Nissa ( Niss ; Swede. Tomte, nisse, tomtenisse ; Nor. and dates. tomtenisse ; fin. tonttu ) - a creature from Scandinavian folklore , a home spirit similar to the English goblin , Scottish brownie , German kobold and Dutch caboter .
| Nisse | |
|---|---|
| Swede. tomte, nisse, tomtenisse ; Norwegian and dates. tomtenisse ; fin. tonttu ; est. päkapikk | |
 | |
| Modern Nyssa Presentation on Christmas Card | |
| Mythology | German-Scandinavian |
| Type of | home spirit |
Title
The name Nisse can come from the Norwegian word niðsi , meaning "dear little relative," or from the German Nyxa [1] .
Species in folklore
In Norway, among the Nysses, there are:
- Brownie Nissa
- Christmas Nissa
- Church Nisse
- Ship Nisse
- Forest Nissa
Brownie Nissa
Nyssa brownies are called so only in the south and east of Norway. In the remaining parts of the country, the house nisse is called differently: "old man from an old place" ( Norwegian tomtegubben ) or "yard peasant" ( Norwegian tunkall ) - in Telemark; "Bond from the mound" ( Norwegian . Haugebonde ) - in Setesdal ; "Good bond" ( Norwegian godbonde ) - in Sogna and Northern Norway. The ancient Norwegian name of the house nisse is also known, it means "the keeper of the village."
According to popular beliefs, Nyssa live in houses or barns and secretly help peasants and cattle if they are well treated [2] . However, the Nyssa is easy to offend, and they can begin to play pranks, hide things and even kill a pet [3] .
Christmas Nisse
Since the 1840s, the nisse has become a symbol of Christmas in Denmark , such nisse became known as the "yulenissa" ( Yolsky nisse), similar to the Finnish Joulupukki - Yolsky (or Christmas) goat. By the end of the 19th century, the symbol of Ulenissa spread to other Scandinavian countries. Over time, the yulenissa became similar to the Santa Clauses , but at the same time they retain many national characteristics.
According to popular beliefs, Elenissa live throughout Norway. At the head of their clan is the son of that Nisse, who first presented two silver coins to a little girl more than four hundred years ago. He lives near Oslo in his own house in Frogn, and in the city of Drebak there is a post office where thousands of letters from children come every year.
Modern views
Nyssa is associated with Christmas ( Swede. Jultomten , Nor. Julenissen , dates. Julemanden, julenissen , Fin. Joulutonttu ) [4] and accompany another mythological creature - the Christmas goat ( Julbocken ). On Christmas Eve , they appear together with presents and knock on the doors of houses [5] . Nissa can also be seen with another popular Christmas symbol in Scandinavia - a pig, symbolizing the wealth and protection of peasants. In gratitude, a little porridge and butter are left for the nissa [6] .
Nisse often appear on thematic calendars, television broadcasts, and contemporary literary and cinematic works. They are often portrayed as hiding from people endowed with magic.
See also
- Yule
- Christmas Elves
- Jolasweinara (Iceland)
- Gnomes
- Duende (Spain)
- Klabauterman
- Garden gnomes
Notes
- ↑ Grønvik, Ottar. Mål og mening. - Mål og Minne, 1997 .-- pp. 129–148.
- ↑ Tomte: Scandinavian Christmas traditions at the American Swedish Institute (Eng.) , MinnPost (December 6, 2011). Date of appeal October 26, 2018.
- ↑ Friedman, Amy. Tell Me a story: The Tomte's New Suit (A Swedish Tale) // Standard-Times. - San Angelo, 2013. Archived December 3, 2013.
- ↑ Introducing ... Christmas Tomte (Eng.) (December 18, 2006). Date of appeal October 26, 2018.
- ↑ Schager Karin. Julbocken i folktro och jultradition. - Rabén & Sjögren, 1989.
- ↑ A Swedish Christmas song about Tomtar (gnomes) // Espure Academy. Archived December 3, 2013.
Literature
- Norse mythology: Encyclopedia. - M .: Eksmo; SPb. : Midgard, 2007