Þorláksmessa is an observance of Iceland's only saint and is always celebrated on the 23rd of December.
Þorlákur was a 12th century Icelandic bishop, who was revered as the patron saint of Iceland after his death in 1193. He was (finally) canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1985. - Jol in Iceland
Traditionally, we would have eaten fermented fish, but in reality, no Minnesotan of sound mind would consider this a meal. I've tried it. I don't want to talk about it. As with most immigrants, our family has modified certain elements of tradition because of what is available (and edible) here in Minnesota. So the menu will include hangikjöt (smoked lamb), creamed potatoes, sweet/sour red cabbage and fried flat bread called laufabrauð.
I just learned tonight from my mother-in-law that the cream was used to cover up the potatoes which were
often bruised, rotting and 'unsightly' this time of year.
 |
| Those are my twerps. |
 |
| That's Lumpy and me. |
Good times.
6 comments:
Looks like a very fun and yummy celebration!!
Merry almost Christmas to you all!! :) :)
Everything about this celebration looks warm and satisfying and cozy and happy and just delightful.
This is so interesting! I've never heard of this holiday, and now I'm curious about fermented fish. (And you look fab, by the way.)
WHAT? You don't like skata? Really? I'm just kidding of course, skata is not for the faint hearted ;-)
Reporting back on the homemade deodorant: it works! It really works! My husband put it on this morning, then spent the majority of the day working on cars and bikes, and then walked Mingus up and down hills. No stink!
Thanks for sharing your Þorláksmessa! Sounds amazing. I don't do the skata either. I have tried, and failed at it. Ugh.
Post a Comment