On December 21st, the Winter Solstice and shortest day of the year, Reykjavik, Iceland, has only four hours of light. Many holiday traditions focus on light. People bring wreaths of light to cemeteries. The last of the Yule Lads is Candle Snatcher, who originally took candles to eat. The statue of the Yule Cat is lighted in Reykjavik’s mainsquare.
The Northern Lights or aurora borealis are visible outside the city. According to Icelandic tradition, in order to begin the new year, the old one must be burned away. Bonfires and fireworks are part of the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Lighted Yule Cat Statue
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