Icelandic Christmas Folklore
The Yule Lads
The Yule Lads are central figures in Icelandic Christmas folklore. They are the mischievous sons of two trolls, Grýla and Leppalúði, who live in the Icelandic mountains. Traditionally, there are thirteen Yule Lads, and each one visits children on different nights leading up to Christmas. They leave small gifts in the shoes of well-behaved children, which are placed on windowsills. However, if a child has been naughty, they might find a potato instead. Each Yule Lad has a unique name and characteristic, usually revolving around pranks and stealing food.
Grýla and Leppalúði
Grýla is a fearsome ogress who is said to descend from the mountains at Christmas time to hunt for naughty children to cook in her pot. Grýla has been part of Icelandic folklore for centuries, and she is often described as having multiple tails, horns, and hooves. Her husband, Leppalúði, is less active in the legends but is nonetheless a part of the terrifying family that includes the Yule Lads and their pet, the Yule Cat.
The Yule Cat
The Yule Cat is another fearsome creature in Icelandic Christmas folklore. Known as Jólakötturinn in Icelandic, this huge and vicious cat is said to lurk in the snowy countryside. It preys on people who have not received new clothes to wear before Christmas Eve. This tradition has roots in encouraging people to finish their work in textile production before the holidays, as those who did not would risk being eaten by the Yule Cat. The cat is also considered the pet of Grýla and her sons, the Yule Lads.
Christmas Celebrations in Iceland
In Iceland, Christmas is celebrated with a mix of folklore, modern traditions, and unique customs. One of the standout traditions is the Yule Book Flood, known as Jólabókaflóðið. This involves the exchange of books on Christmas Eve, encouraging the island's residents to spend the night reading.
Another significant aspect of the season is the thirteen-day celebration that starts on December 24th and ends on January 6th. Each of these days relates to the visit of a different Yule Lad, starting with Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod) and ending with Kertasníkir (Candle-Stealer).