Across Britain and much of Northern Europe, the last sheaf of grain to be harvested on a farm held a special significance. It was kept in the farmhouse, and given pride of place at the harvest supper, and was also brought out at Yule/Christmas. In Scandinavian countries this last sheaf was called the Skördebock or ‘harvest Goat’, and straw from the sheaf was formed into the shape of a goat. These straw goats or ‘Julbock’ are still a popular Christmas decoration in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Poland.
It has been suggested that this goat tradition has its roots in pre-Christian beliefs connected with the Norse god Thor, whose wagon was pulled by two goats. As sacred animals, these goats were special because they could be killed and eaten, but would be alive again the next day. This power to be resurrected may have connected them with grain crops such as Oats and barley which are also ‘killed’ (cut down and harvested) to be eaten, but the seeds can also be planted the following year and come back to life. With this power being associated with Thor’s hammer and his goats, plus Thor, as a son of the earth goddess Jörd, and a protector of the common people, It would be no surprise to find them associated with the harvesting of crops that were used to survive through the northern winter months.
Although the direct worship of Thor was banned in Christian countries, his goats may have lived on in folklore beliefs.
These harvest / Yule goat figures seem to have also been regarded as mid-winter gift bringers, and became linked with the gnome-like Tomten who were believed to protect the farm. It is tempting to see this little bearded protector as standing in for the big man himself.
Swedish Julbocken song by Alice Tegnér
In modern times the role of winter gift bringer has passed to Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus). Although there are much older references to ‘Father Christmas’ in England which show that his original role was over-seeing the Yuletide feasting and good cheer …
“England was merry England, when
Old Christmas brought his sports again.
‘Twas Christmas broach’d the mightiest ale;
‘Twas Christmas told the merriest tale;
A Christmas gambol oft could cheer
The poor man’s heart through half the year.”
(Walter Scott, 1808)
After Notes
In Scotland, the last sheaf was often called the Cailleach (Gaelic for – ‘old woman’) or the ‘Maiden’, and it was honoured in the same way, sometimes being woven into the shape of a woman (corn dolly). There is also a reference from the Isle of Skye to the last sheaf being called ‘the Goat’, where it was passed on to a neighbouring farm who had yet to finish reaping. In Gaelic this was the Goabbir Bhacagh (Gabhar Bacach) meaning ‘lame Goat’, and this would be a friendly dig at the slow pace of the neighbours harvesting. It is interesting to note the goat and harvest connection here, and that one of Thor’s goats was also lame. This tradition perhaps stems from the Norse influence on the island.
Good health and Yuletide cheer to all the descent folk out there
(and the opposite to all the war mongers)
