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NORWEGIAN TRADITIONS

Nisser: Norway’s love of barn elves and gnomes 

Nisser are beloved by Norwegians, with the magical creatures playing a huge part in the country's Christmas traditions – however that wasn't always the case. 

Published: 15 December 2023 15:11 CET
Pictured are two nisser in Norway.
Nisser are a big part of Christmas in Norway. Pictured are two nisser in Norway. Photo by Pierre Bamin on Unsplash

Nisser are small supernatural creatures that could be compared to a gnome or an elf. They have existed in Norwegian folklore for centuries and are heavily associated with Christmas in Norway. 

As with many traditions in Norway, folklore from before and after the rise of Christianity are intertwined in nisser lore.

After the Chrsitianisation of Norway, nisser saw a fall in popularity as they were seen as ungodly.

During the period of national romanticism, the period which also saw bunads and other symbols of Norway celebrated, nisser became more popular and became a symbol for Norway to the point they were later associated with campaigns against prohibition and resistance against Nazi occupation. 

It is during this period they started to become more intertwined with Christmas. Initially, they had little to do with the holidays until they began to appear on Christmas cards. 

The exact origin of the word nisse isn’t completely clear. Some point to it being a version of the name Nils – the Nordic form of Nicholas. Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas is referred to as Julenissen (literally translated as the Christmas nisse) in Norwegian. 

Santa Claus is also reliant on the help of elves, also called nisser. 

However, nisser had existed in Norway long before becoming associated with Christmas. Santa Claus originally had nothing to do with nisser, despite the name. This link became clearer over time, though. 

Another origin of the word may also be derived from the Old Norse niðsi, meaning “dear little relative”. This is in keeping with the benevolent nature of most nisser. 

The benevolent nature is due to nisser living in barns and homesteads. They typically act as secret guardians and will protect family and animals from evil and misfortune. They also supposedly help with chores and farm work. 

This more benevolent side to a nisse may result from a change in spirits or a PR campaign because previously, they could be known for being quick-tempered and taking joy in others’ misfortune. 

For this reason, many choose to leave out some porridge for the nisse or nisser at Christmas. They believe this will keep them in the good books of the nisser. They may also leave out porridge for Father Christmas (Julenissen) instead. This tradition is similar to kids leaving milk, cookies or mince pies out for Satna Claus. 

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For members

WORKING IN NORWAY

Why do Norwegians take such long summer holidays?

Summer in Norway sees offices nationwide come to a standstill as workers head out on three-week-long holidays. Have you ever wondered how summer holidays of at least three weeks became so popular?

Published: 5 July 2024 11:48 CEST
Why do Norwegians take such long summer holidays?

Offices, cafes, shops, salons, and plenty of other business close for a few weeks in July, with other things such as public services becoming much harder to reach until the end of the month or beginning of August.

This is referred to as “fellesferie” or the “joint” or “collective” holiday when translated into English. Given how many take the holidays, large parts of Norway can feel surprisingly empty during the summer.

Syden is the affectionate Norwegian term to describe the Mediterranean destinations that are typically popular, although many will also choose to holiday in Sweden, Denmark, or a cabin in rural parts of Norway.

READ ALSO: How to enjoy summer in Norway like a Norwegian

When did Norwegians start taking such long holidays?

The practice dates back to the interwar years in Norway when employers and employee organisations agreed on a three-week collective holiday period.

This ended up being a win/win situation for both parties. For the companies, it was more practical and profitable to let all the workers take holidays at the same time and close their operations down completely.

The workers were allowed to enjoy time off when Norway typically expects (but doesn’t always get) its best weather.

The scheme made its way into other industries through collective bargaining agreements. Collective bargaining agreements have played a massive role in developing workers’ rights in Norway and continue to play an important role today.

Three-week-long holidays written into law

Workers’ rights in Norway are best described as a result of tripartite cooperation where employers, employee organisations and the government work together on matters regarding employment in the country. This is also referred to as the ‘Norwegian Model’.

This model has led to high levels of union membership in the country. Furthermore, the model has filled in gaps where there aren’t laws. For example, there is no universal minimum wage in Norway, the law only covers minimum wages in a handful of sectors.

Instead, unions strike collective bargaining agreements that cover minimum wages, working hours and conditions, and salary increases on behalf of members. Some non-members can also benefit from these to ensure that non-members don’t undercut workers in unions.

Sometimes, collective bargaining agreements covering working rights can lead to legislation later down the light. The right to annual leave in Norway began to develop around 1900, through union deals, but later through law.

Norway has its own Holiday Act these days. Under the law, workers in Norway have the right to at least 25 days of holiday per year. Some workers are entitled to more through their collective bargaining agreement.

Much like the initial right to holiday, the law was updated to allow more workers to enjoy a summer holiday. The Holiday Act means employees can demand up to three consecutive weeks off between the start of June and the end of September.

This means that even companies that do not shut up shop for the summer holidays will see large parts of the workforce disappear.

The other ten days of the year can be taken whenever you wish and can be used up in blocks or used individually.

Employers also have rights during fellesferie and can require employees to take a holiday during this period if the business reduces or closes operations during the “main holiday period.”

Workers can only refuse to take a holiday during this period if the holiday pay they have earned so far will not cover the loss of income during the holiday.

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