Lögberg-Heimskringla - 11.12.1992, Page 28

28 • Lögberg-Heimskringia • Föstudagur 11. desember 1992
City children gather at AusturvöIIur to
see the lights of the Christmas tree go on
E
or Reykjavík children, the
beginning of the festive season is
signalled by the ceremonial
illumination of a large Christmas
tree at Austurvöllur in the city
centre, the annual Yuletide gift
of the people of Oslo to the
people of Reykjavík.
Íust before dusk on a Sunday in
mid-December, parents and
ildren gather from all over the
city to crowd around the tree as a
brass band plays Christmas
carols. Whether they are seeing
the ceremony for the first time or
the tenth, children wait patiently,
wrapped up warmly against the
cold, for the wonder of Christmas
to begin. As darkness falls, the
Norwegian ambassador throws a
switch and a web of faiiy lights
illuminates the Christmas tree.
nrhen, on a conveniently flat
X roof on the opposite side of
the square, the Yuletide Lads
make their appearance, to the
delight of kids of all ages. Half-
trolls who originated in Icelandic
folklore as mischievous
pranksters, sons of the old witch
Grýla, the thirteen Yuletide Lads
are reputed to come down from
their mountain homes in Advent
in order to wreak chaos on
human society in the Christmas
season.
Mellowed by the intemational
Father Christmas myth,
they are portrayed today as
benevolent white-bearded Santas,
who entertain children instead of
frightening them. Thrilled by the
antics of the jolly red-clad
Yuletide Lads, children are
shepherded home with shining
cheeks and dancing eyes,
knowing that Christmas is just
around the comer.
tfíae
for ícelandic independence
in the last century (above left),
surveys the square from his pedestal
as a brass band plays Christmas carols
(left) and children look on
in anticipation (above).