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Early LDS settlers to Utah were encouraged to make the desert “blossom
like the rose,” which is a key idea to this year’s winning
design of the Scandinavian Heritage Festival pin contest.
But the main concept behind the pin, said designer Sean Hales of Sterling,
is the fortitude and courage of Scandinavian settlers who risked life-threatening
journeys over sea and earth, only to face an uncertain future in a foreign
land.
“The idea that those people would pack what they could and leave
the rest behind fascinates me,” Hales said. “Too often people
get comfortable in mediocre circumstances and are not willing to put
forth the effort to supply a better life to themselves or their families.
But these people swallowed their fear and took a chance. It’s
inspiring.”
The pin’s background is water, representing their journey over
the sea, and a large sun, representing a bright, albeit unknown, future.
The elements in the foreground are arranged left to right, representing
a chronological series of events. The juniper tree represents the barren
and sometimes unforgiving land to whence the settlers traveled. The
Dala horse, the focal point of the design, is an iconic symbol of Scandinavia,
and represents Scandinavian settlers who did indeed make the desert
blossom as the rose, as seen on the right.
Hales said the pin ended up looking a little Southwest in nature, but
that he thought it was a nice contrast to some of the previous winning
pins.
This is the second year that Hales has won the contest.
Pins are $5 and can be purchased
at the Ephraim City Building, the Ephraim Co-op, by calling 435.283.4631
or by mail.
Pins will also be available at the Festival Information Booth.
Ephraim City
Scandinavian Festival Pin
5 South Main
Ephraim, UT 84627 USA
You can also email any questions.
CLICK
HERE
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