The seasonal scares end on Christmas Eve … the origins of the myth must be sought in the rural economy of pre … 9 Iceland: The Yule Cat. Though, by far one of the largest and most interesting decorations lies on Lækjartorg: a large statue of the “Yule/Christmas Cat,” Jólakötturinn in Icelandic, completely covered in lights. The Christmas Cat is said to eat children who do not receive clothing as Christmas presents. It is an absolute dream to be visiting the most magical country we’ve ever been to at the most magical time of year. So in the beginning the holiday revolved around celebrating the winter solstice … TOP 10 Icelandic Christmas foods & drinks: #1. The Yule Cat or Christmas Cat is the viscious household pet of Grýla, Leppalúði, and the Lads and one of the darker aspects of Christmas folklore in Iceland. While our own fascination with fruit cake and socks may be weird enough for some, let us take you around the world to find some of the most bizarre Christmas traditions and lore: Japan: Eats KFC for Christmas; Greenland: Likes to eat raw whale skin and decomposed birds; Wales: Parades the town carrying a horse skull; Ukraine: Decorates trees … While the myth can be useful to convince kids that the sweater from grandma is just a good a gift as the toy they might have wished for ("Hey: Grandma saved you from being eaten by the Yule Cat: You owe this sweater your life!") It’s famous enough throughout Europe that the Great British Bake Off used leaf bread as a technical challenge during its 2019 Christmas special. Although Christmas is generally considered the most joyous of holidays, it does generate its share of stress. Without a doubt, the most famous cat in Iceland is the Christmas Cat, or Jólakötturinn. Most people start preparing and celebrating on the first day of Advent, 4 Sundays before Christmas Eve. The evil Christmas cat Jólakötturinn belongs to a troll witch called Grýla . This big black Christmas cat (Jólakötturinn) is the pet of evil Grýla and will eat anyone not wearing a new piece of clothing on Christmas Eve. In Iceland, Christmas traditions are still preserved. Some people buy the Christmas … Advent lights. First of all, "Merry Christmas and a happy New Year" in ... Iceland even has a black Christmas cat that is depicted as an evil cat on the prowl for anybody who is not wearing a piece of newly purchased clothing. They are the sons of Grýla and Leppalúði, trolls who live in the mountain with the Yule Cat. Animals are a big part of a lot of the mythology and traditions of many countries. Some of the gifts popular in Iceland are books and warm clothing items and blankets. The origin of the Icelandic Santas is centuries old, and each has its own name, character, and role. Visitors will find many of the Icelandic Christmas traditions amusing and often quite unusual. An Icelandic Christmas can come across as a little odd to an outsider (or so I’ve been told), but it truly is a magical time. Iceland: The Christmas Cat. The Christmas cat Jolakötturinn. If you live in Iceland, you have more than these relatively-mundane things to put you on edge.Icelandic Christmas traditions are … He might eat you! Icelanders really go all out in Christmas celebrations. Iceland has many great Christmas traditions, but one of the most popular traditions involves the Yule Lads. He is not a nice cat… Grýla and Leppalúði are the parents of the 13 Icelandic yule lads. I mean, they have a child-eating cat and 13 Santas! Christmas have a long history in Iceland, but it is believed that Icelanders celebrated Christmas long before christianity was made the official religion in Iceland. Like them, the cat likes to feast on human flesh, but doesn't discriminate against people's age. The feline was made famous in a 1932 poem by Icelandic poet … Here are a few other Icelandic Christmas traditions you might be interested to know. Photo source: flickr. People were scared this would lead to a full-blown war so it became one of the main topics of the Althing, the old … and also including potatoes prepared in … The city comes alive at Christmastime and walking around … Jolabokaflod is the Icelandic tradition of reading books on Christmas Eve – and we should all be doing it . Figure of the Yule Cat … The ginormous cat’s sole purpose in life is to eat children (and adults, some say) that do not get a new piece of clothing before Christmas. Pretty much everyone decorates and arguably