How not to get eaten by the Yule Cat
The Yule Cat or Jólakötturinn is according to Icelandic folklore, a gigantic, monstrous cat that enjoys eating people who haven’t received new clothes for Christmas.
The monster cat lurks in the shadows, in the mountains, and in the countryside. It keeps an eye (it’s got glowing eyes) on the townsfolk, checking if they are still wearing their old rags.
The idea may have been to inspire generosity and encourage people to give clothes to the less fortunate.
Farmers would also use the story to encourage their workers to finish processing the autumn wool before Christmas. They would then be rewarded with new clothes.
Björk sings about the Yule Cat. Poem by Jóhannes úr Kötlum, composer Ingibjörg Þorbergs
English translation of the lyrics
It is still today a common practice to gift clothing items to your loved ones at or before Christmas to keep them from being eaten.
We recommend exercising caution when travelling in Iceland during the holiday season.`
Here are some Iceland Holidays for those who dare.
