What is the Scandinavian name for gonk?
Gonks are known by different names in different countries, according to Nordic folklore they can be known as Tomte (Swedish), Nisse, Tontte (Finnish) and Tomtenisse, traditionally associated with the Christmas season and winter solstice.
What is a Danish gnome called?
Nisser - gnomes
The Danes call them 'nisser'. According to Danish folklore, every household has a nisse. His job is to protect the household, so it is important to keep on good terms with him.
What is a nisse in Denmark?
In Scandinavia, Pixies or Nisse is a household spirit that is responsible for the care and prosperity of a farm or family. A Nisse is usually described as a short man or woman (under four feet tall) wearing a red cap.
What is a Scandinavian gnome?
In Norway, a gnome is called a nisse — a creature who lives in barns or homes, protecting the countryside and the people who live there. A common part of Norwegian folklore and legend, the nisse has a long white beard with a conical or knit cap, often in red or another bright color.
What are the gonks in Finland?
Originating in Nordic and Scandinavian mythology, gonks are known as Nisse in Denmark and Norway, Tonttu in Finland, and Tomte in Sweden, and the first written records of their existence date back to the 1600s, but there may be reference to them as far back as the 13th century.
What do you call a gonk?
Here in the UK, a gonk is rather like a festive gnome, but the history of gonks stems back to Nordic and Scandinavian mythology. According to folklore these little creatures, favour colder weather and like to cosy up in houses, where if the family welcome them and treat them kindly then they will bring good luck.
What is the Nordic name for gnomes?
The Hidden Folk: Gnomes in Scandinavian Lore
In the misty forests and snow-swept farms of Scandinavia dwell the gnomes - or "Tomte" in Swedish, "Nisser" in Norway, and "Tonttu" in Finland. These elusive spirits are believed to guard and bless each farmstead.
Do Danish people like gnomes?
This is one Danish Christmas tradition that I am fully on board with, and I'm so excited to share it with you. The Danes love gnomes, or as they call them nisser.
What are Danish elves called?
According to folklore, mischievous elf-like creatures known as nisse make themselves known especially around Christmas time. In the old days, nisse were protectors of a household or farmstead and helped farmers with small chores. They were temperamental though and could cause trouble if angered.
What is a Tomte in Danish?
Tomte literally means “homestead man” and is derived from the word tomt which means homestead or building lot. Nisse is derived from the name Nils which is the Scandinavian form of Nicholas. A tomte is described as an older, little man about the size of a young child.
What do Denmark call Christmas?
In common with much of Europe (but not the UK), Denmark celebrates Christmas on December 24, Christmas Eve. Traditionally, that means eating an elaborate Christmas dinner in the evening and opening presents, often late into the night, afterwards. In Denmark, the name for Christmas is jul.
What is Christmas Hygge in Denmark?
A hygge Christmas is pausing for mindful moments
In Denmark, the holiday season is the epitome of hygge. Østergaard says, “It's all about taking it slow, being in the moment and remembering that the most important part of the holidays is being with the people you love, sharing food and laughs.
What is the difference between a gnome and a gonk?
Like gnomes, gonks are characterized by their small stature and long, white beards. Unlike gnomes, however, a gonk's facial features are virtually hidden, with only a bulbous nose peeking out beneath the brim of a stocking cap.
What does a gonk Symbolise?
Gonks are like a Gnome's nordic cousins and symbolise protection and good fortune. One, with a tall red hat and long beard, features prominently on this Christmas keepsake box, surrounded by mushrooms. Standing proudly next to the Gonk is a tall Christmas tree, topped off by a shining star.
What is a Finnish gnome called?
We call them Gnomes in America. In Finland they are called Tonttu (Finnish) or Tomte (Swedish). They are a popular Scandinavian mythological character that is reputed to protect a home and the family, land and animals against any misfortune.
What is a gnome in Sweden?
Gnome also known as a Tomte or Nisse. Not many people have seen them because they are very shy and live in the woods. A tomte is a mythological creature from Scandinavian folklore today typically associated with the winter solstice and the Christmas season.
Can you get female gonks?
Perfect for those wanting a feminine Gonk offering, our Pink Female Gonks are styled with lovely pig tails in replacement of a traditional beard. She can be paired up with any other Gonk design to create a perfect mix & match display.
Who invented gonks?
Egg-shaped soft toys with small arms and legs, 'gonks' were created by artist Robert Benson. In the 1960s, 'gonks' became very popular, with their new designs and colours and 'gonk' became a popular slang word meaning hip and happening.
