Love Santa Claus? Iceland has 13 of them visiting!
Every country has its history and colourful traditions, based on myths and folklore. When it comes to Christmas, Iceland really stands out. To begin with, they have 13 Santa Clauses visiting kids. Then they also shop and wear new clothes during Christmas. Finally, Iceland has one of the longest winter festive seasons anywhere.
How long does Christmas last in Iceland?
Christmas in Iceland lasts for a whopping 26 days, starting from the 11th of December and going on till the 6th of January. Christmas season starts when the first Santa, called a Yule Lad in Iceland, comes to town 13 days before Christmas Eve. The season finishes when the last one leaves town in a ceremony called the Twelfth Night.
Will Iceland be able to celebrate in 2021?
The Christmas of 2020 was sombre in Iceland, with restrictions dampening the festive spirit. However, the country has worked to stop the spread of COVID-19. Christmas 2021, so far, is supposed to be in the New Normal mode, with celebration allowed with social distancing and masks. Most of the country’s population has got at least one vaccination injection, so the government is looking forward to the usual long Christmas, though with precautions
But who are Iceland’s 13 Santas?
Actually, the 13 Yule Lads are not even Santa Claus, they are troll brothers! Their story and festival dates back to 17th century Iceland. They are evil, mean troll brothers who like to steal and harass people. They are accompanied by a monster mother, a very lazy father, and a troll cat! The father lazes at home. The mother threatens to eat naughty kids, the brothers steal. The cat can also eat people, if they are unsporting enough to wear old clothes on Christmas.
How is the Icelandic Christmas celebrated now?
Today, we no more have the monsters from the mountains, but friendly lads who bring small gifts for well-behaved children. Parents in Iceland still talk about Yule lads with bad manners though, using the myth to get small, mischievous children to behave. The trolls have also been given somewhat more human clothing now with woollen sweaters and sheep fur on their shoulders.