Yule Lad 12 arrives today.
He is called KJÖTKRÓKUR (Meat Hook)
Smoked lamb is one of the foods traditionally eaten at Christmas, but today is a day for traditional foods in Iceland.
The day is known as Thorlakmessa. (Mass of Saint Þorlákur)
Þorlákur ‘the Holy’ Þórhallsson, who was Bishop at Skálholt in Iceland in the 12th century. He died December 23, 1193, which became a holiday in 1199. In 1985 Pope John Paul II appointed Þorlákur ‘the Holy’ as the patron saint of Iceland.
Þorlákur ‘the Holy’ Þórhallsson, who was Bishop at Skálholt in Iceland in the 12th century. He died December 23, 1193, which became a holiday in 1199. In 1985 Pope John Paul II appointed Þorlákur ‘the Holy’ as the patron saint of Iceland.
Þorláksmessa
23 December is St. Þorlákur's Day, when Icelanders eat putrefied skate to symbolise what was traditionally the end of the Christmas fast. Shops are also open very late for the many who leave their Christmas buying frenzy until the last minute. For many, this signifies the beginning of Christmas.
There's more detail in this article from the excellent 'Up North' magazine,
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