What does Norway do on Christmas Day?

Despite Christmas day being the time when most other countries have their main celebrations, Norwegians choose to celebrate on Christmas Eve instead, which is known as “Julaften.” This is when families get together and eat a traditional Norwegian Christmas meal, which is usually followed by holding hands and dancing …

Do they celebrate Christmas in Norwegian?

Christmas Eve is the main event in Norwegian Christmas celebration. … The Christmas presents have been placed under the tree, and are opened after dinner. Of course, not everyone in Norway celebrates Christmas, but most people celebrate more or less according to these traditions.

Why do Norwegians celebrate Christmas on the 24th?

Christmas Eve (julaften) is the 24th, and is the main day of Christmas celebration in Norway. Because Norwegians believe that the arrival of Christmas coincides with the arrival of evil witches and other spirits, there is a tradition of hiding all the brooms in the house.

How does Norway celebrate the 2nd day of Christmas?

juledag (Second day of Christmas Day). … The days after Christmas and before New Year’s Day are a semi-official holiday period called romjul. This is a traditional time for visiting friends and family or going to mountain cabins or short holidays abroad.

How do you say Santa in Norwegian?

“Santa Claus” in Norwegian
  1. volume_up. julenissen.
  2. nissen.

What are Norwegian traditions?

Norwegians tend to have a strong sense of history and civic engagement and on special occasions, many Norwegians wearing traditional clothing, or bunad. In Norwegian culture, some of the most important values are tolerance, respect and equality.

What are Norwegian gnomes called?

In Scandinavia, the gnome usually has the name of “Tomte” in Swedish, or “Nisser” in Norway. In Finland, the name for the gnome is Tonttu. … Scandinavian gnomes are similar in style to the ones you’ve probably seen in Western folklore. Small and bearded, these creatures are mischievous domestic spirits.

How do you say Merry Christmas in Norwegian?

What is Juleaften?

Juleaften = Christmas Eve. Lille Juleaften = Little Christmas Eve (or Christmas Eve Eve, as I like to call it!) Wait, why do they have a Christmas Eve Eve then?? This is because the Danes (and most Scandinavians) celebrate Juleaften (Christmas Eve) as though it were Christmas Day.

What does nisse mean in Norway?

In Scandinavia, Pixies or Nisse is a household spirit that is responsible for the care and prosperity of a farm or family. A Nisse is usually described as a short man or woman (under four feet tall) wearing a red cap.

What is a GONK gnome?

What is a gonk? … Gonks are essentially festive Scandinavian gnomes – a Nordic-like interpretation of Santa Claus, if you will. With just their nose and beard peaking out of a Santa hat, not only are they cute, gonks are said to protect homes throughout the festive season, so it’s worth having one or two of them around!

What is a Christmas GONK?

Christmas gonks — unique little figurines with long bushy beards and knitted hats — are often considered to be the Nordic version of Santa Claus. Inspired by gnomes and hobgoblins found in Scandinavian and Nordic mythology, their popularity has been continuing to surge over the years.

What are Christmas gnomes called?

Where Do Gonks Come From? Believe it or not, this creature that looks so much like Santa was not originally a Christmas icon. Gonks are inspired by gnomes and hobgoblins found in Scandinavian and Nordic mythology. In the old lore, these short, bearded folks would make their home in the houses and barns of farms.

What are Norwegian elves called?

The nisse is one of the most familiar creatures of Scandinavian folklore, and he has appeared in many works of Scandinavian literature. With the romanticisation and collection of folklore during the 19th century, the nisse gained popularity.

What are Swedish gnomes called?

Tomte
Gnome also known as a Tomte or Nisse. Not many people have seen them because they are very shy and live in the woods. A tomte is a mythological creature from Scandinavian folklore today typically associated with the winter solstice and the Christmas season.

What is a Scandinavian GONK?

A brief history of the Christmas gonk

A well-known motif of Nordic folklore, the gonk is part protector, part Elf on a Shelf. He’s said to safeguard a home from evil or harm, but tends to have a short temper and is known to be quite mischievous.

Are gnomes Scandinavian?

Well, as it turns out, gnomes actually came to us from Scandinavia, as so many home trends do. … The folklore traces back to the late 18th and 19th centuries, when gnomes were believed to be household spirits responsible for the care and prosperity of a farm or family.

What country are Gonks from?

Scandinavian
Gonks stem from Nordic and Scandinavian mythology. They are meant to be something like a mix of a gnome and a hobgoblin. In the original folklore, these curious little creatures were said to take a liking to barns or houses in the colder seasons.

Are gonks just for Xmas?

Whether it’s a Halloween gonk, or a Christmas gonk, the delightful little fellows are popping up everywhere, from bedding to tree decorations. … But they’re not just for Christmas. They’re inspired by gnomes and hobgoblins found in Scandinavian and Nordic mythology.

What are Danish gnomes called?

The Danes love gnomes, or as they call them nisser. The traditional gnome looks just like you would expect (kind of like a garden gnome), with a pointy red hat and a big bushy beard. But if you Google “nisse” you get all kinds of different types, some young some old.