FOLKLORE FOR FUTURE - bridging cultures and communities
Scandinavian & Slavic cultures, rural & urban, culture & nature, past & future!
DOFINANSOWANO ZE ŚRODKÓW UNII EUROPEJSKIEJ
2023-1-PL01-KA210-ADU-000160302
TOOLS and ARTICLES
ONLINE SEMINARS
Online Workshop – Swedish Folklore – Scandinavian Midwinter – 22 December 2023
As we met just before Christmas it came out naturally to talk about Yule Midwinter traditions. Sebastian invited us into a story full of winter magic, trolls, tomte gnomes and sweet Santa Lucia songs. We’ve been comparing pagan Scandinavian and Slavic midwinter traditions and investigating their influences on Christianity. Because we share similar nature cycles and are lucky to experience real snow, it occurs that both cultures had similar preparations before harsh season coming, similar fears of dark nights and cold, longing for light and warmness, therefore not only customs but even food traditions are similar, for example fermented food easy to store, feasts as animals needed to be slaughtered as there wouldn’t be enough food for them.
Online Workshop – Danish Culture – Danish and Ukrainian Witches in the Past and Nowadays – 18 January 2024
Witch in Ukrainian language is Vidma – she who knows, who has knowledge, wisdom. We’ve learned that although in almost all Europe persecuted, in Ukraine, witches were quite respected and left alone. As for Denmark, they were not so lucky, they faced many trials. However this didn’t disencourage their descendants as nowadays Denmark is proud to be a home for around 500 witches that openly admit who they are. They enmbrace different types of Wicca, nature religions and variations based on Norse mythology. More you can find here https://www.sciencenordic.com/anthropology-denmark-history/your-danish-friend-may-be-a-witch/1372110
Online Workshop – Polish Folklore – Folk Demonology – 15 February 2024
In Slavic culture not all supernatural beings are harmful demons. But most of them, yes, have evil intentions or at least cruelly playful. For example Wiły, meadow nymphs that can dance poor village boys till death or Południca that loves riddles and can bring madness if you stay at midday in the field. Still, there are Domowniki house gnomes, that will guard your home if you leave them groats to eat; Leszy, forest guardian that can help you find your way home if you respect nature. Polish Folklore is full of amazing beaings that were fuealing imagination of our ancestors. Even if the faith in them is fading, still we have recorded many testimonies in Human Library of oral history that you can check here https://teatrnn.pl/historiamowiona/
Art & Craft Residency at Hästekasen
Hästekasen Farm and Adventure Center
13 – 26 May 2024
For two weeks we’ve been immersed in Swedish nature and culture learning and absorbing traditional Scandinavian arts and crafts.
It’s hard to recollect all of the awesome things we’ve done but among them singing, wood carving, blacksmithing, sailing, baking, spinning, cutting trees, pottery, herbal walks, cow and seed farm visits, storytelling, stone wall, Sami and Scandinavian history lectures…
Beside regular Hästekasen team we had opportunity to learn from experts:
– sailing, natural building, small-scale farming, Swedish history and storytelling – Sebastian Näslund
– Sami culture, herbs and wild edible plants , drums – Maria Leek
– sustainable farms – Jan Karlsson https://www.gronagardar.se/
– seed bank, growing fruit and vegetables – Johnny Andreasson https://www.runabergsfroer.se/?m=484
Our residency at Hästekasen was intense, inspiring and definitely impactful. Seeing future entangled with past in a modern community structure.
Linen/Flax Spinning by Anna
During Hastekasen Art Residency we had a chance to learn more about flax spinning and how to create your clothes from the seed. Anna from Denmark is growing her own flax and producing linen out of it.
For two weeks we observed her working and to our surprise, we’ve been lucky enough to see the results – long threads of linen that are almost ready to be woven (they need to soften by ash bath and boiling first).
Emil i Lönneberga
During Hastekasen Art Residency, in a straw clay Viking Hall we watched a classic children’s movie – Emil in Lonneberga. It is a 1971 Swedish film, the first of three films based on the Emil i Lönneberga books written by Astrid Lindgren.
Emil Svensson lives on the farm Katthult (“Catholt”), set in the village of Lönneberga in Småland around the year 1900, with his younger sister Ida, mother Alma and father Anton, the farmhand Alfred who shows great affection towards Emil and the farm maid Lina who, however, is unable to tolerate Emil’s pieces of mischief (hyss). Sometimes Krösa-Maja (“Lingonberry-Maia”) comes to Katthult to help with domestic work and tell Emil and Ida stories about “mylingar”, ghosts, murders and similar nasties.
When “Eeemiil” is called in Katthult, there is only one safe place on this earth for Emil – the carpenter’s shop. He lifts his little sister Ida up in the flagpole and puts his head in the soup terrine.
Emil does more “hyss” than there are days of the year, each time after being locked in the carpenter’s workshop for punishment, carving small figurines.
The movie shows well the culture of traditional farm life in Sweden in old times.
