Yuletide Visits from the Yule Goat and the Nisse.

Every year homes across Scandinavia are visited by the Yule goat and the Nisse. Both visitors date back to ancient times. They have evolved and changed from their pagan roots to fit into a more Christian society. Let’s learn a bit about these Yuletide visitors.

The Nisse

These household spirits go by different names depending on which country they happen to be in. They also go by Tomten, Tomte and Tomtenisse. Today they are typically associated with the winter solstice and Christmas season. In the past, they were household spirits that lived on the property all year.

The Nisse in the Past

In ancient times the Nisse was believed to be the “soul” of the first person to live on the property. The first person to break ground and build the homestead. The spirit would be capable of shapeshifting and being invisible. When the current residents did catch a glimpse, they usually saw a small, elderly man with a full beard. The two to three foot tall man often wore a woolen tunic with a belt at the waist, knee breeches and stockings. The hat was either conical or knit.

The Nisse lived in the house or barn and would act as a guardian. When they were treated well, they would protect the family and the animals from evil and misfortune. They might even help with chores. It is important to remember that the Nisse can be short tempered.

When offended they would usually play tricks, steal items and if the insult was bad enough maim or kill livestock. Acts that offended them were carelessness, lack of respect, lazy farmers, cursing, urinating in the barn and not treating the animals well.

It was polite to give the Nisse a gift. On Christmas Eve the residents would leave a bowl of porridge with a pat of butter on top.

The Nisse Today

The introduction of Christianity created a change in how people viewed the Nisse. For some, they went from being helpful household spirits to being demonized. The Christians equated the respect shown to the Nisse to worshipping false gods or demons. Despite their villainization, they never disappeared from existence as some traditions have.

Somewhere along the way they began to be associated with the Yule goat. They would go around handing out presents. The image of the Nisse was softened. They no longer maim or kill when angered. Instead of being solitary, they are now often seen in pairs or groups.

The Yule Goat

The Yule goat, also Julbock (Sweden), Julebukk (Norway) and Juulupukki (Finland), is a goat associated with the Christmas season. Visitors to the town of Galve in Sweden would find a 40-foot-high goat made out of straw. But why is a goat popular at Christmas?

Yule Goat in the Past

The celebration of a goat dates back to ancient Pagan festivals. Originally, it was suspected to be connected to the Norse god Thor. He rides in a chariot drawn by two goats. However, it is believed to be based on an Indo-European harvest tradition.

During the Koliada (Yule) festival to honor the god of the harvest and the fertile sun, the last sheaves of grain were bundled together. This bundle was credited with magical properties and considered the ‘spirit of the harvest’. It was saved for Yule celebrations. The Yule celebrations honored the god Devac (also known as Dazbog). Devac was usually represented by a white goat. Because of this representation, the festivities usually included a man dressed as a white goat. This person would go from house-to-house demanding offerings or gifts.

The Yule Goat Changes with the Times

As Christianity took hold, the figure of St. Nicholas began to lead the figure of the goat. This represented God’s triumph over the Devil. Some areas in Scandinavia believed the Yule goat was more of an invisible spirit. His goal was to check in to make sure the holiday preparations were done correctly.

Many areas had traveling bands of Wassailers. They would go around through the town singing songs and performing pranks. There would usually be one person dressed as the Yule goat in the crowd. The crowd was rewarded with candy and seasonal treats.

Through the years the Yule goat went from demanding gifts and treats to giving them. Sometimes he traveled with St. Nicholas or Santa Claus. Sometimes he went with the Nisse to deliver gifts.

Today, the Yule goat is popular Christmas ornament and decoration. They are usually made of straw and tied with red ribbons. They come in various sizes.

The Yule Goat and Nisse Join the Dark Christmas Traditions

The Yule Goat and the Nisse are pretty harmless when compared to some of the other Dark Christmas Traditions. Maybe you have noticed some little disturbances around the house? It could be the Yule Lads. Also make sure you have a new outfit for Christmas or else you might be eaten by a giant cat! Wondering what I’m talking about? Read my blog here.