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The Symra Society was established in 1907. Its original purpose was to provide financial support for a literary periodical by the same name. Symra is the Norwegian name of a spring flower. It inspired a collection of poems bearing that name, written in 1863 by Ivar Aasen, the prominent Norwegian liniguist. As the noted Norwegian-American scholar Einar Haugen noted, "One stanza of his opening poem, Fyrestev, explains the name:

The society originally met every other week in members' homes. One member hosted a dinner, which was followed by a talk given by a member or an outside guest. Today, the group meets once a month during the academic year (September - May), and the dinners are usually held on the campus of Luther College. The tradition of an after dinner talk continues, however, and the formal presentations are often supplemented by book reviews presented by individual members. Membership is limited to twenty-five regular members, with additional Associate or Honorary Members. Although the membership was originally limited to men only, both men and women are now eligible for membership.

The purpose of Symra is to continue the study and appreciation of the rich Scandinavian culture inherited by Americans of Nordic ancestry as it has done since 1907 and to promote literary study and research generally.

Minutes and other records of Symra Society are held at the Luther College Archives. Click here for a description of the collections.