What is a British gonk?
Gonks are inspired by gnomes and hobgoblins found in Scandinavian and Nordic mythology. In the old lore, these short, bearded folks would make their home in the houses and barns of farms.
Is a gnome called a gonk?
These gonks come either as a boy or girl. Boy has a grey body, striped arms, a snowflake pattern hat and white beard. Girl has grey body with 2 buttons, striped arms, light grey fluffy hat and 2 white pigtail.
What does a female gonk look like?
Most folklore that refers to gnome-like beings originate primarily in European countries, like Germany (gnom), Iceland (voettir), Ireland (leprechauns), Switzerland, and France (barbegazi), as well as the countries of Scandinavia (tomte or nisse).
What are gnomes called in Europe?
Well, as it turns out, gnomes actually came to us from Scandinavia, as so many home trends do. In northern European countries, they often go by the name Nisse, and are typically depicted as short men or women donning red caps.
Are gnomes German or Scandinavian?
Gnomes are a widespread species Germans call them Erdmanleins.In Alpine areas, they're called Heinzemannchens. In Denmark and Norway they're Nisse; Nissen is a Swedish variation.In Brittany they're Nains.
What are gnomes called in Germany?
The Gonks' signature features include a small, spherical body, a furry texture and two googly eyes.
Do gonks have eyes?
Cabbage and root vegetables like beets were an important part of the diet, along with rye bread, fish, and pork. Open-faced sandwiches, known as smørrebrød, are among the best-known examples of traditional Danish cuisine.
What is traditionally Danish?
It became common, for example, for families to leave out a bowl of porridge for the hungry little gonk over the winter solstice.
What do gonks eat?
That stout, bearded gnome-like figurine with its bulbous nose poking out from under its hat is known as a gonk. They hail from Scandinavian mythology and represent the traditional Nordic Santa Claus.
Why is a gonk called a gonk?
“Glædelig jul!”
Therefore, if you want to wish someone a merry Christmas, you say “glædelig jul” or, perhaps easier for foreigners to say, “god jul”. You can also throw in a “og godt nytår” (and a happy New Year) for the fun of it.
How do Danes say Merry Christmas?
In Sweden & Denmark, the gnomes are known as “Tomte” and in Finland their name is “Tonttu”. In Norway, they are called “Nisse”, derived from the name Nils, a Scandinavian form of St Nicholas. These gnomes were renamed as 'gonks' in the UK and have been enjoying a resurgence in popularity here.
What do they eat in Denmark for Christmas?
In Denmark, Santa Claus is known as Julemanden (literally "the Yule Man") and is said to arrive on a sleigh drawn by reindeer, with presents for the children.
What is the difference between a gonk and a tomte?
In Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish, the term for Danish pastry is wienerbrød (or wienerbröd), meaning "Viennese bread".
What is Santa's name in Danish?
Jul (similar to “yule”) means Christmas in Danish, and there are plenty of variations of it in festive-themed words: Julemanden (Santa or Father Christmas), julekalendar(a daily Christmas TV show), julepynt (Christmas decorations), julefrokost(work Christmas lunch) and so on.
What is a Danish called in Sweden?
'Elf friends' (Nisse venner) is the Danish version of 'Secret Santa'.
What does Jul mean in Denmark?
The official religion of Denmark, as stated in the Danish Constitution, is Evangelical Lutheran. Approximately 85% of the Danish population is Evangelical Lutheran, 3% are Roman Catholic, and approximately 5% of the population is Muslim.
What is Secret Santa in Danish?
Christmas: The highlight of the long Danish winter
Christmas dominates December and much of November in Denmark. Shopping streets and homes are decorated with colourful Christmas lights, and local bakeries are full of Christmas delicacies like klejner and pebernødder (ginger cookies).
What is the Danish religion?
Nisser - gnomes
If you visit Denmark at Christmas, you will see images of little gnomes with red pointed hats everywhere. The Danes call them 'nisser'. According to Danish folklore, every household has a nisse. His job is to protect the household, so it is important to keep on good terms with him.
How do Danes pronounce hygge?
Gonks are known by different names in different countries, according to Nordic folklore they can be known as Tomte (Swedish), Nisse, Tontte (Finnish) and Tomtenisse, traditionally associated with the Christmas season and winter solstice.
Is Christmas a big deal in Denmark?
