Andrea Árting & Fagnaðartræ (Tree of Celebration)

Andrea Árting was the chairwoman of Havnar Arbeiðskvinnufelag (Union for employed women in Tórshavn), where she dedicated nearly her entire life to her work. She was also a board member of Føroya Arbeiðarafelag for a significant part of her life.

She fought for those who faced hardships, and as the chairwoman of Havnar Arbeiðskvinnufelag, she championed equality between men and women. Andrea paved the way for men and women to receive equal pay for equal work. This was achieved in 1977, and the agreement came into effect in 1981.

It was also Andrea who initiated the inclusion of women in the Ólavsøka rowing competitions.

Andrea was a prominent figure in the city. She talked to everyone—both children and adults. She often commented on events in the city and always showed genuine interest whenever she came across activities happening around her.

Although Andrea lived in Tórshavn, her contributions hold significance for all of the Faroe Islands. She worked to make Tórshavn and the Faroes a better society.

The statue, titled “Fagnaðartræ” (“Tree of Celebration”), celebrates Andrea Árting first and foremost but also Faroese women as a whole. It honours the feminine contributions to Faroese society.

As the name suggests, the statue represents a tree with seven branches, each symbolizing Andrea Árting’s work and ideals. On the first branch, the leaves resemble hands, reflecting the slogan of the labor movement and Andrea’s own motto. On the second branch, the leaves are shaped like dried fish, symbolizing her life as a union advocate. The third branch features hearts, representing her passionate care for underprivileged children from poor homes. On the fourth branch, the leaves take the shape of rowing boats, marking her achievement in 1918, when women were allowed to participate in rowing competitions. The fifth branch features the national bird, representing Andrea’s patriotism. The sixth branch highlights music, symbolized by lamb horns, as Andrea played instruments and composed numerous labor and protest songs. On the seventh and final branch, the leaves resemble coins, signifying the year 1977, when equal pay between men and women was finally passed in the Faroe Islands.

And where is Andrea Árting herself in all of this? The phrase that Andrea Árting, and women in general, are the backbone of society makes perfect sense to emphasize today. Beneath the tree stands Andrea in a modest pose, wearing her hat, waiting for the bus. She is petite but a giant in spirit. Her focus was always on the cause and the work, rather than herself. She was kind-hearted and humble but also resolute when needed—a woman with a strong sense of justice.

The statue’s location, right next to the city bus stop in the center of town, is also significant. She was a woman of the people, never too proud to take the bus.

Written with inspiration from speeches held by Edward Fuglø and Heðin Mortensen on September 22nd 2024.

Photos: Ólavur Frederiksen, Faroephoto