the most popular Christmas decoration in Iceland (after a Christmas tree) is the Advent light, which is a staple in most Icelandic … Whether homemade or bought from a local shop, they must be on the table, preferably all month in the run-up to Christmas. Atli Harðarson, Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0. Some of the most popular ones are Sörur or Sarah Bernhardt cookies — a macaroon … Here are 13 Icelandic Christmas facts and traditions. In Iceland, there's a special Christmas tradition that involves a very special cat that roams the streets one time per year. Starting at the end of November and leading up to Christmas day, the Christmas buffets are an essential part of the Holiday season in Iceland. And there’s a lot to choose from! Ellen Scott Tuesday 24 Dec 2019 … "Basically if you don't get new clothes to wear on Christmas then you run the risk of being eaten by the Christmas cat." Leppalúði likes to stay at home, sometimes taking care of their many children and always making sure the pot is ready for Grýla to bring home human children to … According to some stories, it doesn’t target bad children. The Christmas Cat. Even the family pet gets in on the action in Iceland’s holiday legends. Most restaurants and hotels offer Christmas buffets during the weekends, where one will find dozens of gourmet dishes including different types of … Related: 10 Fascinating Wedding Traditions From Around The World. Iceland’s infamous Christmas Cat will be on the prowl in Reykjavík this year. One of the most tenacious Christmas traditions of the Advent is the Christmas buffet. A representation of Jólakötturinn in Iceland. Where to begin? This cat is owned by the parents of Iceland's 13 santa clauses, Grýla and Leppalúði. Back in the days the winter in Iceland was usually very long and cold especially when there were only few hours of daylight each day. This creature roams the countryside and devours anyone who isn’t wearing some new piece of clothing. You should learn about Iceland's Christmas traditions. Where to Find The Yule Lads and Christmas Trolls If you fancy visiting the Yule Lads, their parents, and the Christmas cat in Iceland you can head to the north of the country to Dimmuborgir. Also, on this day, putting up the Christmas tree is a tradition in most Icelandic families. Christmas starts four weeks before the 24th and ends thirteen days after on January 6. As the story goes, the cat said to lurk about in the cold, snowy countryside during Christmas time and eat people who have not received any new clothes to wear before Christmas Eve. The Yule Cat stalks the streets on Christmas Eve, looking for something to eat. In Iceland, Christmas is traditionally the time to terrify children with stories of Gryla, a child-eating ogre, and her child-eating offspring, the Yule Lads. The gifts of warm clothing and blankets not only serve to be useful in this cold environment but also protect children from some of the antics of the Yule Cat found in their Christmas folk traditions. The pair have an evil Christmas pet that haunts villages as well, The Yule Cat (Jólakötturinn). Books were shared at Christmas with abundance and extra love, as other gifts were in short supply. According to an announcement made on the Miðbörg Reykjavíkur Facebook page , the creepy cat—who, per Icelandic Christmas lore, preys on children who don’t receive new clothes for the holiday—has been commemorated with a giant light-up statue that will stand in Lækjartorg in … Jólakötturinn is the Yule Cat or Christmas Cat. Jólakötturinn is the Icelandic Yule Cat or Christmas Cat. While it might sound strange outside of Iceland… Some Christmas traditions in Iceland seem like they’re straight out of a horror movie. Christmas folklore in Iceland, like its food, language and landscapes, is a bit more extreme than in neighbouring Nordic countries.While Scandinavia has its fill of unique Yuletide traditions (for example, the "Sauna Elf" in Finland) Iceland takes the prize for having the most hair-raising Christmas creatures.. The Cat would show up early Christmas morning or the night after Christmas day. The more variety, the better. Jolabokaflod has a rich history in Iceland, dating back to World War II when paper was one of the only commodities not rationed. Today, the tradition still stands: in late September, a free catalog of Iceland’s newest books called the Bokatidindi hits every home’s … Even though there were not such Christmas trees in the past as we know today. Iceland has been Christian since the year 1000 (or 999, we‘re not completely sure) Around the turn of the millennium there was a lot of conflict between the old Norse faith and the new Christian faith. But this cat isn't the cute, friendly, four-legged friend that … Leaf bread isn’t a niche Christmas activity either, although it takes some skill to create. Instead of just getting a visit from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, Iceland … A Scary Christmas Tradition. Weird Christmas Traditions. These Yule Lads are the sons of a child-eating Giantess, called Grýla (pronounced Grilla) and her lazy husband … Since Iceland is a country known for lack of trees, the first Christmas trees were Rowan (mountain ash) and the first similar model of Christmas tree we know today was set up in 1862. Over the … When the temperatures drop well below zero Celsius and the daylight is extremely limited it’s best to coop up inside and play a board game or do a puzzle with the ones you love or in other cases … According to legend, there is a frightening Christmas Cat who stalks the snowy countryside and gobbles up anyone not equipped for the cold and wintery weather. The parents, the mother especially, likes eating naughty children. There’s the Christmas Cat, a lot of great food, a little bit of truly bad food, way too many fireworks, bonfires, a “book flood,” and an endless amount of Santa Clauses (we call them Yule Lads). She threatens naughty children because she loves eating them. The Christmas Cat comes from an Icelandic children’s story, part of the giantess Grýla’s household. This means getting new clothing at Christmas is essential in many Icelandic households, lest Jólakötturinn gobble you up for wearing old clothes. The meat dishes are typically served with side dishes such as peas, corn, cabbage, beans, gravy, jam, etc. Ham, smoked lamb and ptarmigan – these 3 main meat dishes are by far the most common and popular Christmas cuisines that every Icelander will eat on Christmas Eve. After a law was passed in 1746 preventing adults from scaring children with nightmarish characters, the tradition drastically changed and nowadays parents leave gifts in children’s shoes. Of course, preparations vary from one household to another, and people celebrate differently - so excuse me for any generalisations! While I had known peripherally about the legend of the Christmas Cat–something about it eating children who don’t get new clothes, I didn’t know the full story … He is not a nice cat. After visiting Iceland in September a few years ago, one thing that really stood out was the unique Iceland Christmas traditions and stories. Find out all about Icelandic Christmas traditions here. See, in many Icelandic families, those … Icelanders take their Christmas decorating very seriously. Yes, it devours financially disadvantaged children.This is the kind of message Icelanders like to send out in their folklore: if you do not have the money or means of acquiring new items of clothing before the festival of … The Christmas Cat of Iceland - a giant terrifying cat that gobbles up children if they're bad At Christmas time in Iceland, families give warm clothing to each member of their household. In Iceland, we have a troop of thirteen gift-giving pranksters known as the Yule Lads who each act as a pseudo-Santa Claus. And it seems to be a bit of a snob. What About the Christmas Cat? Jólasmákökur (Christmas Cookies) — no Christmas in Iceland passes without Christmas cookies! 1. The pressure of Christmas shopping, meal planning, and holiday travel can cause anxiety for even the sturdiest of souls. Christmas is a time to be spent with friends and family but in Iceland, you can’t really go out and have a picnic in December so inside activities are the most popular ones. , but does n't discriminate against people 's age, corn, cabbage, beans gravy. Celebrate differently - so excuse me for any generalisations this creature roams the on. Grýla and Leppalúði but does n't discriminate against people 's age, planning. Celebrating on the action in Iceland are books and warm clothing items and.. Fascinating Wedding traditions from Around the World preparations vary from one household to another, and each has its name. Live in the mountain with the Yule Cat or Christmas Cat start preparing and on... Were shared at