Winter is Coming

September in Norway is no doubt an autumn month and taking us towards winter. We see the first snow dusting the mountain tops, and further down, the leaves turn golden. Some places, they’ve already begun to fall, leaving the trees bare. And as the air cools, we prepare for the approach of winter, officially marked on October 14th. This date holds special significance in Norwegian tradition: it’s the day when our ancestors would turn their *primstav* — but more on that later. According to an old Norwegian saying, by October 14th, all the mittens should be finished, ensuring everyone in the family was ready for the coming frost.

But what is the connection between mittens and this date? The answer lies in the Nordic *primstav*, an ancient tool once used to track the passing of the seasons.

Historical Background

The *primstav* was a carved wooden stick used to mark important dates and seasonal transitions—a bit like an ancient calendar. For centuries, this was how our ancestors kept track of time. Each side of the *primstav* represented half of the year—summer and winter—and certain days were marked with symbols representing significant seasonal milestones or religious events. And on October 14th, the symbol carved into the wood was, yes, you guessed it: a mitten.

The First Day of Winter

October 14th was, and still is, recognized as the first day of winter in Norway (even though winter often properly sets in much later in the year). It marked the start of a long, cold season. Historically, this date wasn’t just a reminder to finish the harvest. It was also the time to ensure that the essential garments needed to survive the cold Norwegian winter — particularly mittens — were ready.

By October 14th, the mittens (and I would assume other winter related knitting) had to be finished, as frosty days were just around the corner. Made from wool, these mittens were the best defense against the cold, providing warmth and protection.

We obviously no longer rely on a *primstav* to guide us, however, the tradition of knitting mittens continues. There’s something magical about making your own mittens, just as our ancestors did, knowing they’ll keep your hands warm during the winter months.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t always a fan of knitting mittens. But over the last decade, I’ve grown to love them. They’re quick to knit, easy to bring along, and make perfect gifts. Most importantly, they carry forward a tradition passed down through generations. One day, I hope future generations will look at the mittens we’ve made with the same admiration I have when I see the mittens my family made back in the 1950s.

As we approach October 14th, take a moment to prepare for winter in the Norwegian way. Whether you knit your mittens by hand or pull out a beloved pair from the closet, there’s no better way to welcome the season than by embracing this timeless tradition.

And if you’re feeling inspired by the history of Norwegian mittens, stay tuned! Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing something special. Keep an eye on your inbox for all the details!

Knitting vibes from,

Anne