The presence of the Christmas goat may relate back to Tangrisnir and Tanngnjostr, the two goats who in Nordic mythology pulled the god Thor's chariot.
Legend also has it that in pagan times, the last shief of corn from the harvest was thought to have magical powers. It was saved for the Yule celebrations and later became julbocken, the Christmas Goat, who is always made of straw.
Not sure if the last paragraph makes sense, but I guess magical powers can make the Christmas goat materialize from a shief of corn.
These days in Sweden he's usually found under the Christmas tree, making sure all the presents are safe until Christmas Eve when they will be opened.
But he now also appears in much larger, sometimes gigantic versions (not made of straw), in the town squares of many cities in Sweden.
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteQuite a handsome addition to the tradition! YAM xx
I like your Christmas goat. Thanks for sharing the story and traditions.
ReplyDeleteHave a happy week ahead, Merry Christmas!
I have never heard of the Christmas Goat before. What a lovely tradition, though its origins may have some terror in them. Your goat is very special.
ReplyDeleteIt is weird how traditions get started - but it is very interesting. I have to say that looks exactly like a goat. I am glad you have him.
ReplyDeleteWhere's my comment??
ReplyDeleteI don't know, I guess Google ate it. It wouldn't be the first time.
DeleteI have seen these more than once. But never knew what they meant!! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your explanation! I have seen these and wasn't sure of the whole story, but now I know :)
ReplyDeleteI'd rather have a Christmas goat than that nasty elf on the shelf.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
That was a very beautiful "julbock" Inger. We have two smaller ones in hour home beside or under the christmas tree. Do you have christmas trees (julgran) in the US ?
ReplyDeleteWhen my husband was alive, we always had a tree. I have a small fake one, which looks quite nice when dressed up, but this year I will not bother. But I do have a lovely friend from Sweden I met here and she's coming tomorrow to celebrate a julafton with me. She'll bring lots of herring from IKEA!
DeleteI love your Christmas goat and how he keeps your presents safe. A friend in Sweden sent me a Christmas card that says God Jul so God Jul to you.
ReplyDelete