text and images britt-arnhild
Today we get all the vegetables and the greens we need, no matter how long, hard and strong the winter is. Life has not always been like that, and for generations seeking green during the snowy winter months was essential, a struggle.
An old Sami once told me a tale from his childhood. He and his siblings loved the long winters, loved to play in the white forrests from early morning till late night. Every day though, their old grandma came out, calling for one of them "find me some green tyttebær leaves, will you"
The tyttebær/lingonberries stay green all through the year, even deep down under the snow. The old Sami women used the green leaves to make "coffee".
Drinking it, her body was offered much needed vitamins and minerals.
There is no snow around our cabin now, faced south, it easily melts in the sun. I gathered lingonberry leaves, put them in boiled water, making myself a mug of tea. Sitting down, reflecting on generations of foremothers.
I am proud to be the bead in my long chain.
