December 10, 2019

Today, we have an article about a local Yule tradition from Norway: Julebukk. It is written by Miss Lina. *peers at the picture* Oh, is that a hobbit masquerade? Judging from that umbrella, someone has dressed up as Lobelia. Let's read the article and find out!

Julebukk


"Julebukk" is a term with several meanings related to the yule celebrations in Norway. Here, I'll write a little about a tradition that should be familiar to many, but perhaps at a different time of year.

To go julebukk is an old Nordic tradition, usually done between Christmas and New Year's Day. It involves people dressing up in masks and costumes, going door to door and asking for food and drink.

In old days, those who went julebukking often dressed up as goats (julebukk translates to "yule goat"). The goat was a somewhat frightening character, who would scare the local children and show a particular interest to the female members of the household it visited. It often asked for drinks of the strong, stiff and warming variety as well.

In later years, it was usually children who went julebukking, often dressed up as a julenisse and singing carols where they visited. They were a fun and welcome diversion in the lazy yule days, and they were provided with cakes and candy to thank them for their songs and visit. One of the traditionally popular Christmas songs in Norway, "Romjulsdrøm", tells the tale of a couple of four-year olds who go julebukking.

Sadly, this tradition is slowly dying out. Halloween sort of covers the same ground, it is far more commercially interesting for stores, and the little ones often find it more fun to dress up as scary ghosts and goblins rather than the more benign julenisse.

Still, wouldn't it be fun to see a couple of children walking between the snowdrifts towards yer door, singing a yule song and asking for lovely sweet candy? Yer know yer would melt if yer ever saw it.

Picture from Wikipedia, licence information.