In Iceland, the Christmas season is marked by the arrival of the 13 Yule Lads (Icelandic Santa Claus) , mischievous characters who descend from the mountains starting on December 12th. Each night, a different Yule Lad visits, leaving small gifts or tricks in children’s shoes placed by the window. This tradition adds a whimsical touch to the Icelandic holiday season.
Who are the 13 Icelandic Santa Claus? What are their names?
The 13 Icelandic Yule Lads are unique to Icelandic folklore, each with distinct personalities and names. Here is a detailed list of the Yule Lads and their mischievous activities:
- Sheep-Cote Clod (Stekkjastaur): Arrives on December 12th. He tries to suckle yews (female sheep) in farmer’s sheep sheds.
- Gully Gawk (Giljagaur): Arrives on December 13th. He hides in gullies and steals foam from buckets of cow milk.
- Stubby (Stúfur): Arrives on December 14th. A short lad who steals food from frying pans.
- Spoon Licker (Þvörusleikir): Arrives on December 15th. He licks spoons, making them sticky and dirty.
- Pot Scraper (Pottaskefill): Arrives on December 16th. He steals unwashed pots and licks them clean.
- Bowl Licker (Askasleikir): Arrives on December 17th. He hides under beds and steals bowls of food left there.
- Door Slammer (Hurðaskellir): Arrives on December 18th. He stomps around and slams doors, keeping everyone awake.
- Skyr Gobbler (Skyrgámur): Arrives on December 19th. He eats up all the skyr, a traditional Icelandic yogurt.
- Sausage Swiper (Bjúgnakrækir): Arrives on December 20th. He loves stealing sausages, especially those hung up for smoking.
- Window Peeper (Gluggagægir): Arrives on December 21st. He peeks through windows to look for things to steal.
- Door Sniffer (Gáttaþefur): Arrives on December 22nd. He has a huge nose and an insatiable appetite for stolen baked goods.
- Meat Hook (Ketkrókur): Arrives on December 23rd. He uses a hook to steal meat, particularly smoked lamb.
- Candle Beggar (Kertasníkir): Arrives on December 24th. He steals candles, which were once a sought-after item in Iceland.
photo from shopicelandic
Days of Christmas in Iceland
The Christmas celebrations in Iceland extend well beyond December 25th. Festivities begin on December 23rd with St. Thorlak’s Day, where fermented skate is traditionally eaten. The main Christmas celebrations occur on December 24th, known as Aðfangadagur, when families gather for a festive meal and exchange gifts.
The season continues until January 6th, known as Þrettándinn, or the Thirteenth Day of Christmas, which is marked by bonfires and fireworks to bid farewell to the Yule Lads.
The Christmas Cat
One of the more peculiar Icelandic Christmas traditions is the Christmas Cat, or Jólakötturinn. This mythical creature is said to lurk in the snowy countryside, and it is believed that it will devour anyone who has not received new clothes before Christmas Eve. This tradition encourages people to finish their work and reward their children with new garments, adding an element of excitement and urgency to the festive season.
The 13 Yule Lads in Iceland
Experiencing Christmas in Iceland is truly magical. From the whimsical Yule Lads to the dazzling Northern Lights, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to share your own Christmas in Iceland stories and photos in the comments or on social media. Happy holidays!
