I commented more on one of your emails about Iceland. But you are spot on with your observations. They are prodigious readers; the most of any country. And they speak English fluently. it was a joy to be in Iceland, talk with the people, spend time in museums (the most unusual holdings I've ever seen), and enjoy their cuisine. One of our very best trips.
I understand that a number of Icelanders actually believe in trolls and elves and the entire business. They put out food and other items to ease their "lives." I didn't investigate too closely, but I'm not sure if this is a Santa Claus type thing or something else. I understand that their literature is full of these make-believe creatures. Among all European and North American countries, Icelanders are the most educated and have the least wealth disparity. They also have the grimmest land mass of any country I've ever seen; miles and miles and miles of uninhabitable land. We drove for hours in our tourist bus and saw nothing whatsoever. It takes a special people to live here.
Oh my gosh, this is so insightful! Last December, I discovered the Icelandic tradition of “Jolabokaflod” via our local library, and wrote about it on my Little Farm in the Foothills blog. Roughly translated, it means “Christmas book flood.” Apparently, on Christmas Eve, Icelandic folks love to settle in for hours of reading. Sounds heavenly!
What I found so interesting was what you wrote about Icelanders being highly educated. Perhaps lots of reading, and having a rich interior life (including having a place in their hearts for trolls and elves!) may compensate for the bleak landscape.
Or maybe help take their minds off all the volcanos that may erupt at any minute 😬
Thank you so much Mom for sharing your experiences!
Aw…thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed the Yule Lads! I love the glimpse these mountain trolls give us of what was really important back in the day: food, livestock, and light!
I know you’ve been to Iceland…do the Lads jive with what you know about the country and its people?
John the Hubby here. The Winter Solstice is one of the oldest human celebrations as we celebrate the turn towards longer days and shorter nights. We gardeners and farmers took the turn as time to prepare for pruning fruit trees, berry canes, cleaning sharpening repairing tools and setting up starts in green houses. At Berryridge Farm (homestead) we look forward to Spring.
I commented more on one of your emails about Iceland. But you are spot on with your observations. They are prodigious readers; the most of any country. And they speak English fluently. it was a joy to be in Iceland, talk with the people, spend time in museums (the most unusual holdings I've ever seen), and enjoy their cuisine. One of our very best trips.
I understand that a number of Icelanders actually believe in trolls and elves and the entire business. They put out food and other items to ease their "lives." I didn't investigate too closely, but I'm not sure if this is a Santa Claus type thing or something else. I understand that their literature is full of these make-believe creatures. Among all European and North American countries, Icelanders are the most educated and have the least wealth disparity. They also have the grimmest land mass of any country I've ever seen; miles and miles and miles of uninhabitable land. We drove for hours in our tourist bus and saw nothing whatsoever. It takes a special people to live here.
Oh my gosh, this is so insightful! Last December, I discovered the Icelandic tradition of “Jolabokaflod” via our local library, and wrote about it on my Little Farm in the Foothills blog. Roughly translated, it means “Christmas book flood.” Apparently, on Christmas Eve, Icelandic folks love to settle in for hours of reading. Sounds heavenly!
What I found so interesting was what you wrote about Icelanders being highly educated. Perhaps lots of reading, and having a rich interior life (including having a place in their hearts for trolls and elves!) may compensate for the bleak landscape.
Or maybe help take their minds off all the volcanos that may erupt at any minute 😬
Thank you so much Mom for sharing your experiences!
Totally! Especially in the rural areas. Urbanites are a different story.
Your Iceland gargoyles for your Christmas story were positively delightful. I just now found them and love them already!
Aw…thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed the Yule Lads! I love the glimpse these mountain trolls give us of what was really important back in the day: food, livestock, and light!
I know you’ve been to Iceland…do the Lads jive with what you know about the country and its people?
John the Hubby here. The Winter Solstice is one of the oldest human celebrations as we celebrate the turn towards longer days and shorter nights. We gardeners and farmers took the turn as time to prepare for pruning fruit trees, berry canes, cleaning sharpening repairing tools and setting up starts in green houses. At Berryridge Farm (homestead) we look forward to Spring.
What a lovely idea. I look forward to settling on the windowseat and reading! Have a safe and joyful festive season.
It is, isn’t it? I’ve decided reading at Christmastime is my new tradition 😊
I hope you and all your family have a wondrous holiday too!