In the past, barn doors were marked with a cross to keep evil spirits away. The cross was also used as a decoration on bread, a pattern in the butter, or on the ceiling above the table. The meal consisted of the finest food the family could offer, and everyone ate together- the family, the servants, and their guests. The food was left out overnight in case spirits happened to visit.
Advent is the preparation for Christ’s Nativity and marks the beginning of the church year. It takes place during the four Sundays before Christmas Day. This is a time for fasting.
Santa Claus in Norway is called Julenisse. He wears the traditional red stocking cap and long white beard. He also wears knee breeches, hand-knitted stocking, a Norwegian sweater, and a handmade sweater. He wears a fur coat over everything. He is usually jolly and happy, but he can be stern. According to old superstition, he was the original settler of the land. He kept the farm in good condition as long as he got his Christmas porridge or Christmas beer and lefse on Christmas Eve. Many farms would make up a bed and set a place at the head of the table for him. He comes to the house with a sack of presents on Christmas Eve, and a bowl of porridge is left in the barn for him and is always gone in the morning.
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