December Traditions

When Advent begins in Iceland it typically starts with people making Laufabrauð (leaf bread).  Which is a type of flat bread folks cut designs into and fry.  Then it is typically eaten with smoked lamb, with a meal, or with salmon, etc. 

Next, is the 13 Yule Lads…  13 days before Christmas Eve, each lad will pay a visit to households leaving treats or small presents.  But these yule lads are tricksters with fun names.  For example, “Spoon Licker,” “Window Peeper,” and “Sausage Swiper.”  Sometimes children leave little presents behind for the lads too.  For instance, kids might leave “Candle Beggar” some candle drippings.

Other traditions entail things like Christmas Cat, eating skate (rotten fish), to celebrating on the 24th night (Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day)!

Fireworks!

The only legal times you can buy and launch fireworks is between Christmas and New Years and again on January 6th.  Additionally the 6th of January is called Þrettándinn (Thirteenth Night After Christmas). It marks the end of all the holidays. It’s celebrated by festive dinners, bonfires, dancing, people dressing up as elves, trolls, and an abundance of fireworks!  Truly quite the memorable experience!

Þorrablót

This holiday tradition is typically celebrated during a weekend in January.  Every town, village, and many families partake in this mid-winter festival.  Wonder what it entails? To illustrate, this is where folks eat all of the really old traditional foods, like rams’ testicles, liver sausage, boiled sheep head, pickled blubber, etc!  Sound like fun?

Naming Ceremonies 

When folks have children in Iceland, it’s common to not reveal the name until 6+ months after it they’re born.  Why? Because they have a big ceremony where they unveil the name and have a party.  Often at this party a traditional kransakaka is served (a “ring cake” which is also served at weddings and other celebratory events).  Additionally, there are no family last names in Iceland.  Rather, the child takes the first name of the father (IE, Jonas) and either “son” or “dottir” is added, which indicates they’re the son or daughter of Jonas. To illustrate, “Jonasson” or “Jonasdottir.”  Also, if parents travel with their child internationally, they have to carry birth certificates and letters from the other parent if needed.

Bjordagur (Beer Day)

On the 1st of March each year, Beer Day is celebrated.  Why?  To honor the end of prohibition (1989). Typically, the local beer companies launch a new beer to try.

Bolludagur (Bun Day)

Iceland’s version of “Fat Tuesday,” is called Bun Day.  In fact, this is where folks gorge on cream-filled donuts before Lent begins.

Rímur

Old Icelandic rhymes have not been lost to time thankfully!

Réttir

One of the most community building traditions there is in Iceandic culture is Réttir.  Which is typically the second week of September.  Which is a time where the sheep are herded back to the farms from grazing in the highlands.

Turf Houses

Believe it or not, they can still be seen throughout the countryside as museums showcasing how previous generations used to live. They’re also now repurposed as animal houses to shield them from bad weather.

The Icelandic Language

Truly, Icelandic is one of the oldest tradition still kept in the highest regard. Being a tiny island in the North Atlantic, it is one of longest-lasting original languages in the world.

Hope you’ve enjoyed learning and we look forward to sharing more with you!