The tradition of wearing an ornate bridal crown in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland is an ancient custom that continues to evolve today. In celebration of International Women’s Month, this exhibition features historic and contemporary variations on a theme to honor all women. Nordic Center artists and community members of all ages explore and share the Nordic tradition of crowns at the Nordic Center through workshops, an exhibition, and lectures.
Participating Artists include Faith Clover, Karen Kennan, Kirsten Aune, Alison Aune, Nikki Collette, Wendy Savage, Cindy Ericksmoen, Ann Klefstad, Justin Anderson, Arna Rennan, Emilie Bowman, Adeline Wright, Anita Jain, Brad Nelson, Liz Bucheit, & Jon Hinkel.
Four Elements Bridal Crown
Liz Bucheit
silver
The design inspiration for the Four Elements Bridal Crownis based on the four elements representing earth, air, fire and water. Coincidentally, these elements are also intrinsic in the actual construction of the piece. The silver and gold materials come from the earth, the jeweler’s torch uses air and fire while water is used to quench the hot metal after soldering.
While I borrow certain aspects from the bridal crown tradition such as size, proportion and materials, I’ve also chosen a contemporary design approach to the finished piece. The base of the crown incorporates the earth, air and fire symbols. The top of the crown features female forms representing water spirits from Norwegian folklore and the delicate chains sparkle like miniature waterfalls.
The red garnet and green tourmaline gemstones pay homage to the popular use of green and red glass elements used in traditional crown designs. In keeping with regional Norwegian custom, the crown is available for rental to make sure “being queen for a day” is possible for anyone!
Golden Wheat Wedding Crown
Cindy Ericksmoen
wheat
The Golden Wheat Wedding crown is a symbol of fertility and prosperity. This Nordic tradition is as old as the cultivation of wheat itself. The spirit of the wheat lives in the crown until spring when they are sown back into the soil to continue fertility and the growing cycle. This represents the Fertility and the new crop represents Prosperity.
Regal Wedding Crown
Cindy Ericksmoen
birch bark, silver metal
Birch bark wedding crown is based on a picture of a Sami wedding crown found in Norway, dating back to the 1800’s. The crown is from a collection in a Sami Museum located in Karasjok, Norway. The handcrafted birch bark crown is decorated with woven silver colored metal. Birch bark had many uses and due to the remarkable preservative properties of birch bark it is slow to decay and lasts for a long time. Nordic people believe Silver has long been a protective element against evil.
Dalerna Crown
Karen Keenan – Hemslöjd Studios
våm, human hair, wire, beads, wood
Hemslojd Studios – Karen Keenan, Swedish traditional hair jewelry | John Keenan, woodwork
Winter Flowers
Adeline Wright
wool, grosgrain ribbon
Santa Lucia Crown
Emilie Bowman
fiber
Though raised in a Scandinavian family, I never participated in our local Sankta Lucia day processionals growing up. Feeling that I missed this opportunity in my youth, I decided to create a crown for myself to celebrate now. I used cardstock as a base for support, which I covered in felt leaves, berries, and candles.
Swedish Crown
Faith Clover
wire, Luffarslöjd process
Cormorant Crown
Ann Klefstad
white cedar treated with fire
These cormorants, adaptable and familiar, celebrate our kinship in relationship to the water: our sharing this carbon-based life. Burning is what we’re doing to them, to their home, and to ourselves.
Sweetgrass Floral Crown
Wendy Savage
sweetgrass braid, fabric, glass gems
I have used my millinery skills to create bridal birdcage veils, small fascinators, and a floral crown, for many of my dear friends. Making bridal veils is a new and contemporary art for me as an Ojibway woman. I did my first floral crown for a wedding that was held in the woods on a northern lake shore. The Bride was not interested in a veil. So as a gift to her I created a sweetgrass floral crown to wear. She was thrilled and so were the Elder women at the wedding. It was wonderful to see how the women were so happy to see a simple sweetgrass floral braid part of her wedding! I had received the approval of those Elder women and the Bride was pleased. What a gift to all.
Late Winter Folk Crown And Dress
Kristin Aune
stenciled textile
Crown Wedding
Anita Jain
Large crown: metal ribbed silk lamp shade, wire, muslin, fabric stiffener, glue, nuno felted flower petals
Small crown: Small metal ribbed silk lampshade , glue, nuno felted fabric on wooden platform
From Finnish mythology, the nature spirit Luonnotar is getting married in a very old traditional three day crown wedding; two wedding gowns, white and black. Two crowns, one smaller silver one and a big one with flower shapes.
