| Välkommen SVEA LODGE #296 VASA ORDER OF AMERICA A Swedish-American Fraternal Organization Instituted May 20, 1914 Erie, Pennsylvania Photo: | Log in to your Member account: |
From our new chair - kathy williams
Svea Lodge has a calendar filled with wonderful activities, dedicated members, new members, and a renewed sense of our purpose; bringing the Scandinavian culture to our community. There is a lot happening so you'll need to visit our website often to keep up!
It is hard to believe that November is already here and the holidays are nearly upon us. First, I want to thank Pat for her wonderful leasdership of Svea Lodge and wish her much success in her new District Master role. Having stepped into the chairman position she vacated, I appreciate your patience as I settle in. I see this role as an exciting opportunity to work together to grow our lodge and shape it into what you want it to be. I am always eager to hear your thoughts, so please do not hesitate to reach out.
We had a very nice gathering of about 15 people at Luminary Distillery on October 9th for Leif Eriksson Day. We sang, we ate, and we enjoyed good company. If you didn’t get the opportunity to join us this year, I highly encourage you to put it on your calendar for next year!
Lucia Fest will be here before we know it, and there are many ways you can help make this major event a success. We will be holding an ironing day at the church about a week prior to make sure our pageant participants look their best. Please consider bringing your iron and helping out for a couple of hours.
We will also be setting up the Nordic Nook in the parlor again this year (weather permitting), which will include a bake sale. Since it is cost-prohibitive for us to gather and bake at a single location, we are relying on donations of baked goods for the sale. Please contact Lorraine or me if you can contribute. We also need donations of Swedish treats and Lucia buns for the table downstairs. If you can help on the day of the event, please sign up at the November meeting or reach out at any time via email or phone.
We are still looking for crafters to contribute Scandinavian-inspired items to the Nordic Nook. You can choose to donate handmade items (100% of sales go to the lodge) or put your items in on consignment (25% of sales go to the lodge). Please reach out to Lorraine or me for more details.
Finally, regarding the Christmas Around the World event in Waterford that I previously mentioned for the first weekend in December: I am sad to report that it has been cancelled. Between conflicting holiday schedules and other events, it was simply too much to pull together. I am reprioritizing my obligations to accommodate my new responsibilities, and I would much rather channel that time and effort into making Lucia Fest and the Nordic Nook a smashing success!
The next general meeting will be held November 15th at 1:00, Luther Memorial. One of the important agenda items will be sharing the ballot of officers for 2027-2029. We still have two spots to fill! It could be YOU!
Be kind to your neighbors, you never know who may need a kind word.
Kathy
 | Odin's Ravens sharing our Viking history! |
There are five different after-lifes associated with Norse mythology. Each represents a different fate or destination for the dead.
1. Valhalla: Hall of the Slain Ruled by Odin. Warriors chosen by Odin's Valkyries who die bravely in battle are brought here. They feast, train, and prepare to fight alongside the gods during Ragnarök.
2. Fólkvangr: Freyja's Field of the People Ruled by the goddess Freyja. A portion of those who die in battle are said to go here, rather than Valhalla. Freyja chooses who enters.
3. Helheim: Realm of the Dead Ruled by Hel, daughter of Loki. It is generally where people who die from sickness, old age, or causes other than battle go. It isn't necessarily a place of punishment; it is simply a realm of the dead.
4. Rán's Hall: The Sea Goddess's Domain Rán is a sea goddess who gathers those who drown in the ocean. Her net captures the drowned, and they are believed in some traditions to join her beneath the waves.
5. Náströnd: Shore of Corpses A grim place described in Norse mythology as a place of punishment for the wicked, particularly oath-breakers, murderers, and those who betray others. It is associated with darkness, suffering, and a serpent-filled environment.
· Valhalla: Honor, battle, and preparation for Ragnarök.
· Fólkvangr: Freyja's chosen warriors.
· Helheim: The general realm of the dead.
· Rán's Hall: Those claimed by the sea.
· Náströnd: Punishment for the wicked and dishonorable.
In Norse mythology, dying in battle wasn't the only honorable way to be remembered; Courage, loyalty, keeping one's word, and how a person lived also mattered in the broader Norse warrior tradition.
contributed by Kevin Soles
The Fifth in the Series: Wednesday Evening Get Togethers Coming Soon in January The Zoom Invite will be available on the District and Svea websites under the Events tab. Note: If you missed any of the previous programs; Swedish Flower Hens, the interview with our Grand Master, Jack Hanright, or the Swedish Embassy Representative, check out the District Website: |
Vasa BreakfastOn a hiatus! Check it out again in the Fall 2026.
|
| Join us now to become a member. Members must be 14 years of age but younger children are always welcome to participate! You can attend all of our activities. You will receive our Newsletter so you can stay informed about what is happening within the Svea Lodge. Check out Our Story - Member Benefits to see what's in it for you! Join us now!
|
OTHER INTERESTING EVENTS TO DO WITH SVEA FRIENDS IN NWPA OHIO & NY
Scandinavian Cultural Days resumes in Jamestown, NY October 4th at Jamestown Community College, starting at 9:30 - noon. Chip carving, weaving, dancing, cooking are just a few of the activities for the day! It is free and open to the public.
|
|
Not a member yet?Active communication is very important to grow our Svea Lodge and make a difference. If you have not signed-up yet, here is your chance to become a member in Svea Lodge. Click and Sign-up below Click to sign-up and become a member in Svea Lodge |
Local Lodge Svea #296 meets on the third Sunday of the month at Luther Memorial Church, 225 West 10th Street, Erie, PA for general business meetings. General meetings include a short cultural program and of course, Fika! From May - August our meetings involve cultural activities in various community locations. We celebrate Walpurgis, Midsummer, Kraftskiva, Leif Erickson Day, and Santa Lucia Festival of Light. The Mission of Vasa Order of America is to promote our Scandinavian heritage. Our Order does not conflict with religious beliefs or common law - ALL are welcome!