Yule folklore

Ok. As many of you know, I have long been a fan of Krampus, St. Nicholas' Eastern European, birch-switch-beating, lolling tongued, cloven-hooved, child-punishing side kick (more about him here). I learned of him and his mischevious, intriguing ways while living in Budapest, where Krampus continues to be a beloved part--and to my mind, the highlight of!--the Christmas season, joining St. Nicholas for all his public appearances, even at the local Burger King! The saddest part about loving…

Europe has its fair share of unique holiday traditions, and this curious creature is no exception.

I recently discovered that Icelandic folklore includes a Yule Cat as a part of their traditions. This painting is loosely based on the Yule Cat. Instead of the kitty eating children who do not get a new piece of clothing for Christmas, this kitty has a protecting watchful eye over the solidarity of this little ... Read more

Yule Lads Christmas Calendar, Poster & Story. Get to know the Icelandic mischievous Yule Lads pranksters, digital download, printable files, Advent Calendar. Who are the 13 mischievous Yule Lad Pranksters ? Get to know the Icelandic Folklore of the 13 sons of Grýla and Leppalúði - scary trolls that live in the Icelandic Mountains with their sons and the Vicious Yule Cat that eats everyone who does not get something new to wear for Christmas. Grýla the troll is also said to eat naughty…

The holiday at the Winter Solstice existed long before Christmas came to Europe. The Old Religion placed equal emphasis on the sexes, and female figures from Old Yule lingered on for ages.

Christmas and gingerbread cookies - an indispensable combined concept (at least for several generations of Swedes and fellow Scandinavians ...)

Every year I draw a Christmas card for my family to send out to our relatives. This year the design was inspired by the yule cat from Icelandic folklore.

Gryla - Mother of the Yule Lads

The sun’s lowest point in the sky marks one of the major traditional Pagan holidays.