Northern Yule

Northern Yule In the Scandinavian countryside it is customary to set out a bundle of grain for the birds to feast on at Yule tide. It is called "julenek".

Since a picture is worth a thousand words it seems appropriate to include the scene from an old Scandinavian Christmas Card below:

The old christmas card here depicts the "Nisse" surveying the wintry scene with the "Julenek" set up on the roof to give the birds their share of food at holiday time.

The Nisse is the equivalent of Santa Claus, though the legend has it that his role in the scheme of things is to be a watchful presence on the farm - one who oversees the wellbeing of everyone - people and animals.

It was considered important to stay on his good side - not to cross him or upset him. The tradition of setting out porridge for him at Christmas is remembered to this day.

Norwegian "Nisse" Fiddles... Buy From Art.com Riding to Church on Christmas Eve In parts of Scandinavia it is the custom to ride to church in horsedrawn sleighs with the torches lit to lend an atmosphere of festivity and celebration in the cold and dark time of the year representing Yuletide. Winter evening in a small town in Norway Northern Yule