The way the Icelanders commemorate the Epiphany, or as they prefer to call it, The Thirteenth Day, is completely bonkers and radically different from most of Europe. On this day, the King and Queen of the elves may visit your community bonfire, cows talk in rhyming couplets that will turn any human listener completely mad, seal-people drop their seal skins to dance naked on the beaches, and it's the last day to legally set off fireworks! But don't go booking your next vacation just yet... as fun as this day sounds, there are risks if you fail to follow the traditional rules!
All in good fun! Natalie´s own two experiences of Þrettándin were far less exciting than is told in the stories.
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Sources:
https://grapevine.is/mag/articles/2013/12/30/thirteen-things-about-threttandinn
https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/epiphany-in-europe-sweetness-to-share
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Álfareiðin Song
Svavar Knútur
https://svavarknutur.bandcamp.com/track/lfarei-in
New Iceland Youth Choir: Ties That Bind
https://hljodsafn.is/albumDisplay/2742
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La Befana
https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/art-culture/italian-christmas-legends-folklore