Here in the UK, a gonk is rather like a festive gnome, but the history of gonks stems back to Nordic and Scandinavian mythology. According to folklore these little creatures, favour colder weather and like to cosy up in houses, where if the family welcome them and treat them kindly then they will bring good luck.
What are the Danish Christmas gnomes?
Christmas gonks — unique little figurines with long bushy beards and long knitted hats — are often considered to be the Nordic version of Santa Claus. Inspired by gnomes and hobgoblins found in Scandinavian and Nordic mythology, their popularity has been continuing to surge over the years.
What is another name for gonks?
In Norway, a gnome is called a nisse — a creature who lives in barns or homes, protecting the countryside and the people who live there. A common part of Norwegian folklore and legend, the nisse has a long white beard with a conical or knit cap, often in red or another bright color.
What country are gonks from?
Christmas gonks were everywhere last year, and it's official: they're back and bigger than ever for 2024! Still, there's more to these little critters than them simply being the must-have Christmas decor of the season.
What is a Christmas gonk?
A nisse (Danish: [ˈne̝sə], Norwegian: [ˈnɪ̂sːə]), tomte ( Swedish: [ˈtɔ̂mːtɛ]), tomtenisse, or tonttu ( Finnish: [ˈtontːu]) is a mythological creature from Nordic folklore today typically associated with the winter solstice and the Christmas season.
What are Scandinavian gnomes called?
The Danes love gnomes, or as they call them nisser.
Are gonks still popular?
Originating in Nordic and Scandinavian mythology, gonks are known as Nisse in Denmark and Norway, Tonttu in Finland, and Tomte in Sweden, and the first written records of their existence date back to the 1600s, but there may be reference to them as far back as the 13th century.
What is a Swedish elf called?
With Scandinavian origins, Gonks are a very much part of Christmas. A tradition continued today involves children leaving out snacks on Christmas Eve to ensure the gonks are well fed. It is even suggested they are a Nordic equivalent of Santa himself. Approximately 23cm high.
What is a gnome in Danish?
In Scandinavia, Pixies or Nisse is a household spirit that is responsible for the care and prosperity of a farm or family. A Nisse is usually described as a short man or woman (under four feet tall) wearing a red cap.
What are the gonks in Finland?
Like gnomes, gonks are characterized by their small stature and long, white beards. Unlike gnomes, however, a gonk's facial features are virtually hidden, with only a bulbous nose peeking out beneath the brim of a stocking cap.
What is a Nordic gonk?
This red and grey Nordic style sitting gonk is 56cm high and has an all over fur body and dangly legs.
What is nisse in denmark?
gonk (plural gonks) A small furry toy like an ersatz teddy bear, popularized in wartime when production of real teddies stopped. A stupid, ignorant, and/or boorish person. (New Zealand, military, slang) A sleep; a nap. I'm going off to have a gonk.
What is a gonk vs gnome?
During the winter solstice, the old Nordic tradition involved leaving a bowl of warm porridge out so that the gonks could feast and join the festivities. As Christmas became more prominent cross Scandinavia, the tradition of the gonks remained and so now they are synonymous with this time of year.
Do gonks have legs?
These gonks come either as a boy or girl. Boy has a grey body, striped arms, a snowflake pattern hat and white beard. Girl has grey body with 2 buttons, striped arms, light grey fluffy hat and 2 white pigtail.
What is a gonk slang?
Four gnomish races – forest, rock, tinker, and deep (svirfneblin) – were detailed as player character races in The Complete Book of Gnomes and Halflings (1993).
Why are gonks everywhere?
US. a person who works by using their mind, but does not talk to, and is not known by, the public: The gnomes in the back room are putting the finishing touches on the new software.
Is a gnome called a gonk?
In the misty forests and snow-swept farms of Scandinavia dwell the gnomes - or "Tomte" in Swedish, "Nisser" in Norway, and "Tonttu" in Finland. These elusive spirits are believed to guard and bless each farmstead.
What does a female gonk look like?
Tomte gnome
What are Swedish gnomes called? Another common question is are Gnomes Swedish? The answer is that a gnome is in called “Tomte” and they do live in Sweden. It is a just a translation from Swedish to English.
What are the 4 types of gnomes?
Norne – This is a Scandinavian name meaning secret communication. Ortun – This is a German name that means secret. Raz – This is an Aramaic name meaning secret of the Lord. Rune – This is a Norse name meaning secret.
What is a gnome in slang?
Preferring it over duality, Grimm postulated three kinds of elves (ljósálfar, dökkálfar, svartálfar) present in Norse mythology.