The Yule Nisse/ Yule Tomte
The end of July fast approaches and the Yule season has concluded in my household. The decorations are packed away and the evergreen boughs are piled outside, ready to be burnt on a fire for the next seasonal celebration of Imbolc, the quickening, the first flutterings of spring, which we’ll explore in the next few articles. But, before we close the chapter on Yule entirely, there’s one more Yule tradition to explore, the lovely Yule Nisse.
The Yule Nisse, also known as the Yule Tomte, is a beloved figure in Scandinavian folklore, deeply woven into the traditions and celebrations of the Yule or Christmas season. This mythical creature is often depicted as a small (60 - 90 cm) and elderly man, often with a white beard, wearing traditional Nordic farmers clothing, including a pointed hat, tunic and boots.
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According to Scandinavian legend, the Yule Nisse is a magical being who resides on farms and in rural areas, and is believed to be the guardian of the homestead and its inhabitants. In Norway, Denmark, and parts of Sweden, he is typically known as the Julenisse or Jule Nisse, during the Yule season. The word nisse is derived from the Old Norse word nis or niðsi, which refers to a domestic spirit or household guardian and means “dear little relative.” In Sweden he is known as the Tomte and some in parts of Finland as the Tonttu, from the Swedish word tomt (tontti in Finland), which means "plot of land" or "homestead."
Tomte
Midwinter’s nightly frost is hard —
Brightly the stars are beaming;
Fast asleep is the lonely yard,
All, at midnight, are dreaming.
Clear is the moon, and the snow-drifts shine,
Glistening white, on fir and pine,
Covers on rooflets making.
None but the Tomte is waking.
Victor Rydberg (1881)The Yule Nisse is a mischievous and benevolent character, known for his playful antics and acts of kindness… if he is respected and the farm, animals and children are well tended. He is said to assist with farm chores, tend to the animals, and protect the household, especially the children.
However, he is also known to be easily offended and can bring bad luck if he feels neglected or disrespected, if the farm chores are not done, or if the animals or children are mistreated. He’s been known to tie cows tails together, sour the milk, turn things upside down, break things, and even give disrespectful farm workers a thrashing.
During the holiday season in Scandinavia, it is customary for families to leave out a bowl of porridge or other treats as an offering to the Yule Nisse, hoping to receive his blessings for a bountiful year ahead. If the Nisse was not given his bowl of porridge with a pat of butter on top, he would be so offended that he would leave the household or ruin the farm’s fortune.
In some Scandinavian traditions, families leave out a special seat or corner for the Yule Nisse by the hearth, where he can rest and enjoy his treats. Children often write letters to him, expressing their wishes for Christmas gifts or simply thanking him for his watchful presence.
The origins of the Yule Nisse date back to ancient pagan beliefs, where he was associated with the spirit of the land and fertility. Even as Christianity spread throughout Scandinavia, belief in the Yule Nisse remained strong, especially in rural areas. Eventually, the Nisse absorbed some of the attributes of Santa Claus, including the colours of red and white and becoming the gift giver at Yule or Christmas.
Today, the Yule Nisse remains a cherished symbol of Yule in Scandinavian countries, and his presence brings warmth, joy, and a sense of enchantment to the holiday season.
I thought it might be fun to share some of the Nisse-themed Yule carols that I love playing from the start of June until the end of Yule in July. The first one is a Swedish carol called På låven sitter nissen (1:25 mins) about mice trying to steal the Yule Nissen’s porridge. The second one is a popular Finnish Yule carol, the Nisse Polka. The third one is my favourite, Tomtarnas Julnatt, also called the "Tip Tap Song” (you’ll see why when you listen) and I’ve included three versions, the Swedish version with animation, an English version, and a sweet home-video (3:12 mins) of Finnish children singing and dancing to their version called Tonttujen jouluyö. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!