National Leif Erikson Day

National Leif Erikson Day

National Leif Erikson Day, celebrated annually on October 9, honors Leif Erikson, the Norse explorer credited as the first European to set foot in North America around the year 1000. This day also highlights the contributions of Nordic Americans and celebrates the spirit of discovery.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: October 9
  • Tagged as: Cultural, Historical
  • What’s the hashtag?: #LeifEriksonDay
  • When was it founded?: 1964
  • Who founded it?: U.S. Congress, with President Lyndon B. Johnson issuing the first proclamation

History of National Leif Erikson Day

Leif Erikson’s legacy as a pioneer predates Christopher Columbus by nearly 500 years. His voyages are detailed in Icelandic sagas, which describe his landing in a place he called “Vinland,” believed to be modern-day Newfoundland, Canada. The date October 9 was chosen not for Erikson’s life but to commemorate the arrival of the Norwegian ship Restauration in New York Harbor in 1825, marking the beginning of organized Norwegian immigration to the U.S.

The idea of celebrating Leif Erikson gained traction in the late 19th century when Rasmus B. Anderson published America Not Discovered by Columbus in 1874. Wisconsin became the first state to observe Leif Erikson Day in 1929, followed by Minnesota in 1931. In 1964, Congress authorized October 9 as a national observance.

Timeline

  • 1000 CE: Leif Erikson lands in North America.
  • 1825: The Restauration arrives in New York Harbor.
  • 1929: Wisconsin declares Leif Erikson Day a state holiday.
  • 1964: U.S. Congress officially recognizes October 9 as Leif Erikson Day.
  • Present Day: Presidents issue annual proclamations honoring Nordic contributions.

Dates by Next Year

YearMonth and DateDay
2025October 9Thursday
2026October 9Friday
2027October 9Saturday
2028October 9Monday
2029October 9Tuesday
2030October 9Wednesday

Observed

Leif Erikson Day is celebrated primarily in Nordic communities across the U.S., Canada, and Iceland. Festivities include parades, Viking reenactments, Norwegian food tastings, and wreath-laying ceremonies at statues commemorating Erikson.

Fun Facts About Leif Erikson Day

  • The only verified Viking settlement in North America is L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland.
  • Statues of Leif Erikson can be found worldwide, including Iceland, Norway, and several U.S. cities like Boston and Chicago.
  • The day is often overshadowed by Columbus Day but remains an important cultural celebration for Nordic-Americans.

Quiz

  1. What year did Leif Erikson land in North America?
  2. Which state was the first to recognize Leif Erikson Day?
  3. What ship’s arrival inspired the date for Leif Erikson Day?

(Answers: 1. Around 1000 CE; 2. Wisconsin; 3. Restauration)

FAQs

  • Q: Is Leif Erikson Day a federal holiday?
    A: No, it is not a federal holiday; schools and businesses remain open.
  • Q: Why is October 9 significant?
    A: It marks the arrival of Norwegian immigrants aboard Restauration in New York Harbor in 1825.
  • Q: What does “Vinland” mean?
    A: It translates to “Wine Land,” named for the wild grapes found there.

Related

  • Columbus Day
  • Nordic Heritage Festivals
  • Viking History Exhibits