Gnome sweet gnome
WITH their tall, pointy hats and fluffy beards, Christmas gnomes seem to be everywhere at the moment – from Etsy to Aldi. But what’s the story behind this seasonal sensation?
These cute characters are based on Tomten, a character from Nordic folklore associated with winter and the festive season.
Tomten may go by many names – Nisse in Danish, Tomte in Norwegian, Tomtenissen in Swedish and Tonttu in Finnish – but his appearance is always the same: quite short, with a long white beard and a tall, conical hat. He wears traditional farmer’s clothes with a belted woollen tunic, breeches and knee socks.
Just like the Brownie – a spirit from Scottish folklore – Tomten is said to help with jobs around the house or farm at night while humans are asleep.
Artist Jennifer Ström has a soft spot for all things Tomten.
“I have always been interested in Scandinavian folklore and artwork,” she says. “Tomten reminds me of the wonderful folk tales and stories that would have been told in the winter time around a fire with friends and family.”
So who are these little festive characters?
“According to tradition, Tomten lives in the house or barn of a Scandinavian farmstead and secretly acts as a guardian, usually appearing at night,” explains Jennifer. “If treated kindly, Tomten will protect a family and animals from evil.
“Be careful not to offend him however, as he can be short tempered and play tricks or take personal possessions!”
Tomten has been part of Scandinavian culture for centuries and if you’d like to know more about the spirit of Tomten, Jennifer suggests reading The Tomten and The Tomten and the Fox, two traditional tales by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, creator of Pippi Longstocking. The books, with beautifu beautiful illustrations by Harald Wib Wiberg, were inspired by po poems by Viktor Rydberg a and Karl-Erik Forsslund. As well as inspiring artists and protecting homes and livestock, Jennifer explains that Tomten has an i important role to play du during the festive season, wh which is why he is ass associated with Christmas. “At this time of year he is often accompanied by the Yule goat,” she says. “The pair appear on Christmas Eve knocking on the doors of people’s homes handing out presents. If you want to get on their good side, leave a gift of a bowl of porridge. They like it with a pat of butter on top.
“Watch out though – if they don’t get their porridge you can certainly expect mischief.”