I'm Leaving a Wooden Goat in Your House

Happy Yule!Show more

We all know the familiar, far-spanning traditions of old Christmas symbols like trees, Yule logs, holly, and lights. But did you know we are still adopting the forgotten traditions of the old and transforming them for the next generations? Elf on a Shelf, The Magic of the Icicle Angel, and the "hidden pickle" are newer, more familiar traditions practiced in American households today. After searching these customs and their unique origins, I found an interlacing thread to the Scandinavian legend of Tomte.

Tomte is a Swedish creature that appears frequently in fables and literature. According to legend, he is a permanent resident of a home, living either in or under it, taking responsibility for farmwork and protecting animals and children. But Tomte is mischievous if the household under his charge is not meeting his expectations. With an attitude similar to a house gnome, havoc will continue until his demands prevail. His appearance resembles the American depictions of Santa Claus, and the name 'Tomte' actually translates to 'Santa' in English from Swedish.

By now, you're probably asking what is Tomte's demands and expectations. Tomte requests the family observe traditions, treat their animals well, and give him his favorite meal, porridge with a moat of honey topped with a pat of butter. Leave him this meal in the company of the livestock because he enjoys their company as he eats. For Christmas, his favorite gifts are gray homespun cloth, tobacco, and as much clay as a spade can hold. In Finland, Tomte, also known as tonttu, won't complain about an accompanying glass of brandy with his porridge.

The customs and activities of Tomte are reminiscent of the modern Elf on a Shelf ritual adopted in America as a new Christmas tradition. If you are unfamiliar with this past time, Elf on a Shelf is sent to your child from the North Pole to report the naughty children back to Santa. However, the elves that come to town seem to be the naughty ones. They are infamous for creating messes, and children often find them in amusing situations that would surely land them on Santa's naughty list. Every day leading up to Christmas day, the elves move about the house and make nightly reports to the North Pole. On Christmas Eve, when Santa unloads presents, the elves help unpack and sort gifts under the tree. The rumor is that they are also responsible for putting coal in the stockings of bad boys and girls. But that's just what I heard.

All similarities aside, a significant difference from the Elf on a Shelf is that Tomte is known to travel with a goat. A goat en tote, if you will. This interesting goat dates back several thousand years to the story of the God Thor. Thor drives a flying chariot pulled by, you guessed it, two goats. They are the familiars of the God known to provide him and his friends with food. In Scandinavia, the legend depicts Tomte and the goat watching through the windows of homes. The goat has big, long horns and is predominantly white. The premise that Thor's goat is observing along with Tomte ensures that you will prepare traditionally for the season. From this belief, the ritual of sneaking a wooden goat into your neighbor's house was born. Upon discovering the goat, the homeowner remembers to observe customs and traditions throughout the season.

The Yule goat compares well to the traditions, Magic of the Icicle Angel and the hidden pickle. These American activities mimic the behavior of passing along the wooden goat. In all instances, the object hides in the home of the owner, usually in the Christmas tree, and whoever finds it gets an additional gift. Plus, the task of relocating it to another location, thus continuing the fun. The game intends to spread holiday lore, cheer, and rite. The constant theme across the board is the adherence to culture, history, and togetherness.

Whichever way you decide to celebrate the holiday, as long as the seasonal cheer is in the intent, we can all observe this magical time of the year together. So, consider this story your wooden Yule goat I am leaving in your home. Now, it's your turn to observe your traditions and spread warm-season greetings. Happy Yule!

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