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Christmas is almost here and the kids are visibly excited about it. The last of the Yule Lads, Candle Beggar, came down from the mountains and brought his treats to children. According to Icelandic tradition the main Christmas celebration will begin promptly at 18:00 o’clock today. The ringing of the church bells of Reykjavik’s Lutheran Cathedral will be broadcast on all major television and radio stations and then the feast will start. The Christmas presents will also be opened today, and our boys are trying to convince us to do the same but we are not sure yet of our decision.
Sometime in November we went to the sculpture garden of Einar Jonsson, the most famous sculptor of Iceland. He has this beautiful sculpture – Jöl. Its rich symbolism and simplicity makes me return to it again and again.
A small figure of Noel stands in front of an angel, erect, arms spread in almost a cross position. A cape, adorned with stars covers almost his entire figure, leaving just a head, bare feet and arms in view. Five-point stars run along the edge of the cape with a six-pointed Marian Star in the center. Stars traditionally represent the Star of Bethlehem which led the wise men to the Christ child. But then the Marian Star is a symbol used by the Roman Catholic Church in relation with the Virgin Mary. The enclosing of a five-point star inside it brings together the symbols of mother and son. All stars are the ringed stars and the interlacing of points and circles can be viewed as a perfect balance, harmony. The cape itself has an oval shape; its folds create the rays running from the center, and bring the sun to the mind of the viewer. If you stand directly in front of the sculpture, you would not see the figure of the Angel kneeling behind Noel. Come to the side and you will be overwhelmed by the strength emanating from this figure. The width of the wings, the strength of the arms contrasts with the humble way he has positioned himself behind the child. It is hard to decide if he is there to provide protection or asking for it.
This sculpture, with its contrast of strength and fragility, became the perfect image of Christmas for me.
Christmas is coming closer – first decorations appeared on the streets, first Christmas bazaars are opened, sales are here and regular food items appear on the shelves of the stores in a special Christmas attire. My first discovery was new milk cartons decorated with pictures of Yule lads.
Those Yule Lads is an Icelandic answer to Santa Clause, and there are 13 of them. They start coming to town on December, the 12th, arriving one by one, every night until Christmas Eve. Children suppose to put a shoe on a windowsill and those who have been good through the year, will find a treat there in the morning, but those who have been bad, will find potato instead.
They are named according with their appearances or habitual behaviour - there is Stiff Legs and Door Slammer, Sausage Swiper and Window Peeker, Candle Beggar and Spoon Licker, Shorty and Skyr Gobbler, plus a few others that I haven’t learn about yet. Many years ago all of them were wicked and used to steal and harass people. Nowadays they mellowed out and just bring gifts and entertain children. I heard that Lads’ parents, Grỳla and Leppalúði, stay true to their nature and are still on the look out for naughty children; they think that the naughtiest ones will make for great soup stock.
The Yule Lads start going back home after Christmas Day, again one by one, with the last one living on January, the 6th.
Lads on the carton are (from top to bottom):
Þvörusleikir – Spoon Licker, he is the 4th of the Yule Lads to make his journey down from the mountains on the 15th of December. One of the hungry brothers who licks things clean, Þvörusleikir specializes in spoons.
Pottaskefill – Pot Licker, he is the 5th one of the brothers and comes to town on the December 16th You can easily guess what his specialty is.
Hurðaskellir – Door Slammer, he is the 7th of the Yule Lads to come to town on the December 18th. He likes to wreck havoc by slamming doors.
