Urtekram Nordic Berries
The inhabitants of Scandinavia are regarded as particularly friendly in international comparison. They address each other with their first names, are modest and do not like extremes. And although they resign from many formalities, they do not seem to be impolite. Their ancestors did not have such a good reputation. A thousand years ago, as Vikings, they have made the shores unsafe with their longships and spread fear and terror among Europe. These special ships were not only seaworthy, but were also able to navigate rivers due to their low draft. The Vikings crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and later also the Bosporus on them. From the river mouths of the Baltic Sea, they invaded deep into today's Russia. Leif Eriksson is said to have reached America 500 years before Christopher Columbus. As impressive as the Viking's maritime skills were, in Europe they were mainly known as plunderers. Other aspects of their culture were barely known. Hence many prejudices reinforced themselves over the centuries. Vikings are often portrayed as a drunken, unwashed horde with horns on their helmets. However, until today, archaeologists have not found a single Viking's helmet with horns on it. The term ”Viking“ does not refer to a particular nation, but to someone who ”goes to Viking“, which means plundering. In Denmark, Norway and Sweden, only a very small part of the population took part in such raids. Most people remained at home peacefully and lived from agriculture.
The archaeological findings of the last decades throw a new light on the supposedly uncultivated Viking men and Viking women (yes, also women took part in raids). Turkish chroniclers report that women from the North fought just as fiercely as men. Women who had chosen to live as warriors were called shieldmaiden. They also played an important role in Nordic mythology. In terms of equality, the Scandinavians were already a few centuries ahead of their neighbors.
The Anglo-Saxons had to cope with the Danes and the Norwegians especially often. In addition to their lust for fighting, the Nordic men were also known for their cleanliness in today's England. Records from the 12th-century historian John of Wallingford state, that the Danes would particularly exaggerate their personal care. They combed their hair daily, took a bath at least once a week and regularly changed their clothes. Immediately after getting up, they washed their faces and before each meal they even washed their hands. The Anglo-Saxons had no understanding for so much vanity. The groomed Scandinavians were popular with the women, though. John of Wallingford complained, that many aristocratic ladies would rather get involved with the freshly washed Nordic men than with the rustic locals. The latter felt that the use of water and soap would be an unfair competitive advantage. After all, they ”knew“ that too much water would make the skin sick.
The Scandinavians have not been to Viking for a long time. But a groomed outer appearance is still important to them today. Since environmental protection and sustainability are very important in Northern Europe, natural cosmetics are also very popular. The Danish manufacturer Urtekram uses plants for its series „Nordic Berries“ that are also native to Scandinavia. Extracts of cranberries, blueberries or bilberries give the perfectly matched care products a dreamy fresh scent. Sea buckthorn and rosehip provide, among other ingredients, a nurturing effect. The refreshing Nordic Berries Shower Gel with hyaluron is suitable for all skin types. Mild washing substances clean the skin gently. After showering, dry skin is especially pleased with an extra portion of moisture. The Nordic Berries Body Lotion supports a pleasant skin feeling with shea butter, apricot kernel oil and aloe vera. Extracts of cranberry and rosehip in the Nordic Berries Shampoo and Conditioner have a revitalizing effect on hair and scalp in need of care. The Nordic Berries Spray is a conditioner without rinsing: The practical Leave-In can be used in wet and dry hair. The series is completed by a soft-scented Hand Soap and a Cream Deo Roll-On. With the Urtekram Nordic Berries care series, you can bring the wonderful scent of Scandinavian berry extracts into your life.
