All Things Iceland5 Tammi 2024

Iceland’s Magical 13th Day of Christmas – Folklore Friday

Today is the first episode of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing fascinating stories from Icelandic folklore on Fridays throughout 2024. This one is extra special because tomorrow is January 6th and it is said that many magical things happen then in Iceland.

Why January 6th is the end of Christmas in Iceland

On January 6th, Iceland bids a vibrant farewell to its Christmas season, a day steeped in magic and folklore. Known as Þrettándinn or “The Thirteenth,” this day marks the culmination of a thirteen-day yuletide celebration. Having 13 days of Christmas is uniquely Icelandic in its charm and mystique.

In Iceland, Christmas starts on the 24th of December, and Þrettándinn, literally translating to “the thirteenth,” aligns with what many know as the twelfth night of Christmas. But here, it holds a deeper significance, intertwining with the enchanting lore of Huldufólk, the hidden people of Icelandic tales.

As the day unfolds, the end of the festive season is celebrated. The last of the Yule Lads their family begin their journey back to their homes in the mountains. This retreat signals the end of their annual visit, as they vow to return next Christmas.

Under the starlit sky, Icelanders traditionally gather around roaring bonfires on this day. Songs of the New Year and elfin melodies float through the air, a celebration of community and folklore.

Keep an Eye Out for the Mystical Icelandic Creatures that Might Appear

But the magic of Þrettándinn extends beyond the visible. It’s a day when cows are whispered to possess the gift of speech. Their words a tantalizing mystery, yet one must resist the urge to listen, for their voices are said to bring madness. Seals shed their normal appearance and wander the land in human form. It’s a sight both wondrous and eerie.

The most fascinating part of all is that the Elf King and Queen are said to show up at the bonfires. They dance and sing around the crackling flames. Their jubilant voices echo through the night, a reminder of the enchantment that pervades this mystic evening.

Þrettándinn stands as a unique and captivating finale to Iceland’s Christmas season. A day where the line between the ordinary and the magical blurs, leaving behind memories as vivid as the Northern Lights themselves.

After this day, the festive spirit dims in homes across Iceland. Christmas lights might stay up until the end of the month because the light is nice to see during the dark months. However, trees are dismantled, and decorations are tucked away until next year.

Icelandic Word of the Episode

Due to so many random facts already shared in this episode, I don’t have a separate segment for that but the Icelandic word of the episode is Þrettándabrennur, which translates to the thirteenth bonfires.

Books About Icelandic Folklore

Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega

Share This Post

Facebook
Email
Twitter

Let’s Be Social

Youtube

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(272)

10 Weird Things I Now Find Normal After Living in Iceland for 10 Years

2026 marks 10 years since I moved to Iceland, which is honestly a little hard for me to believe. I can still remember stepping off the plane, starting work, and feeling like my brain was being bombard...

14 Elo 30min

Iceland’s New Road Tax Explained (2026): What Every Tourist Needs to Know

Planning to rent a car in Iceland? Learn how Iceland’s new road tax works, why it was introduced, how it affects tourists, and how you can save money on your rental. I’ll also explain why not all rent...

5 Elo 12min

I Just Finished 8 Months of Maternity Leave in Iceland. Here’s What It Was Really Like.

After eight months of maternity leave in Iceland, I’m finally back to work. Looking back, I can honestly say that this experience has given me an entirely new appreciation for Iceland’s parental leave...

23 Heinä 23min

Iceland’s Glaciers & Coastline are Disappearing – Here’s how Your Visit Can Help Scientists

What if your next trip to Iceland could do more than create unforgettable memories? In this episode, I sit down with Anne Peters and geologist Johannes Marteinn from Katla UNESCO Global Geopark to exp...

9 Heinä 53min

I Tested the Icelandic AI Learning Platform So You Don’t Have To – The Pros & Cons

Learning Icelandic can honestly feel overwhelming. If you’ve ever tried to learn the language, you probably already know that there are a lot of scattered resources online, different classes, private ...

28 Touko 22min

From Venezuela to Iceland: How Valenttina Griffin Built a Life Across Cultures

I sat down with an inspiring Venezuelan-born entrepreneur, Valenttina Griffin, who has made Iceland her home. Through a lively conversation, Valenttina shares her experiences of navigating different c...

15 Touko 1h 30min

The Cost of a 5-Day Trip to Iceland. Local Expert Advice on how to budget for it.

Along with hearing about volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and gorgeous landscapes, one of the biggest things people associate with Iceland is how expensive it is. And honestly, that conversa...

14 Touko 39min

5 Places in Iceland Worth the Detour (That Most Travelers Miss)

There are places in Iceland that are easy to visit. And then there are places that require a bit more effort, but reward you in ways you honestly don’t expect. I’m sharing 5 places across the country ...

4 Touko 23min