by Leif Nordholm
HWAET MIN VIKINGR OCH VALKYRIA!
Gud Jul min venner! Pay attention because this is important!
People, you have all heard how Norway and Canada were in fierce competition over who has the biggest moose statue...
Surely you also know that Gävle Yule Goat, at 41ft, is the Guiness Book’s largest Yule Goat...
My question for you is, how long can this go on?!?
What I am proposing to you today is that within the next five years, Lethbridge, Alberta steals away that honour from Sweden!
Have we got enough straw?
YOU BET WE GOT THE STRAW!
WE’RE ALBERTA FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!
Hold on, Leif, hold on. What do you mean Yule Goat? What is this nonsense you are speaking?
Let me tell you my kin, this is not nonsense. There is a time-honoured tradition in Northern Europe of weaving goats from straw, binding them with red thread or ribbon, and braiding their horns to connect with their tails. You’ll have the chance to make a Yule goat (or one of several other amazing crafts) as a Yule gift for your friends and family at SAPA’s Make-Your-Own-Gift Yule Bazaar at Stoketown on 15 December, 3-6pm...
Some say Yule Goat has to do with Norse God Thor’s goats, or that it connects otherwise with Ancient Baltic, Slavic, Finnish or Russian folktales and traditions.
No matter whose goats they are, I will say one thing: goat stew is delicious spooned over boiled potatoes, and a seasonal favourite! It’s no Labskovs or Kalops like Nana used to make mind you, but it sure does warm the heart on the cold winternights!
Take care, though. In one story, Thor invited a family to eat of his goats for they would regenerate in the morning. He warned them that eating of their marrow was forbidden. When the children did not heed his warning, one goat woke with a bum leg! What did Thor do?
In anger he enslaved the children and took them with him on a journey to Utgard, the territory beyond the world, a place of tricks and treachery.
Now that you’ve been warned, I tell you: have a safe and happy Jul, and try not to anger any gods!
Gud Jul!
Din bror,
Leifr.
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