📜 Primstav and church dates: how to read the traditional calendar today ✨
Primstav is a "calendar of meanings": symbols on a wooden "staff" marked the turning points of the year. This guide explains how to "read" primstav today, what to do in the city and at home on Helligtrekongersdag (6 January), Kyndelsmesse (2 February), Olsok (29 July), Mikkelsmesse (29 September), and Allehelgensdag (1 November). Plus quick city guides and mini itineraries for families.
What is primstav (in 60 seconds)
● Definition. A traditional Norwegian calendar with pictograms. The two sides symbolised the winter and summer halves of the year.
● Why is it used today? It helps plan quiet evenings, family rituals, short trips and cultural landmarks outside of the "big" holidays.
● How to read it. Think of the symbols as prompts: "light in the middle of winter," "summer peak," "autumn milestone," "time of remembrance."
Note: Rituals and services vary by parish and community. Look for specifics in our city guides below.
Primstav symbols: mini-encyclopaedia (ItemList)
● 🕯️ Candle — Kyndelsmesse (2 Feb.) → "light in the middle of winter": home comfort, lights, family activities.
● ⭐/👑 Star/three crowns — Helligtrekongersdag (6 January) → end of the Christmas cycle.
● ✝️/🛡️ Sword/shield/archangel — Mikkelsmesse (29 September) → autumn milestone, harvest, short trips.
● ⛪/🕯️ Candles at the cross — Allehelgensdag (1st Sunday in November) → remembrance of the dead, a "quiet" evening.
● 👑/🪓 Crown/axe — Olsok (29 July) → St. Olav, Nidaros, festivals, pilgrimage.
| Date | Name (NO) | Type | What it means today | What is open | Where to go |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Jan | Helligtrekongersdag | Observation | End of julefeiring, “taking down the Christmas tree” | Normal | Family cafés / libraries |
| 2 Feb | Kyndelsmesse | Observation | “Midwinter,” candles and light | Regular | Museums / cafés, “home evening” |
| 29 July | Olsok | Observation + flag day | St. Olav, Nidaros, festivals | Regular | Trondheim: services, concerts |
| 29 Sept. | Mikkelsmesse | Observation | Autumn milestone / harvest, “after-work” hikes | Regular | Parks / routes / food markets |
| 1st week of Nov. | All Saints’ Day | Observation | Candles in cemeteries, “quiet” evening | Sunday mode | Services / cemeteries / routes |
| Date | Retail | Restaurants/cafés | Museums/culture | Public transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyndelsmesse (weekdays) | Normal | Normal | Normal | Regular |
| Olsok (weekdays) | Normal | Normal | Often extended hours/events | Normal |
| Mikkelsmesse (weekdays) | Normal | Standard | Normal | Normal |
| All Saints’ Day (Sun) | Sunday mode | Sunday mode | Sunday hours | Sunday schedule |
| Helligtrekongersdag (weekdays) | Normal | Normal | Normal | Normal |
Family and city scenarios
● Kyndelsmesse. Home "light" evening (candles/tea/baking) · Museum + cocoa · Short daytime walk.
● Olsok. Festival + service · Short pilgrimage (shoes/water/communication).
● Mikkelsmesse. Market + light hike · Autumn dinner with local products.
● All Saints' Day. Candle evening (quiet, respectful) · Home reading and reminiscences.
● Helligtrekongersdag. "Decoration finale" (cleaning, donation) · Family dinner.
Make a mini primstav (HowTo · optional)
You will need: A wooden slat/thick cardboard, pencil/marker (or chisel), sandpaper, loop/magnet.
Steps.
- Mark two "halves" of the year.
- Mark 5–7 key symbols (see gallery).
- (For wood) Light sanding and protective coating.
Make a hanger/magnet.
Safety. Work carefully with tools; children should only work with adult supervision; keep away from open flames.
Why. A visual reminder of the seasons and family "anchor dates."
FAQ
A traditional "calendar staff" with symbols for dates and seasons; today, it is a cultural reference point and an occasion for quiet rituals and city plans.
No. These are observations/customs. The schedule is the same as on a normal day (or Sunday, if the date falls on a Sunday).
In city mini-guides for your city (links above) and on parish/municipality websites.
Commemoration of St. Olav; the main events take place in Trondheim at Nidaros Cathedral.
Bring flashlights and reflectors, choose a well-lit route, agree on the length of the visit and wear warm clothes.
Choose indoor alternatives: museums/libraries/cafes; move outdoor activities to daylight hours.
Yes. Use our instructions above (tree/cardboard) and mark 5–7 dates that are important to your family.
It depends on the venue. In city museums, we indicate where English versions are available.
In our flag hub (Olsok is the official flag day).
Everything operates as usual (except Sundays, when Sunday hours apply).
