​Þorrablót: Iceland's midwinter feast

Due to its position near the Arctic Circle, Iceland experiences great transitions in weather through the seasons and alternates dramatically between darkness and daylight. We reach peak darkness on December 21 at the winter solstice, and from that date the sun is slowly clawing its way further up to the heavens, day by day.

You won’t be surprised to hear that Iceland’s seasons have colored the culture and folklore of its inhabitants. This includes the months of the calendar, arriving as they do systematically year after year, in parallel with the frost and darkness of winter and the warmth and green grass of summer.

The month of Þorri is the only remnant of the old Icelandic calendar whose name still resonates with modern Icelanders. In the old calendar, Þorri begins in the latter part of the period we now call January.

The word has an unclear origin, but is possibly connected with that of Þór (Thor), the Norse god. In tales from medieval times, Þorri is portrayed as a personification of winter: a mighty and powerful man, perhaps a king or chieftain, of hard and merciless character. Medieval sources also speak of Þorrablót, with the word blót connoting a sacrificial and communal event.

There are stories of special festivities at the beginning of Þorri as far back as the 18th century, although we don’t know for certain what these involved.

We do know that communal celebrations of poetry, hearty food and drink, under the name of þorrablót, became popular in the late 19th century. This lines up with when romantic national sentiment was at its peak and provoked interest in those things that were perceived to be ancient and peculiar to Icelandic culture.

Another Þorrablót revival of sorts happened in Reykjavík in the early to mid-20th century, when the population of Iceland’s rapidly growing capital started to long for the culture of the countryside where they had grown up, including its traditional food culture.

Taking this one step further, in the 1950s an enterprising restaurateur came up with the idea of drawing in customers for the low season of January to April, by offering what was presented as traditional Icelandic food, calling it þorramatur (i.e. food of Þorri) in reference to the old calendar.

The menu included delicacies such as cured rolls of lamb flank, and boiled and singed sheep's heads. The idea caught on in a major way and formed the basis for the modern Þorrablót traditions.

As we’ve briefly explored, there's a fascinating history behind Þorrablót and its connection to two charming days in the Icelandic calendar:

• Bóndadagur (Men's Day, sometimes also referred to as Husbands' Day), which begins the season of Þorri
• Konudagur (Women's Day), which ushers in the new season of Góa

The month of Þorri is associated with the Norse god Þór, representing masculinity, endurance, and the hardships of winter. Góa on the other hand is a female figure in Icelandic folklore, who represents the approach of spring, bringing with her change, growth, and optimism.

On both Men’s and Women’s Day, flowers are the main token of affection presented to the partner whose day of celebration has arrived, but general pampering and spoiling is also encouraged. While the giving of flowers is a fairly recent tradition (unsurprising given Iceland’s wintry landscape), it's one that's widely followed on both days, along with the giving of small gifts and tokens.

Upcoming Men’s Day and Women’s Day celebrations

Þorrablót winter feast celebrations survive to this day in Icelandic culture, though they have changed as the years have gone on.

Once heavily tied to Norse deities, today's Þorrablót festival represents a proud celebration of Icelandic culture and community. The social aspect of the midwinter feast is particularly strong, and there are often several events happening during Þorri season, including stage performances, live music, and more.

The enduring appeal of seasonal celebrations such as these no doubt comes largely from their role in breaking up everyday life – who doesn’t love the chance to take a break and come together with friends and family? They also likely served as a moment of lightness in the winter, a reminder that spring and summer are coming eventually and with them, a warmer and brighter future.

The history of Þorri and Góa also gives insight into what life used to be like in Iceland – and where winter sustenance came from, when food sources were low. Join in the festivities for an authentic taste of earlier times.