Santa’s Not The Only One With Elves >

by Cathie Mayr

According to long-standing Scandinavian beliefs, a farm’s prosperity derived from the hard work of elves. In Sweden they are called Tomte (tomp-tah) and in Norway Nisse (nee-sah or niss-ah).

They are diminutive fellows, sporting long white beards and dressed in knee pants, red peaked stocking caps, and wooden shoes.

Rather than giving gifts at Christmas, these elves demand them, expecting a bowl of porridge or other tribute for all the farm work they perform during the year. To ensure the continuation of good fortune, the farmer had to reward the elf appropriately at Christmastime.

If not given his payment, a Tomte or Nisse would leave the farm or house, or engage in mischief such as tying the cows' tails together in the barn, turning objects upside-down, and breaking things.

Today you’ll find Nisse and Tomte on all manner of Scandinavian holiday cards and decorations. And maybe even in your own household!

Sure you know your lefse from your lutefisk, but do you know your smultringer from your sirupssnipper? Cathie Mayr, owner of Nordic Living, knows and each day from now until Christmas she'll gift us with some interesting and fun (yes, Scandinavians can have fun) tidbits about these Old Country traditions and more. So visit our website daily from now until Christmas. Your inner Viking will thank you.

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