Today is the first episode of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing fascinating stories from Icelandic folklore on Fridays throughout 2024. This one is extra special because tomorrow is January 6th and it is said that many magical things happen then in Iceland.
Why January 6th is the end of Christmas in Iceland
On January 6th, Iceland bids a vibrant farewell to its Christmas season, a day steeped in magic and folklore. Known as Þrettándinn or “The Thirteenth,” this day marks the culmination of a thirteen-day yuletide celebration. Having 13 days of Christmas is uniquely Icelandic in its charm and mystique.
In Iceland, Christmas starts on the 24th of December, and Þrettándinn, literally translating to “the thirteenth,” aligns with what many know as the twelfth night of Christmas. But here, it holds a deeper significance, intertwining with the enchanting lore of Huldufólk, the hidden people of Icelandic tales.
As the day unfolds, the end of the festive season is celebrated. The last of the Yule Lads their family begin their journey back to their homes in the mountains. This retreat signals the end of their annual visit, as they vow to return next Christmas.
Under the starlit sky, Icelanders traditionally gather around roaring bonfires on this day. Songs of the New Year and elfin melodies float through the air, a celebration of community and folklore.
Keep an Eye Out for the Mystical Icelandic Creatures that Might Appear
But the magic of Þrettándinn extends beyond the visible. It’s a day when cows are whispered to possess the gift of speech. Their words a tantalizing mystery, yet one must resist the urge to listen, for their voices are said to bring madness. Seals shed their normal appearance and wander the land in human form. It’s a sight both wondrous and eerie.
The most fascinating part of all is that the Elf King and Queen are said to show up at the bonfires. They dance and sing around the crackling flames. Their jubilant voices echo through the night, a reminder of the enchantment that pervades this mystic evening.
Þrettándinn stands as a unique and captivating finale to Iceland’s Christmas season. A day where the line between the ordinary and the magical blurs, leaving behind memories as vivid as the Northern Lights themselves.
After this day, the festive spirit dims in homes across Iceland. Christmas lights might stay up until the end of the month because the light is nice to see during the dark months. However, trees are dismantled, and decorations are tucked away until next year.
Icelandic Word of the Episode
Due to so many random facts already shared in this episode, I don’t have a separate segment for that but the Icelandic word of the episode is Þrettándabrennur, which translates to the thirteenth bonfires.
Books About Icelandic Folklore
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