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As in the other Scandinavian countries Christmas in Norway has retained its pre-chrisitian name '' Jul ''. The main event for Norwegians is on Christmas Eve ( December 24th ). This evening the main Christmas meal is served and gifts are exchanged. FOOD Christmas Eve dinner begins with rice porridge which contains one lucky almond. A bowl might also be put out for Nissen so that he will continue to watch over the animals and not turn mischievous. In eastern parts of Norway a Christmas pig provides most of the meat dishes. But in the west lamb is more common and some also have codfish. All breweries produce traditional Christmas beer (''juleøl''), which is darker, stronger and has more flavour. Breweries also produce a special Christmas soda (''julebrus''), which in some parts of the country is a red raspberry soda, with a Christmas label on the bottle. NISSEN motif from a known Norwegian fjøsnisse artist Nils Bergslien ]] In ancient times, a Norse figure called Fjøsnissen would help around the farm, for example by taking care of the animals, especially if he was given good food and drink on Christmas Eve. A sort of household elve that live during the year in attics and stables. However, the fjøsnisse has no relations with the Julenisse (Santa) in Norway today, who is the American version of the earlier European Santa Claus , a big Julenisse with white beard, a red outfit, and black boots, bringing gifts in his sleigh pulled by flying reindeer. In most families with children, a member of the family dresses up as the Julenisse and brings gifts to the children. OTHER CUSTOMS Some people visit the Grave sites of departed family members and place candles on the graves. Julebukk, Nyttårsbukk, Drammebukk It is common for children to pay visits to neighbours where they are given candy, nuts and Clementines . Each area has a fixed tradition for this but it varies throughout the country. Some places kids may go out all the Christmas days, and some places they may only go out on New Years Eve. In most areas the children dress up. This tradition is somewhat similar to the American Halloween tradition, but kids are not supposed to scare people and they are not allowed to do bad things in order to get candy ( Trick Or Treat ). They are in stead expected to sing a Christmas carol or perform in some other way. In some areas grownups might dress up later in the evening and pay visits to neighbours much in the same way as the children. The main difference is that they are given drinks in stead of candy. SEE ALSO |
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