Published: 4-12-2010, 09:44

Christmas in Iceland

Christmas in Iceland: Past Preparations

Christmas in Iceland: St. Thorlak’s Day

Christmas in Iceland: Christmas Eve and Day

Christmas in Iceland: Gift Bringers

Christmas in Iceland: Gifts

Christmas in Iceland: Decorations

Christmas in Iceland: New Year’s Eve

Christmas in Iceland: Twelfth Night and Epiphany

The first Europeans settled in Iceland in the ninth century. They were from Scandinavia and the Celtic lands, and some researchers believe that they brought with them a midwinter festival called Yule. They also imported a rich collection of stories, beliefs, and folklore concerning elves, fairies, trolls and other unseen, magical peoples. In the year 1000, Iceland adopted Christianity. This religion called for a new, midwinter holiday called Christmas. Over the years the beliefs and practices associated with Christmas began to eclipse those associated with the earlier pagan feast.

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