Johnny Andreasson Seed Bank and Factory
Study visit in a very inspiring place – home for thousand of seeds. Lots of yummy vegetables and fruit, from seed to the table. Johnny explained how they grow them, what old Swedish varietes are still available and how to preserve them.
You may check it out here – https://www.runabergsfroer.se/?m=484
Reflection and Relations
Where do you belong?
Do you identify with your culture?
What part of your culture folklore do you cherish the most?
What values do you stand for? Do you think they are rooted in your culture or rather your personality?
Are there common traits for Slavic culture? if so then what are they?
Are there common traits for Scandinavian culture? if so then what are they?
Do you see any connections between Slavic and Scandinavian culture?
How does life changed since industrialisation? How it influenced us and our contact with nature and local community?
In what way cycles of nature influence Slavic and Scandinavian cultures?
Do you have some favourite recipes from your culture? Any family customs or traditions you especially like?
What practices from the past would you include in your daily routine?
What sustainabilty practices from the past are worth to implement nowadays?
What can we learn from the past to make our future better?
Breaking B(re)ad
When was the last time you’ve enjoyed home made bread? Have you ever baked it yourself?
This is a reminder to do it. Today!
Casting Runes!
Up until the early 20th century, runes were still used in rural Sweden for decorative purposes in Dalarna and on runic calendars. The three best-known runic alphabets are the Elder Futhark ( c. AD 150–800), the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc (400–1100), and the Younger Futhark (800–1100).
At Gimle (fantasy part of Hastekasen) we had a visit of a Völva (the Seer) who introduced us history and meaning of Futhark Runes and given opportunity to ask Asa (the gods) about the meandres of our future. Not all turned bright but hopefully Asa will be merciful and help us.
Sami People
The Sami are one of the world’s indigenous peoples and one of Sweden’s official national minorities.
Originally hunters and gatherers, the Sami turned to herding of domesticated reindeer in the 17th century. Reindeer naturally move across huge tracks of land to graze, and the Sami historically lived following the herds.
Maria who lives at Hastekasen introduced us to Sami culture as for many years she lived there, had a Sami husband and her sons are reindeer herders.
Pottery
Clay is very useful not only to build houses but also to create almost whatever we want! Even a golem!
But this time it was already satisfying for us to make some bowls, trays and little toys. Afterwards we were burning them in the blacksmithing owen.
Also we’ve learned that there are various kinds of clay that can be used for differente purposes, apparently the grey one is one of the finest.
Do you know that using pottery wheel is not that easy as it looks?
Evaluation and Celebration
When Art Residency was about to end we had time for Reflection, Evaluation and Celebration.
We’ve been thinking what we’ve done during those two weeks, reflecting on how those activities impacted us, what we’ve learned and how we’ll use it in our everyday life. We’ve been talking also about our dreams, hopes, fears and plans for the future. Also how we are going to pass gained knowledge and skills to our local communities
Photo Gallery
Multiplier Events After Hastekasen Art Residency
Carving and Tales from Sweden
POLAND, 7.06.2024
Carving and Tales from Sweden
Polish team decided to share stories about trolls and their place in Swedish culture. We’ve also watched videos from the art residency showing how we cut the tree and parts of the wood from the exact tree we’ve brought to Krakow so the participant could carve in a real Swedish wood. Do you know that Sweden has very strong steal and their tools are famous for carving? And after watching Emil who was expert at wood carving we wanted to feel for a moment like that naughty Swedish boy locked in the workshop and carving for fun. Butter knife, spoon, candle holder – that were the most popular choices for carving.
Of course we couldn’t forget about FIKA tradition that we enjoyed with cinnamon rolls and coffee. Two Krakowians who are actually Swedes came to the event and added even more authentic stories from their homeland.
Swedish Culture Weekend
DENMARK, 5-7.07.2024
Swedish Culture Weekend
Danish Team decided to devote three days to share their experience and even that would not be enough to pass all what we’ve learned at Hastekasen. The program was full of creative activities and was repeating after some of them that we experienced in Sweden – pottery, baking, storytelling, recognizing herbs and edible plants, singing. Additionally participants watched documentary ‘Imprint’, a co-production between CampfireStories and the Swedish Transition Network. It is about 13 projects in 13 different places where committed groups work for a vibrant future. A personal and poetic depiction of what it means to be fully human in the age of the Anthropocene. The topics among others include:
• Downscaling, simplifying and tiny house living.
• Solutions to food waste.
• The importance of gathering, celebrating and getting to know your neighbours.
• Greta Thunberg and Fridays for Future.
Traditional Swedish Crafting - Blacksmithing
SWEDEN, 26.09.2024
Traditional Swedish Crafting – Blacksmithing
Blacksmithing has been an essential craft in Scandinavia for centuries. During the Viking Age (800-1050 AD), blacksmiths were highly respected members of society who crafted weapons and tools for warriors and farmers alike.
The scandinavian technique, Kolhammer (coal hammer), involves heating iron rods until they are red-hot then hitting them with hammers to shape them into various forms.
