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 ]
« Previous | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Next »
| Image | Item Name |
|---|---|
|
Tomte with Rabbit It is an afternoon on an arctic early winter day. It is bitterly cold and dry. A small clearing offers a place to sit. Everything shows a hint of blue, but is otherwise a sea of white. The light is so flat that the shadows have almost disappeared. Tomtar had a deep affection for all animals. One is shown here with a rabbit. In Scandinavia during the Romantic Era, it was a tomte who delivered Christmas gifts. Sounds like long, hard, cold work to me. We will look at the story of the Easter Bunny in another season. In the meantime, the sentiment captures the story. *all cards sold with envelopes |
|
Tomte with Sheaf The sheaf was linked with the next harvest. Sometimes the sheaf was placed high in an apple tree, as a petition for generosity to the spirit of the harvest. The arrival of many birds foretold a good crop. Today the sheaf is a significant reminder that birds also have their place. Just as we, they need to eat. Christmas is a time of sharing. This common Christmas decoration does not always escape the sensibilities of Scandinavian design. It can be quite stylized.
*all cards sold with envelopes |
|
Tomte with Reindeer It is a long dark arctic winter night, warmed only by the glow of Northern Lights. The soft shadows lend a sense of peace to the scene. You can almost hear that special silence that follows a new snowfall. You can almost feel the wide-open space and stillness. Tomtar had deep affection for all animals and were said to be excellent riders. Here one pauses to view the Northern Lights with his close friend. *all cards sold with envelopes |
|
Tomte with Spiced Wine The drink survived the Middle Ages and into modern times almost everywhere in Europe. It is known by many names. Although the wide range of sweeteners, fruits, spices, and alcohols available today facilitate innovation, the major changes over the centuries have been the use of sugar instead of honey, and caramelization of sugar by torching with brandy (or other alcohol). Caramelization was first recorded (as "glödgat vin") in Sweden in 1609, but probably originated in Germany (as "Feuerzangenbowle"). During the Romantic Era in Sweden, spiced wine (Glögg) became very popular and was associated with Christmas. Tomtar were often featured on Glögg bottle labels.
*all cards sold with envelopes |
« Previous | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Next »