Leif Erikson Day

Leif Erikson Day History

Leif Erikson Day is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of Leif Erikson, a Norse explorer who is believed to be one of the first Europeans to set foot on the North American continent. This commemoration serves to acknowledge and appreciate the legacy of Viking explorers, their history, and the impact of Norse settlers in the New World. This special occasion is significant in many countries, including Canada, who take pride in their Norse heritage and aim to raise awareness about this important period in history.

Leif Erikson's exploits have been a topic of interest and fascination for centuries, with historical records and Norse sagas suggesting that he established a Norse settlement called Vinland, which is thought to be in present-day Newfoundland, Canada. Although Leif Erikson Day is more prominently celebrated in the US due to its official recognition in 1964, it still holds enormous cultural significance for Canadians residing in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, where the only authenticated Norse site in North America, L'Anse aux Meadows, is located.

In Canada, Leif Erikson Day is observed through various educational and cultural activities that aim to shed light on the historical impact of Norse exploration and settlement. Canadians with an interest in their Viking ancestry, history enthusiasts, and communities at large often participate in events such as seminars, exhibitions, and reenactments to commemorate Leif Erikson's extraordinary achievements. Although it is not a public holiday or observed on a specific date in Canada, this day allows those passionate about their Norse heritage to reflect on and celebrate their unique maritime legacy.

Leif Erikson Day facts

• Leif Erikson was actually born in Iceland but his family was Norwegian. He died in Greenland in the year 1020.
• Histories have been written and more will be written of the Norwegians in America, but no man can tell adequately of the tearing asunder of tender ties, the hardships and dangers crossing the deep, the work and worry, the hopes and fears, the laughter and tears, of men and women who with bare hands carved out of a wilderness a new kingdom. - Rønning, N. N., from the book Fifty Years in America
• In 1964, the government of Canada excavated the Norse settlement in L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, providing backing to the theory that Leif Erikson was indeed the first European to reach North America. This site is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Erikson is widely believed by historians to have established the first European settlement in Canada named Vinland, which is now known as Newfoundland, around the year 1000 AD. This is said to be 500 years before Christopher Columbus arrived in Americas.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Leif Erikson Day

Top things to do in Canada for Leif Erikson Day

• Take a trip to Iceland, Norway or Greenland and visit the homelands of Leif Erikson.
• Take a trip to UNESCO site of L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada. This is believed to be the site of Erikson's first New World settlement.
• Explore L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the only confirmed Norse settlement in North America. It is an archaeological site containing the remnants of a Viking village from around 1000 AD.
• Visit a museum or cultural center with Viking or Nordic artifacts and exhibits. The Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec has a collection of ancient Viking artifacts.