Another technique is called “damaskering,” which involves layering different types of steel together to create intricate designs visible after etching away one layer with acid. This process is used mostly on knives or swords.
A group of adventurers had a chance not only dive in into history of Scandinavian blacksmithing and its influence on Swedish culture but also try out their skills in the forge. Bringing back skills from the Art Residency they’ve tried to create nails, hooks, construction parts, but also decorations.
Art & Craft Residency at AVNO OASIS
Avnø Oasis, Denmark
15-28 June 2025
The residency in Denmark was a deep immersion into community life, where hands, bodies, and relationships mattered as much as knowledge. Together we built a 40-meter wooden “dead fence” from recycled wood, working with traditional tools and learning through doing. We danced and celebrated Sankt Hans during a midsummer folk dance ball that welcomed local neighbors and folk dancers. Between gardening, shared meals, reflection circles, and everyday tasks, participants became part of the life of Avnø Oasis — exchanging folklore, songs, stories, and rituals from Denmark, Poland, and Ukraine. The residency became a lived experience of togetherness, where tradition, sustainability, and community intertwined, and folklore revealed itself as a living resource for connection, care, and future-making.
MULTIPLIER EVENTS AFTER ART RESIDENCY IN DENMARK
Northern Shamanic Traditions
DENMARK, 18 August 2025
Northern Shamanic Traditions, drum journey, and Vølve Circle
An evening devoted to Nordic shamanism as living heritage and inner practice. Through stories, ritual, drumming, and the Vølve circle, participants explored ancient Scandinavian traditions connected to intuition, nature, and everyday life. The experience created a safe, reflective space for questions, emotions, and shared wisdom, showing how ritual, storytelling, and community can still offer guidance in the modern world.
Danish Folk Dances
SWEDEN, 15 July 2025
Danish Folk Dances, Shamanic Impro dances, and storytelling by the fire
An embodied evening of movement, rhythm, and storytelling. Participants learned the Danish “Little Englishman” folk dance, explored Nordic shamanic movement practices in the Viking Hall, and reflected on differences between Danish and Swedish cultural attitudes. The gathering ended by the fire, with shared stories and conversations that deepened intercultural understanding through the body, tradition, and collective experience.
HYGGE LEGO
POLAND, 22 September 2025
HYGGE LEGO
A playful and reflective LEGO Hygge workshop exploring Danish culture and the idea of hygge. Using LEGO® Serious Play, participants built their own interpretations of hygge, connected individual constructions into a shared landscape, and interpreted them through metaphorical cards and group discussion. The experience was accompanied by Danish sweets and treats, creating a warm, informal atmosphere for cultural exchange and collective meaning-making.
ART RESIDENCY IN WRÓBLÓWKA, POLAND
ART RESIDENCY IN WRÓBLÓWKA, POLAND
8-21 August 2025
The residency in Poland unfolded as a slow, hands-on return to skills, stories, and shared responsibility. In a forest retreat, we transformed an old building into a living art and craft space — laying a traditional wooden floor, creating a forest gallery, filling attic windows with stained glass, and shaping a place ready to welcome learning, making, and rest. Days were filled with baking bread and pierogi, preserving food, gardening, recognizing wild plants, painting botanical watercolors, and working with wood and natural materials. Evenings brought sharing circles, where memories of grandparents, rural life, and old knowledge met conversations about fear, care, and solidarity in uncertain times. Folklore came alive through Polish demonology, plant wisdom, and everyday rituals, reminding us that sustainability is not a trend but a way of living together — rooted in land, skills, and mutual support.
MULTIPLIER EVENTS AFTER ART RESIDENCY IN POLAND
Slavic foraging traditions
DENMARK, 24 August 2025
Slavic foraging traditions and herbal knowledge
A hands-on Slavic foraging and herbal workshop exploring traditional seasonal living. Participants gathered wild herbs, berries, and leaves, explored a herbal garden, and learned to dry and store plants. Each created personalized tea blends, connecting folklore, wellbeing, and sustainability in a sensory, immersive experience.
Slavic Tribal Dances
SWEDEN, 25 August 2025
Slavic Tribal Dances and Embodied Storytelling
An expressive workshop of Slavic tribal dances, blending movement with storytelling. Participants explored individual and group embodied stories, emotions, and cultural identity, sharing reflections in a communal circle. Inspired by the Polish Residency, it connected dance, history, and folklore in a hands-on, immersive way.
Autumn Botanical Watercolors
POLAND, 17 October 2025
Autumn Botanical Watercolors
Participants learned watercolor techniques to paint autumn plants like mushrooms, berries, and pinecones. The workshop included plant identification, creating herbariums, and sharing folk stories and childhood memories connected to plants, blending artistic practice with folklore and storytelling.
FILMY
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THE PARTNER CONSORTIUM
Here are the names of our organizations and the links to our webpages and social media. We are all happy to talk about youth-friendly practices and policies in various countries – just find the contacts in the links:
