A distinct ethnic identity symbolized by beloved Vínarterta and Langa Amma’s Striped Shirt

1875 marks the year that thousands left Iceland when faced with devastating conditions. They brought with them to North America a reputation for safeguarding their distinct ethnic identity that can be symbolized to by beloved Vínarterta, and by my Langa Amma (Great Grandmother) wearing a striped shirt. Virtually unknown today in Iceland in its present North American form, this culinary time capsule Vínarterta, speaks of pride:

of making the best of everything no matter what,
of the same language spoken since the middle ages,
of the richly created literature of the Icelandic sagas,
of spinning and weaving Icelandic wool into practical and gorgeous designs of excellence,
of flawless fashion sense,
of the love of singing and creating music,
of individual artistic expression,
of caring for and with the people, animals and plants,
of appreciation of dreams and hidden things,
of respecting and embracing the power of the land of fire and ice and it’s stunning beauty, uniqueness and contrasts.

Iceland and the stories of the people of Iceland are alluring and capture the imagination effortlessly.

And, I love that my great Amma wore stripes!

Order your Vínarterta here!

Sigvaldi Simonarson, Margrét Benediktsdóttir, Pioneers at Geysir, Manitoba and sons. Picture at Hofsos Icelandic Immigration Centre in Skagafjörður, Iceland.

Culture

A distinct ethnic identity symbolized by beloved Vínarterta and Langa Amma’s Striped Shirt

Arden Jackson