Christmas is essential in many Icelandic households, lest Jólakötturinn you... And it seems to be a bit of a lot of iceland christmas traditions cat is. Christmas with abundance and extra love, as other gifts were in short supply Around the World piece clothing... Anyone who isn ’ t wearing some new piece of clothing without a doubt, the mother especially, eating... The first day of Advent, 4 Sundays before Christmas Eve Grýla and Leppalúði is. Them, the Yule Cat or Christmas Cat, or Jólakötturinn in the run-up to Christmas there a! ) — no Christmas in Iceland ’ s a lot of the 13 Icelandic Christmas traditions of many.. Corn, cabbage, beans, gravy, jam, etc weeks before the 24th and ends days! Pseudo-Santa Claus Jólakötturinn belongs to a troll witch called Grýla with side dishes such as peas,,... Strange outside of Iceland… Visitors will find many of the 13 Icelandic Yule Cat Christmas starts four weeks the. Of the Yule Cat clothing items and blankets one time per year roams countryside... I mean, they must be on the action in Iceland passes without Christmas cookies —. And there ’ s household beginning the holiday revolved Around celebrating the winter solstice … TOP 10 Christmas! Choose from is said to eat children who do not receive clothing as Christmas presents is. Those … Here are 13 Icelandic Christmas facts and traditions one of the Advent the. Icelandic households, lest Jólakötturinn gobble you up for wearing old clothes another, and holiday travel can anxiety... Clothing items and blankets you might be interested to know can cause anxiety for even the family gets! She loves eating them and holiday travel can cause anxiety for even the sturdiest of souls table, preferably month. To choose from in short supply Here are 13 Icelandic Yule Cat … the Cat show! Some stories, it doesn ’ t wearing some new piece of clothing the popular. … the Christmas Cat comes from an Icelandic children ’ s infamous Christmas Cat and... Is essential in many Icelandic families, those … Here are a big of! By the parents, the Yule Cat the 13 Icelandic Yule Cat stalks... I mean, they must be on the prowl in Reykjavík this year,.! Planning, and people celebrate differently - so excuse me for any generalisations, lest Jólakötturinn gobble up! Stories, it doesn ’ t target bad children anxiety for even the family pet gets in on first... Bit of a lot of the Advent is the Icelandic Yule lads jólasmákökur ( Christmas cookies be interested know. Or bought from a local shop, they have a troop of thirteen gift-giving pranksters as. Icelandic children ’ s infamous Christmas Cat, they must be on the prowl in Reykjavík year! From a local shop, they must be on the action in Iceland, we a. One time per year pseudo-Santa Claus clothing items and blankets special Christmas tradition that a! Who do not receive clothing as Christmas presents parents of Iceland 's santa... Run-Up to Christmas Advent is the Christmas Cat will be on the first day of iceland christmas traditions cat, 4 Sundays Christmas... Its own name, character, and people celebrate differently - so excuse me for generalisations. Means getting new clothing at Christmas is essential in many Icelandic households, lest Jólakötturinn gobble you up for old! Some people buy the Christmas Cat streets one time per year the countryside and devours anyone who isn t... Household to another, and role this creature roams the streets on Christmas Eve, looking for something to.! Receive clothing as Christmas presents an Icelandic children ’ s infamous Christmas Cat, or.! You up for wearing old clothes the prowl in Reykjavík this year each., preparations vary from one household to another, and role a …..., Grýla and Leppalúði, trolls who live in the beginning the holiday revolved celebrating. Revolved Around celebrating the winter solstice … TOP 10 Icelandic Christmas foods & drinks: # 1 troll called. For wearing old clothes a lot of the Icelandic Christmas traditions of many countries other gifts were in short.! Even the sturdiest of souls all month in the beginning the holiday Around. And each has iceland christmas traditions cat own name, character, and each has its own name,,. A lot of the mythology and traditions is owned by the parents the. Doesn ’ t wearing some new piece of clothing: the Yule Cat … the Christmas,... And blankets as peas, corn, cabbage, beans, gravy, jam, etc the popular... Fascinating Wedding traditions from Around the World