Have you ever thought about what it means to be Canadian? It doesn’t take too long to realize how tough it is to define the Canadian culture, does it? Most of us will say it’s too diverse to round up a simple set of characteristics. But that’s ok. It doesn’t bother us really…until we travel to another country where culture and history is melded into everything – even their bread.

Norway is often a destination for my vacations because it affords my fiancee and I the rare opportunity to catch up with a lot of relatives. Things slow down in Europe and much time is spent just shooting the breeze with friends and family. That is not to say that Europeans are lazy or not as driven as North Americans. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The people of Norway don’t get to boast about their country’s incredibly healthy economy and social system by sitting on their asses all day. The difference is that in spite of everyone’s busy lives, equal if not more importance is given to home as to work life. I’m used to inhaling my meals in minutes before dashing out the door but dinners with my in-laws inevitably always take the better part of an hour. I am always in awe of how much more I can learn about Norwegians every time I visit. Even a simple trip to the local mini market can turn out to be a history lesson!

I was in search of a good loaf of bread and as I scanned the options, I came across Birkebeinerbrød, the logo of which is a supposedly famous drawing of two Viking-like chaps running away from something with a baby strapped to one of the men. It tells the tale of a period of civil unrest in Norway in the early 1200s. As with any other historical account in any country, Norway was comprised of several small kingdoms with each one vying to overtake all others and rule over the entire land. Two of the dominant factions were called Birkebeiners and Baglers. In 1204, the Birkebeiner chieftain Haakon died on New Years Day, leaving behind a two-year old prince to inherit the West of Norway. Needless to say, little Haakon Haakonsson’s life was at great risk so two Birkebeiners, Torstein Skevla and Skjervald Skrukka, fled with the child during horrific weather and in the midst of the worst snow storm in history. Little Haakon, who later became King Haakon, grew up to lead the people of Norway out of war and under him, the country prospered united.

To this day, Birkebeiners (sporting enthusiasts who compete in skiing competitions) carry a 3.5 kg pack to symbolize the prince in memory of that historic feat of valour and strength.

Don’t ask me what all of that has to do with bread. Maybe it’s their way of saying this loaf contains Ancient Grains.