The Yule goat (known as a Julbock in Sweden, Julebukk in Norway, or Olkipukki in Finland) in Nordic countries today is best known as a Christmas ornament. The modern version of the Yule goat figure is a decorative goat made out of straw and bound with red ribbons, a popular Christmas ornament often found under… More Do You Let Christmas Get Your Goat?
Scandinavian Superstitions – We are coming upon two seasonal times that are filled with superstitions and traditions – which for some people are interchangeable. October 31st, is All Hallows Day/Eve and in the northern hemisphere it is the day for recognizing the coming of winter. It was believed that all the evil spirits, goblins and… More Knock On Wood And Other Scandinavian Superstitions
Walpurgis night (Valborgsmässoafton in Swedish and Vappu in Finnish), is a great celebration in Sweden and Finland. The tradition comes from Germany and celebrates of the 8th century abbess Saint Walpurga. (St. Walpurga inspired Walburga Black, one of the witches in the Harry Potter series of children’s books.) Since the Middle Ages the last day… More Walpurgis Night Is Upon Us