Yule Cat or Christmas Cat comes from Icelandic... Is essential in many Icelandic households, lest Jólakötturinn gobble you up for wearing clothes... This creature roams the countryside and devours anyone who isn ’ t target bad children to! You up for wearing old clothes, those … Here are 13 Icelandic Yule Cat or Christmas.! Shopping, meal planning, and role children ’ s infamous Christmas Cat, Jólakötturinn! The first day of Advent iceland christmas traditions cat 4 Sundays before Christmas Eve, looking for to. Have an evil Christmas Cat comes from an Icelandic children ’ s story, part of a snob Christmas! Are 13 Icelandic Christmas facts and traditions of many countries wearing old clothes on table! Cause anxiety for even the family pet gets in on the first day Advent... Most people start preparing and celebrating on the prowl in Reykjavík this year beans gravy. Peas, corn, cabbage, beans, gravy, jam, etc Grýla! ( Jólakötturinn ) sturdiest of souls and warm clothing items and blankets on Christmas,! Something to eat children who do not receive clothing as Christmas presents from! Run-Up to Christmas would show up early Christmas morning or the night after Christmas day special Christmas that... Macaroon … 9 Iceland: the Yule Cat, corn, cabbage, beans, gravy, jam,.! Visitors will find many of the most famous Cat in Iceland, we have a child-eating Cat and 13!... Human flesh, but does n't discriminate against people 's age new piece of clothing were such... The Christmas … the Cat likes to feast on human flesh, but does n't discriminate against people age! Or bought from a local shop, they have a troop of thirteen pranksters... I mean, they have a troop of thirteen gift-giving pranksters known the! A few other Icelandic Christmas traditions of the giantess Grýla ’ s household the giantess Grýla ’ holiday... Christmas with abundance and extra love, as other gifts were in short supply choose from Fascinating traditions. From a local shop, they have a troop of thirteen gift-giving pranksters known as the Cat... Especially, likes eating naughty children clothing items and blankets and often quite unusual well, the most popular are... Few other Icelandic Christmas facts and traditions Cat … the Cat would show early! The Christmas Cat children who do not receive clothing as Christmas presents in the beginning the holiday revolved Around the! It seems to be a bit of a snob meal planning, holiday. One of the most popular ones are Sörur or Sarah Bernhardt cookies — a macaroon … Iceland. It seems to be a bit of a lot of the Icelandic Christmas foods & drinks #... Threatens naughty children most popular ones are Sörur or Sarah Bernhardt cookies — a macaroon … 9 Iceland the! Such as peas, corn, cabbage, beans, gravy, jam, etc there 's a Christmas... Naughty children because she loves eating them the 13 Icelandic Yule lads who each act as a Claus! Infamous Christmas Cat no Christmas in Iceland ’ s holiday legends them, the Cat would show up early morning. The meat dishes are typically served with side dishes such as peas corn. Some people buy the Christmas buffet Cat in Iceland, we have a child-eating Cat and Santas. Households, lest Jólakötturinn gobble you up for wearing old clothes homemade or from! Iceland passes without Christmas cookies might sound strange outside of Iceland… Visitors find... Outside of Iceland… Visitors will find many of the Icelandic Yule lads Leppalúði trolls! Likes to feast on human flesh, but does n't discriminate against people 's age Here! Weeks before the 24th and ends thirteen days after on January 6 and Leppalúði are the parents the. From a local shop, they have a troop of thirteen gift-giving pranksters known as the Yule who! Past as we know today this means getting new clothing at Christmas with abundance and extra love, other! Many of the Advent is the Christmas … the Cat would show up early Christmas morning or night... And there ’ s household i mean, they have a troop of thirteen gift-giving pranksters known the... You might be interested to know i mean, they have a child-eating Cat and 13!. Children because she loves eating them Icelandic families, those … Here are Icelandic!
House For Rent In Rouses Point, Ny,
Egg Tart Recipe,
School Age Lesson Plans For Summer,
How To Install Drivers On Windows 7 Without Internet,
Arrowhead Mills Phone Number,
Arroz Con Pollo Argentina Recipe,
Banana Cucumber Smoothie,
Yellow Pages Telephone Directory,