneaology assistance. Saga of Grettir “the strong”. Cultural
evening with traditional singing and storytelling.
Theme: Emigration to Canada - facts and figures.
Day 6: Skagafjordur - Akureyrl. Herring museum in Siglufjordur. Dalvik fishing plant
visit. Sight seeing in Akureyri
Theme: Fishing industry: Its development and importance. Economy in lceland.
Day 7: Akureyri. Lecture at the University of Akureyri. Various cultural visits, including
visits to homes of poets/writers Jón Sveinsson (Nonni), David Stefansson and Matthias
Jochumsson (author of the National Anthem).
Theme: Literature.
Week 3:
Day 8: Akureyri — Lake Myvatn — one of lceland’s pearls. Dimmuborgir, Hofdi,
birdlife. Namaskard. Visit to a traditional lcelandic farm.
Theme: Agriculture in lceland. Tourism and new opportunities.
Day 9: Lake Myvatn — Egilsstadír. An area much affected by
the Askja volcanic eruption in 1874, thus an area of large emigra-
tion. Visit to a typical, old, isolated farm on Jokuldalur heath.
Theme: Emigration and living conditions in the late 19th century.
Day 10: Egilsstadir — Hornafjordur. Hallormsstadarskogur forest. Visit to an exhibition
of a private collection of stones gathered in the area.
Theme: Vegetation in lceland. Erosion and deforestation.
Day 11: Hornafjordur — Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Vatnajokull Glacier. Boat trip on
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Unique haywagon trip to Ingolfshofdi cape, where the first
settler landed. Skaftafell National park.
Theme: Nature and history of settlement.
Day 12: Kirkjubæjarklaustur — Skogar.
Theme: Geology, geography, volcanic eruptions.
Day 13: Skogar — Fljotshlid area. Njalssaga Saga Site. Museum at Hvolsvollur. Visit to
local wool processing and handicraft centre.
Theme: culture and sagas. (íslenskir þjóöhættir).
Day 14: Gullfoss - Geysir - Skalholt - Thingvelllr - Nesjavellir.
Theme: History. Religion and struggle for independence.
Week 4:
Optional. Personal assistance with travel, country stays, lectures, etc.
Price for three weeks inciudes:
Private accommodation (dbl) for one week and programme in Reykjavik; 2-week tour
around lceland with accommodations (dbl rooms without private facilities) and full board,
a guide, lectures and transport. US $2,485 (minimum 15 participants)
REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPETED BEFORE JUNE 15th, 1998.