Luonnotar’s godmother is Kuutar, the maiden of the moon who gifts the bride with the cloak of blessings which is full of blessings; Tulips for deep love and passion. Lilies for motherhood, good luck and 100 years of love. Anemone for anticipation and enjoyment of the moment. Golden daisy jewelry; innocence and purity, transformation and true love. Ahti the rulers of waters and protector god of fishermen is represented in the life sustaining water that runs true to the ocean of the sky. The feather represents the Raven; prophecy and connector of the material world with that of spirits.
Birds Of A Feather
Arna Rennan
birch branches, wire, yarn
As a plein-air painter, and one who loves in the woods in Normanna Township, my crown is an expression of the riches I see on a daily basis. Years ago, I came to the conclusion that once people are removed from nature, the need and desire for glittery gems and materials things becomes greater. I am an integral part of nature. I am regal by virtue of being alive and appreciating all that surrounds me. The crown in the exhibit is an extension of who I am.
Norwegian Bridal Girl
Alison Aune
mixed media papier cache
I was inspired by traditional Nordic bridal crown and textile traditions. For this exhibition, I reinterpreted and reimaged three crowns: a youthful Norwegian bridal crown, a Swedish bridal crown from Dalarna, and an elder Finnish-Nowegian Winter Solstice crown. I created these sculptures from recycled materials, papier mache, and craft supplies.
Swedish Bride
Alison Aune
mixed media papier cache
I was inspired by traditional Nordic bridal crown and textile traditions. For this exhibition, I reinterpreted and reimaged three crowns: a youthful Norwegian bridal crown, a Swedish bridal crown from Dalarna, and an elder Finnish-Nowegian Winter Solstice crown. I created these sculptures from recycled materials, papier mache, and craft supplies.
Bestemor Marie, Winter Solstice Crown
Alison Aune
mixed media papier cache
I was inspired by traditional Nordic bridal crown and textile traditions. For this exhibition, I reinterpreted and reimaged three crowns: a youthful Norwegian bridal crown, a Swedish bridal crown from Dalarna, and an elder Finnish-Nowegian Winter Solstice crown. I created these sculptures from recycled materials, papier mache, and craft supplies.
Warrior Fairy Bride’s Wedding Crown
Anita Jain
small branches, foam circle, glue, gold paint
When this was exhibited at the American Swedish Institute, she wore combat boots with flowers in them with her wedding crown. She had stylized wings to match the boots. The year was 1917, the year of Finland’s independence. With her new husband she was ready to do her share for independence.
Crocheted Crown
Nikki Collette
embroidery threads, beads
Sami Hats
Sami Cultural Center of North America
felt-braid
In earlier times, Sami brides often wore headpieces or crowns and veils with their traditional gakti (Sami dress). Contemporary brides sometimes wear their red Sami hats with a silver tiara over the hat. It is customary for brides to also wear a display of silver risku, often borrowed from family.
Silver Crown
Brad Nelson
silver, stone
North Sea Thrum Crown
Justin Anderson
American, Lithuanian, Icelandic, Scottish, and Norwegian yarn from sheep’s wool
After the largely-forgotten, pointed, woolen floss caps worn by seafaring traders and coastal fisherfolk to guard against the icy winds and currents of the Northern ocean.
Viking Helmet
Jon Hinkel
steel, leather, and horn, welding, sewing, and riveting
Fountainhead Coronet
Liz Bucheit
silver
This is a playful take on Swedish bridal crowns using handmade filigree wire. The coronet style is smaller and worn the same way as traditional crowns. These pieces are part of my “Headliner” collection and reflect my love of drawing.
Fiddlehead Coronet
Liz Bucheit
silver
This is a playful take on Swedish bridal crowns using handmade filigree wire. The coronet style is smaller and worn the same way as traditional crowns. These pieces are part of my “Headliner” collection and reflect my love of drawing.
Featherhead Coronet
Liz Bucheit
silver
This is a playful take on Swedish bridal crowns using handmade filigree wire. The coronet style is smaller and worn the same way as traditional crowns. These pieces are part of my “Headliner” collection and reflect my love of drawing.
Join our exhibition with your own crown!
Download our coloring book that goes along with the story!
