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That day is named for Iceland's major native Saint, Thorlakur Thor- hallsson, former Bishop of Skálholt who died that day in 1193, and five years later, he was declared a saint by the Alţingi (parliament) after evidence was produced that he had performed miracles. So many of the prominent figures in Icelandic history are amongst your ances- tors, but Thorlakur is not. He never married. Well, he intended to do but was stopped by a portentous dream in which a man of noble mien addressed him: "I know you intend to ask a woman to be your wife, but another, far more eminent bride is intended for you, and you shall have no other". Not only did Thorlak choose chastity for himself, he also campaigned for clerical celibacy in general. Living according to his strict principles of self-denial, he earned great respect. But he was certainly no spoilsport; although he was never seen to be under the influence of alcohol, he was said to be "lucky with drink".
The main custom associated with Ţorláksmessa, at least nowadays, is the partaking of a simple meal of skate. This custom, which originated in the West Fjords, has become traditional all over Iceland. The skate must be hung for some time, until kćst or ripe, before cooking.
The Yule tree is usually decorated in the evening of Ţorláksmessa. This is also a big shopping day for last minute gifts, with stores remaining open until midnight.
Ađfangadagur or Yule Eve is the time that all children await impatiently. TV transmission stops around 5 p.m. that day and only restarts at 10 p.m. Those who don't go to church at 6 p.m. usually listens to Evensong on the radio then the family partakes of the evening's meal. After the meal the presents are opened and, according to the children, the real Yule begins. It is usually the immediate family that spends Ađfangadagur together.
Jóladagur or Yule Day 25 December, is usually reserved for the extended family. Children gather at their parents home, and a feast is enjoyed by all.
Traditional Yule food is Hangikjöt, smoked mutton. Another traditional delicacy, the Rjúpa or rock ptarmigan, started out as the poor man's dinner but is now an expensive meal. So much sought after that since this fall the bird has been protected by law for the next four years. So, unless you keep some birds in your freezer since last autumn you have to find something else, like wild goose, a turkey or maybe a reindeer. Another Yuletide specialty is Laufabrauđ or leaf bread. This is very thin sheets of dough cut into intricate patterns and fried. Interesting to make and a delicasy to eat, e.g. with the hangikjöt.
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Leafbread - Icelandic
patterned delicatessen - is an extremely thin
bread, evolved in poverty, when wheat was a
rarity except among the rich. The practical
housewives flattened the dough into thin
circles, like pancakes. The cake was then
artistically carved by the family, gathered for
making the leafbread for Christmas. The carving
was to make up for the poor dough quality. Thus,
the carved Leafbread reflects the unique
economy, folk art and the culinary culture in
Iceland. c) Hugrún Ívarsdóttir |
