Para mi querida Nini, con mucho cariño de tu amiga Amalia http://www.youtube.com/user/nininolan Music: "Candlelight Tales" Derek Fiechter http://www.youtube.com/user/dfiechter2 Muchas gracias querido Derek, un placer escuchar tu música y un honor hacer un video con ella. ::::::::::: Julebukk has a long tradition in Norway and even though its form and meaning has changed over time, the symbol of julebukk remains to this day -- bringing the community together at Christmas, Juletid. In old Norse tradition the julebukk (yule goat) was originally the goat that was slaughtered during Romjul, the time between Christmas and New Years. The julebukk became the symbol of the pagan julebukk ritual. It was a spiritual being that dwelled in the house during Christmas, overlooking the preparations and celebrations. It later became personified and during the darkest nights of the year, a man or men (from the community) dressed in a goat mask and fur cape to represent the ghosts of winter night. They travelled from door-to-door receiving gifts from the towns folk to thank them for protection and keeping the winter ghosts at bay. They also gave warnings, especially to children, to be nice. When Christianity appeared the pagan rituals of julebukk were replaced by the children's activity, also called, julebukk, which is very similar to Halloween. Children walked from house-to-house singing carols at the doorsteps of friends and neighbours. They wore costumes, particularly masks to hide their identity, and often gave gifts as well as receiving them. Afterwards the tradition progressed onto serving the poor children in the community. They dressed in costumes and visited the wealthy, singing carols and receiving food or money, so they could also have a happy Christmas. Some of the elements of today's Santa Claus come from the traditions of the julebukk such as giving presents, receiving sweet treats, picking out who is naughty and nice and, of course, magic. Today in Norway, the figure of the julebukk is used as a Christmas ornament. It is often made out of straw with braided horns and a red ribbon around its neck. Julebukk straw figures are usually placed under the Christmas tree. A popular prank is to smuggle the julebukk into the house of a friend or neighbour and place it somewhere to surprise. Once found, the neighbour must do the same to the next family; and so the julebukk travels from house-to-house. In some places in Norway children still dress up and travel door-to-door singing, but often they are the ones who give out gifts and sweets. Their costumes are usually made of old woolen clothes, likely to symbolize the charitable giving to the poor children in the Nordman times. In the west of Norway, it is popular in some small communities for adults to dress up and go door-to-door and drink to Christmas. The masked julebukk tell funny stories about themselves and the hosts must try to guess who they are. When a julebukk is correctly identified they must take their mask off. A few facts about julebukk: It is thought outside of Norway that the activity of going from door-to-door is called 'julebukking', however, this is wrong, it is called 'to go julebukk' (Gå julebukk). The treats or sweets given/taken are not lollies and sugary things but baked goods, clementines and nuts. In older times it was usual to share leftovers of Christmas dinner. You 'go julebukk' in old clothes, not expensive costumes and party attire, as Christmas is a time of decadence, however, the julebukk is a charitable act of visiting, giving, singing and being thoughtful of each other. Sadly, julebukk is slowly fading out because this community tradition is not suited to big city environments. Parents and small children feel more confident going to places where they know the people and in big cities it is less common for neighbours to know each other. The tradition is more common in smaller communities where friends and family live close together. ::::::::: Santa Lucia Day, December 13 Historically Norwegians considered what they called Lussinatten the longest night of the year and no work was to be done. From that night until Christmas, spirits, gnomes and trolls roamed the earth. Lussi, a feared enchantress, punished anyone who dared work. Legend also has it that farm animals talked to each other on Lussinatten, and that they were given additional feed on this longest night of the year. In the early hours of the morning of December 13, a young woman of rich and noble parents, dressed in a white gown, with a red sash and a crown of lingonberry twigs and blazing candles, would go from one farm to the next. She carried a torch to light her way and brought baked goods to each house. She returned home by sunrise. Every village had its own Lucia. In ancient times the celebrations of Saint Lucy's Day announced to the demons of winter that their reign was broken, that the sun would return again and the days would become longer.

• published: 13 Dec 2013
• views: 138