I vinternattens stille ro, lyser stjerner klart,
Snøen faller mykt og hvitt, dekker hvert et kart,
Kald er natten, men vi finner trøst,
Samlet rundt vår varme, i vårt hjem vi hviler først.
I vinternattens stille stund, lyser lys så klart,
I mørket finner vi vår fred, i julens varme vart,
I vinternattens stille ro, hjerter lyser opp,
Vi deler glede, lys og tro, til morgenstundens stopp.
Gjennom skogen skinner stjernen, over hvite trær,
Håpet våkner dypt i oss, julens glede nær,
Kald er natten, men vårt hjerte varmt,
Samlet rundt det lysende tre, hvor julaften har sin sjarm.
Under stjernens klare skinn, finner vi vår fred,
I mørket vokser håpets kraft, en flamme som ei dør,
Gjennom vinternattens dvale, bærer vi en drøm,
Om lys og kjærlighetens bånd, i julefredens hjem.
I vinternattens stille stund, lyser lys så klart,
I mørket finner vi vår fred, i julens varme vart,
I vinternattens stille ro, hjerter lyser opp,
Vi deler glede, lys og tro, til morgenstundens stopp.
I vinternattens ro,
Vår glede alltid gro.
Christmas in Norway, known as "Jul," is a festive season filled with rich traditions that have been passed down for generations. The holiday season begins on December 13th with "Luciadagen" (St. Lucia's Day), a festival of lights that honors St. Lucia, the bearer of light during the dark winter. This is followed by "Lille Julaften" (Little Christmas Eve) on December 23rd, when families begin decorating their homes, making traditional Christmas foods, and preparing for the holiday. Norwegian homes are often decorated with "nissers" (Christmas gnomes) and straw ornaments, symbolizing protection and prosperity.
On Christmas Eve, "Julaften," the main celebration takes place. Families gather for a festive meal that may include dishes like "ribbe" (pork ribs), "pinnekjøtt" (dried lamb ribs), and "lutefisk" (dried fish treated with lye). A special tradition is the "risengrynsgrøt" (rice porridge) with an almond hidden inside—whoever finds the almond wins a small prize. After the meal, many attend midnight mass, followed by the exchange of gifts. Children eagerly await a visit from "Julenissen," the Norwegian version of Santa Claus.
Norwegian Christmas music plays an integral role in the celebrations, with a mix of traditional carols and modern holiday songs. Carols are often sung during family gatherings, church services, and even in outdoor events, with the long-standing tradition of caroling through neighborhoods.
Sissel Kyrkjebø & Odd Nordstoga - The Norwegian version of "Silent Night" is a beloved Christmas carol, often sung in church services and at family gatherings. It retains the same peaceful melody as the original but is sung in Norwegian, making it a staple in the country’s holiday music tradition.
This hymn is one of the most popular Christmas songs in Norway, often performed in churches during the festive season. It praises the beauty of the earth and the joy of life, making it a meaningful part of Christmas services and celebrations.
(The Gnome on the Hayloft): This lively and fun Christmas song tells the story of a mischievous "nisse" (gnome) who sits on the hayloft, sneaking around during Christmas time. It’s a favorite among children and is often sung during family gatherings and school events.
(The Mouse Song): Written by Alf Prøysen, this whimsical Christmas song tells the story of a family of mice preparing for Christmas and warning each other to avoid the traps set by humans. The song is loved by both children and adults, blending humor and the festive spirit.
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