Comments on: It’s Christmastime! Swedish Christmas Decorations to Put Up

By: Jim

Jim — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:35:45 +0000

Well, the Julbock is not that random.

In fact it is quite possible the original Santa Claus. The Americans out there might find it wierd, but it is most possible the original (We can’t really say it 100% because the katolic church burned everything on the subject when they “invaded”). When the christians came to the north this was considered heretical (it was part of the pagan beliefs, and did not carry any presents). You were supposed to offer food to it, for safety…if I remember it right.

So we had to invent a saint Claus (Klas) to get to keep it, and probably only because it was at about the same time as the birth of Christ. So instead of a goat we eventually got a fat man who (was offered) liked gruel, with BUTTER on top. Yes, you heard me, swedish corngruel with butter on top…and milk.Sugar if you could afford. It’s good.

The emmigrants took it with them to the US, and it mingled with the other versions spread over Europe to become the abomination it is today. Happy holidays ;D

BTW: The southern Europeans have some other drivel they will try to feed you about it, but these are the facts. Cheers!

By: nicole

nicole — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 15:00:21 +0000

Hi, those Swedish stars are beautiful! Do you know of any place in the US to purchase them? Thank you, Nicole

By: CanadianChick

CanadianChick — Fri, 13 May 2011 10:23:56 +0000

And the fact that the goat is the symbol for Capricorn which starts at the date of the Winter Solstice – December 21st.

By: Kay

Kay — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:58:01 +0000

Heh, even if not intended. I think it quite funny the dedication some people must have to destroy it. They guard it and soak it in flame repellent yet it usually still ends up the same way.

By: Sapphire

Sapphire — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:59:19 +0000

I want to go burn down a giant straw goat. Sorry Kay, burning down a goat is more entertainment than arson.

By: Kay

Kay — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:06:06 +0000

I may be wrong but I think the Gävlebocken is usually subject to arson attacks and vandalism rather than the event being seen as a fun occassion to come and watch a giant goat burn…

By: Anonymous Swede

Anonymous Swede — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:46:15 +0000

Here’s a good article on the origin of the tomte:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomte

I wonder if the garden gnome has its origin in the tomte:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnome

By: Sapphire

Sapphire — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:50:37 +0000

Matthias – My bad, I didn’t realize that. Very cool how the pagan and Christian traditions blend together. Do you anything else about the history of tomte?

Puntino – I have you covered! This week will be a post on all the Swedish Xmas holidays plus another post on Christmas food. ;)

By: Puntino

Puntino — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:07:03 +0000

really a nice post :) but, you spoke only about the decorations.. what about the food ? how do they spend their Christmas time ? For instance, we are quite homey, we like gathering in front of a table and play several typical Christmas games as well as some common card games. In the meanwhile we eat all the Christmas sweets that we can find in our house :)

By: Andrew

Andrew — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:00:25 +0000

Ahhh, the Gävle Goat!
I need to make a 40′ one and set it on fire. Oh wait, that already happens! :)

Actually, the tomte are adorable. Gonna bring home a few for friends and family. Maybe, just maybe, one will pop up in my window!

Candles? I don’t trust myself with fire :p. I’d leave it, fall asleep and next thing POOF!