Seasonal Holliday Attire: Christmas in Denmark


Figure 1.--This Danish boy is enjoying his Christmas. We know he is Danish because of an old version of the Danish flag that is decorating the Christmas tree. We think the photo dates from the 1900s, probably the late-1900s. Presumably the wonderful white charger rocking horse is his Christmas present, although it seems a little small for him. He wears a child's version of a shiny helmet with streamers attached, presumably a reproduction of helmets that Danish soldiers wore for parades or guard duty. The boy is also wearing a gold braid on the chest. This seems to be a kind of garment rather like a vest. The garment had only a side or sleeves that went over the boys's shirt or jacket. We have not preciously seen a similar garment. It goes nicely with the helme. We can not see his jacket, but we can see that he is wearing knee trousers with black long stockings--the standard boyhood dress at the time. One of the slightly curious features of the knee pants is what looks like a white ornamental button at the side. Normally ornamental buttons on knee trousers were less obtrusive, but the shiny button may be thought appropriate here because of the uniform. I suspect that the military front is red with gold braid. Notice the boy's bangs showing underneath the helmet. I think the boy is about 4-5 years old.

Danish children are familiar with a mischievous elf called Nisse who likes to have fun. He suposedly inhabits the lofts of old farmhouses and delights in playing practical jokes. He normally is attired in grey woolen clothes, a red bonnet, red stockings and white wooden clogs. Families normally leave a bowl of rice pudding or porridge out for him on Christmas Eve to apease him a bit so he does not play a really mean trick. Normally Nisse is a kind fellow, lending a hand on farms, and especially fond of children. Rice pudding seems especially popular in Denmark and many Danish families begin their Christmas Eve dinner with a bowl of rice pudding to which as magic almond has been added. Whoever finds the almond receives a special prize. A traditional Christmas eve dinner is goose, red cabbage and browned potatoes followed by delicious pastries and cakes. A treasured Danish tradition is the Christmas plate. This was a developed centuries ago when wealthy people would give plates full of biscuits and fruit to their faithful servants. The plates were of a fine quality and not used for everyday. This is the origin of the collectable plate, now so common around the world. Danes like to make home-made decorations with bright paper, bits of wood and straw. The Christams tree is an integral part of a Danish Christmas. Many partents decorate the family tree in great secrecy. The children are not allowed to see the tree until the festive Christmas Eve dinner. At this time the tree is lit up and the entire family gathers to sing carols and hymns. Danes celebrate Advent, by inviting guests to their home on Sunday. They help light candels on the Advent crown. The adults partake of an envigorating mixture of red wine, spices, and raisins. The children drink a sweeter fruit juice such as strawberry. Then delicious small cakes are served. They have been cooked over the fire in a special pan and dusted with sugar.






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Created: 9:38 PM 10/2/2010
Last updated: 9:38 PM 10/2/2010