MorMor

By Elin Prescott

The title of “grandparent” is a special one – No matter if you are a first-time grandpa, a 93-year-old grandma, or an honorary grandma, grandparents hold a significant role in our lives. Our grandmothers here in America are often nicknamed Grandma, Mimi, Granny, Nana, Gigi, Grammy. Our grandfathers may have the name of Grandpa, Papa, Gramps. The list goes on of course! For many grandparents, deciding what your grandchildren call you for decades is an important choice.

In Sweden grandchildren most commonly have four different names for their four different grandparents. For example, MorMor is the Swedish version of grandma on your mother’s side, translated to Mother’s Mother. In America and many parts of the world grandchildren may refer to their grandparents on their mother’s side and father’s side differently to indicate which grandparent they are referring to. In the Swedish language they already have the titles appropriately given to each grandparent specifying the exact person. The four names include:

●      MorMor- Mother’s Mother, Grandma on Mom’s side

●      MorFar- Mother’s Father, Grandpa on Mom’s side

●      FarMor- Father’s Mother, Grandma on Dad’s side

●      FarFar- Father’s Father, Grandpa on Dad’s side

The use of the names MorMor, MorFar, FarFar, FarMor I find straightforward, clear, and literal, yet somehow innovative, intentional, and original. I believe keeping certain areas of life effortless and uncomplicated, but at the same time purposeful, creative, and unique is a strength of Scandinavia as a whole. This concept is found in Scandinavian designs and ideas time and time again. Our products here at Little Scandinavia reflect this idea: The Swedish dishcloth was invented in Sweden and introduced to the world as a practical yet newly discovered and advanced kitchen accessory. The wooden birds made in Sweden, are both a mix of stunning and simple streamlined design. The Scandinavian candlesticks are a sleek shape with a natural light wood color but also a statement piece.

Translating in English to Mother’s Mother, MorMor, a Swedish word, is simple and also special. It’s very fitting for my grandma who is Swedish, simple but special! I have affectionately called my grandma on my mother’s side “MorMor” my whole life. My Mormor particularly enjoys making her mother’s Swedish recipes and collecting Swedish home decor. Occasionally she would have to sneak packages in the house without my grandpa realizing! She nurtured my love for several different Scandinavian products and still does so today. My brother and I had many years of walking back and forth to MorMor’s house to play in the blue and yellow Swedish “Liten Stuga” (the life size playhouse my grandpa built), making Swedish baked goods (Swedish pancakes, Spritz cookies, Swedish tea rolls, almond cake), packaging St. Lucia rolls to deliver to friends on December 13th together, hanging God Jul stockings on the fireplace and many more countless memories.

My “MorMor” and my “MorFar,” who were both 100% Swedish, were so dear to me for so many reasons. Their influence in embracing Swedish culture into our family, educating us on our Swedish heritage, and traveling with us to introduce us to our family members in Sweden will always be valued and carried with me. MorMor and I nowadays enjoy having fika and shopping together, especially at Little Scandinavia. She is truly one of my best friends.

Many customers come into Little Scandinavia and are reminded of their MorMor, MorFar, FarFar, or FarMor. Your grandpa may have used the term “Uff Da” when he was exhausted, or maybe your grandma painted rosemaling on a family heirloom, you might have had a relative that collected tomtes, or you recall an aunt that made almond cake. In my experience, walking into Little Scandinavia for the first time made me feel like I had a taste of my own MorMor’s home- the shelves full of dala horses, coffee brewing, pepparkakor in stock. When I think of my MorMor I have nothing but affectionate warm thoughts. We hope to celebrate Scandinavian heritage with our customers at Little Scandinavia, perhaps share in your memories of your grandparents, or reintroduce a new term for grandma – MorMor!