Julebukking
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Julebukking is a costumed holiday tradition of Norwegian origin. Between Christmas and New Years Day people wearing masks and costumes (Julebukkers) go door to door, where neighbors receiving them attempt to identify who is under the disguise. Julebukkers will often disguise their voices and body language to further the masquerade. Offering the Julebukkers holiday treats and something to drink is customary. Once identities are known and the food is eaten the Julebukkers continue to the next home.[1]
Julebukking is believed to have originated in Norway where Pagans worshipped Thor and his goat. During holidays they would disguise their appearance and go house to house carrying a goat head. Christians missionaries modified the tradition and divorced its meaning from Paganism.[2]
Though the practice may be dying out, it is still observed in areas in America with large populations of people of Scandinavian descent such as the rural areas of Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and in Petersburg, Alaska.
The practice has also been modernized by the use of a recreational vehicle, in a holiday tradition known as "Winnebukking." Winnebukking involves driving revelers from house to house in a recreational vehicle dressed up as a Christmas tree. The revelers stand in the doorway of a home, singing Christmas songs until the door is opened. Once the unsuspecting homeowner has opened the door, the revelers rush in to consume his or her beverages, kidnap the homeowner and travel to the next home. By the end of the evening, the Winnebago is filled with revelers in varying degrees of Christmas spirit.
