Kransekake, or Lover’s Ring Tree

Kransekake is the Norwegian name for “crown cake,” a unique ringed Scandinavian wedding cake that was Phil’s inspiration to design this decorative tree. 

This historic cake and my tree of rings design have rich and ancient symbolism for marriage and loving relationships.  In Northern Europe, the evergreen shape and the circular rings both symbolize forever, never-ending or everlasting.  The trees are turned, rings and all, from one piece of sugar maple, cherry or walnut.  This is a variation of the old turner’s trick of “rings on a spindle.”  For many centuries and in many parts of the world, turners have used the rings to add a special decorative touch to their work. 

 Crooked Kransekake

After years of making the straight kransekake, with many rings turned from sugar maple, Phil had an idea.  He could use multiple centers and axes to turn a curved tree, which he calls a “Drunken Kransekake.”  It’s very challenging to make; even the straight one is.  But it works.  Most people break out laughing when they see it, and often call it “Seusical.” Given that my straight Kransekake has been around for years as a wedding gift or even a symbol of marriage, Phil loves it when he hears people even say, “You know my marriage is more like this one, not straight, but still hanging together.”