Introduction to Studying Iceland

 

The culture I will focus on in my blog is Iceland; a couple of years ago, I was talking to a friend who had always wanted to go to Iceland. They finally got the opportunity to go with a group of individuals, and they told me how great their trip was and all the great activities they did. My friend also showed me all those beautiful pictures they had taken on their journey, and honestly, once I saw how beautiful it was, I just knew I had to go someday. This would be an excellent opportunity for me to learn a little about Iceland and get a feel of how the people are and see their cultural aspects and what they love about Iceland. I will start by reviewing a little background about Iceland; Iceland wasn't always a free country. Demark governed it and also Norway until 1874, when they were able to gain their independence. A year later, after Iceland gained its independence, a tragic event occurred. A volcano known as "Askja" erupted and caused so much distraction that Iceland was left without hardly any natural resources leaving any of its residents with nothing. This volcanic eruption was so destructive that many people ended up leaving Iceland due to not having food or any resources and going to other places like Canada, for example. Iceland is also known for being a country that has the most volcanic eruptions in its region. Iceland's current estimated population is about 357,603 individuals, and most of its population speak the following languages their native language, which is Icelandic; they also speak German, English, and Nordic am glad that I speak English. I can communicate with them (Central Intelligence Agency. (n.d.). Central Intelligence Agency). 

Iceland, like other countries, has its holiday and traditions. Some traditions that they have are the following: Bondadagur, Thorrablot, Kondagur, and Twelfth Night are just some of the traditions that they have, but the one that stood out to me was the way that they do Christmas. In Iceland, they do Twelfth Night (twelve nights) which is the 12 days that lead up to Christmas Eve. These 12 days, families come together, and they celebrate additional traditions within these 12 days; on the last day, everyone comes together and makes these delicious cream bun called Bolludagur which they usually have with a pair; they also watch fireworks that evening, and they also have bonfires to keep them warm. 

Bolludagur Dessert

Fireworks and bonfires

References:

Central Intelligence Agency. (n.d.). Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iceland/#geography

Writer, S., & Icelandorg. (2022, September 29). Iceland cultures, people and Traditions Guide. Iceland.org. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://www.iceland.org/culture