Our Cards
Christmas 2018
Our cards feature Scandinavian folklore and Christmas traditions from the Romantic era. This was a period of intensely renewed interest in legend and folklore, often accompanied by embellishment.
Tomtar were one particular subject of interest during this revival. Many of our cards feature these small hominids who maintained a legendary affection and respect for the land and all of its animals.
You will find other cards exploring various Scandinavian Christmas traditions from this period.
Total Search Results: [ 13 ]
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Tomte with Bear It is a clear winter noon in the arctic forest. The sun is near the horizon. The light is flat. Shadows are soft. Heavy snow clings to the pines, but the green hue that reflects from the snow below seems to come from everywhere. In Scandinavia during the Romantic Era, it was the tomte who delivered Christmas gifts. He is shown here delivering a small gift to a brown bear. The position of the bear's hands and the bear's expression of delight say it all. I am reminded of myself sitting under the Christmas tree as a child. The sentiment reflects on our own sense of what is valuable and precious. *all cards sold with envelopes |
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Tomte with Mistletoe The Romans used mistletoe as a decoration, and incorporated it into celebrations of Mithraism. During the third century, when the Christian Church decided that the Nativity would be celebrated on December 25, mistletoe was ordered replaced with holly in all celebrations. Holly's sharp leaves were said to symbolize the thorns in Jesus' crown and the red berries, His blood. Although the tradition of kissing underneath mistletoe was known in 16th century England, it may be Scandinavian in origin. A young man who found a girl standing under mistletoe would reach up, pluck a berry from the sprig, and put it into her mouth. She would swallow the berry and then grant him a kiss. When the berries were gone, the kisses ended.
*all cards sold with envelopes |
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Tomte with Birds It is the late morning of an Arctic early winter day. A recent snowfall has draped a white blanket across the bare trees. Nearby is a still somewhat warmer sea. It has produced a thick fog that spreads across the landscape. Only the nearby bullfinches offer any interest. In the distance colors simply become a brighter shade of gray. Tomtar had a deep love for all animals. These bullfinches obviously share the delight of this one's company. You can almost hear them sing! All that is missing is an invitation to join them. *all cards sold with envelopes |
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Tomte with Gingerbread The Abbaye de Micy explained: "To his meals Gregory invited priests, holy ministers, and even pious lay people... With his own hands he made a cake with honey and spices, just like in his homeland. With a smile on his lips, he offered it to them at the end of the meal... His guests, on tasting the cake, believed they were experiencing all the delights of Heaven." During the remaining seven years of his life, Gregory taught the local inhabitants to make gingerbread. He became the patron saint of the nearby city of Pithiviers, and his Pain d'Epices became a regional delicacy. During the 13th century, monks in Germany baked similar confections. By 1444, Swedish nuns at the Vadstena Abbey were baking gingerbread to remedy indigestion. In Scandinavia, thin, brittle gingerbreads are a popular Christmas season treat; preparation is often a family effort.
*all cards sold with envelopes |