The December edition of the art magazine "Geijutsu Shincho", have chosen to focus almost the entire magazine on Norway. Perhaps not entirely a surprise, December is the month of Christmas. And if you go along with Bing Cosby that Christmases are supposed to be white, well, Norway is the answer to your dreams.
Saying that, there isn't actually a single story on Christmas when you start reading, but rather articles showing off the stunning beauty of Norway's countryside, the museums and architecture of Oslo and Bergen, the history of the vikings and the beauty of the first Christian churches, which gradually conquered the ancient norse pre-Christian mythology. Dating back to around 1150, still 28 of these "stavkirker" remain scattered around the country, and they all provide for an unique blend of the traditional "pagan" nordic art blended in with ancient christian symbols. The magazine even provide readers with stories on the Norwegian emigration to America, and some stunning pictures from the cold winters of northern Norway and the capital of the Aurora Borealis,
Tromsų. Of course there are no guarantees that the Northern lights will emerge if you head up north, but if you want increase your own chances of catching a glimpse of one of the most
amazing show nature has to offer, Tromsų and its surrounding areas is the best place on the entire northern hemisphere.
If you are a Norwegian, the december edition of Geijutsu Shincho is an excellent idea for a small gift in order to introduce Norway for your Japanese friends. And the other way around; if you are a Japanese keen to read up on Norway and it's history, arts, food and culture, this edition should enable your family, friends and colleagues to grasp some of the essence of things Norwegian. December is evaporates very quickly (or so it seems in the middle of all the shopping, so we suggest you run off to your local
bookstore and ask for the latest issue of Geijutsu Shincho now.
