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Julbocken – Sweden’s Christmas Goat Posted by on Dec 3, 2009 in Culture

I have lived in Sweden for over two years now as an adult. I speak the language fluently. I work here. I even have Swedish citizenship. That doesn’t help; I am still not used to the idea of Julbocken. The Christmas Goat.

Julbocken is known in two forms. The first being the large straw version that is built every year in the city of Gävle (he also come in smaller straw versions as Christmas decorations). Every year there is a race against time before it burns down. Turns out that an oversized straw goat is an inviting target for arsonists. If you’re interested, you can follow the Gävle Christmas Goat via live webcam.

There is also Julbocken on the Swedish island of Gotland. It is this Christmas Goat that I am most familiar with.

As a child I spent a couple of Christmases on the island of Gotland visiting cousins. This means that I wasn’t all that familiar with the Christmas traditions on the Swedish island. Instead of Jultomten, the Swedish Santa Claus, coming to the houses, Julbocken came. Julbocken is a large goat that brings presents to children. He is also the most frightening Christmas related character I can think of and could very well lead to nightmares.

It is said that Julbocken can trace its origins back to the Scandinavian myths of Thor and his goats. Whether that is true or not is irrelevant, because as a small child, goat-like creatures walking on their hind legs and about the size of my uncle meant I wasn’t thinking about the mythological origins of the Christmas tradition. Especially when out from the cold a large gray and black goat braying and neighing and making whatever goat noises imaginable bursts through the door. Despite having presents, it is a horrible experience the first time.

In case you are under the age of ten and reading this, please stop now. What I am about to say may crush your young childhood reality. Julbocken was my uncle. He is a good man. A kind man. But as Julbocken, he epitomized the fear that Thor’s goats were surely meant to impart on anyone willing to listen.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen Julbocken, today I try to stick to the small straw versions which I hang on my Christmas tree. It makes for a much better night’s sleep.

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About the Author: Marcus Cederström

Marcus Cederström has been writing for the Transparent Swedish Blog since 2009. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Scandinavian Studies from the University of Oregon, a Master's Degree in Scandinavian Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and a PhD in Scandinavian Studies and Folklore from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He has taught Swedish for several years and still spells things wrong. So, if you see something, say something.


Comments:

  1. Deirdre:

    Funny and informative.

    Now I know what I must prepare myself for 😉

    Happy holidays to you!

  2. Marcus Cederström:

    Thanks, the same to you!

  3. Carla:

    The Swedes have such rich jultradition! Love it.

  4. lotta af petersens:

    I like it !

  5. Marcus Cederström:

    @Carla – they really do, it’s a lot of fun, even if julbocken can be a bit scary.

    @lotta – so glad to hear it!

  6. David Kirchinger:

    I’ve always been fascinated by the Swedish Christmas goat. Your post helps me to understand it better. Thank you for sharing

  7. Marcus Cederström:

    glad that you found it interesting!

  8. Glen:

    Having just spent my first Christmas in Sweden I have had a lot of fun finding out about Swedish Christmas traditions. The goat is a funny one . Having seen how sinister Tomten looks when he arrives , I can only imagine how scary a huge goat would be ! Now about those Christmas curtains… What is THAT about? 🙂

  9. Marcus Cederström:

    Glad you got to enjoy a Swedish Christmas!

  10. Carl Wallin:

    I celebrated my last year Christmas in Stockholm, and enjoyed Swedish Christmas goat. It was really fun! I also attended the Christmas show arranged by the Julgalan. My dad booked tickets for this year show, at http://www.julgalan.se/2014/

  11. Marcus Cederström:

    The goat is a wonderful part of the holiday, in my opinion.