News and Events
Icelandic Christmas at Spadina Museum, Toronto
The badstofa (main living room at the farm) was the very centre of Christmas celebrations in most households in Iceland and dates back many centuries, to the times when most Icelanders lived out in the countryside. In well-to-do homes the baðstofa was quite large and well furnished. In homes of lesser means it was smaller and everything in it on a smaller scale. Yet, despite such differences, the Christmas celebrations followed the same pattern in every Icelandic home; some of these customs have been adapted to modern environment and conditions, while, over the years, others have faded away.
With artifacts from the New Iceland Heritage Museum in Gimli, Manitoba, as well as from club members, the baðstofa looked very authentic. The display at the Spadina Museum also included an Icelandic costume as well as the 13 jólasveinar, Icelandic Christmas lads. Their mother, the giantess Grýla, was also present. Each Sunday before Christmas, there will be Icelandic carols, the jólasveinar story in readings and a play with young people taking the parts, a demonstration of making the leafbread laufabrauð, and a craft demonstration.
The opening of the whole exhibition took place Wed. Nov. 23rd, and Ambassador Markús Örn Antonsson spoke in his first official visit outside of Ottawa. Margrét Björgvinsdottir, who organized the baðstofa exhibit, also spoke about that era in Icelandic history, while cellist Ingunn Benediktsson and her group, Quartetto Constanze, provided music. Icelandic food made by members of the club was enjoyed by all. The exhibition continues until January 8th at Spadina Museum Historic House, 285 Spadina Road at Austin Terrace Sundays Dec. 4, 11, 18 12 noon to 5 p.m. for special entertainment. The Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday as well.
At the opening ceremony in the Spadina Museum:
Ambassador Markús Örn Antonsson, Icelandic Consul
in Toronto Gail Einarsson-McCleery and ICCT member
Brian Thorarinson.