Origin & history
St. Stephen's Day honors Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who was stoned to death in Jerusalem around 34-35 AD. His feast day is December 26, immediately following Christmas Day. In Norway, the celebration of St. Stephen's Day dates back to the Middle Ages, when the country was Roman Catholic. After the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, many saint days were abolished, but St. Stephen's Day remained as a public holiday due to its close association with Christmas.
In Norwegian folklore, St. Stephen is also connected to horses. According to legend, St. Stephen was a stable boy who was stoned to death while tending to horses, and his image often includes a horse. This led to the tradition of 'Stefanusridning' (St. Stephen's riding), where people would ride horses or go on sleigh rides on this day. The day was also historically a time for feasting and visiting family, continuing the Christmas celebrations.
Customs & traditions
The most distinctive tradition on St. Stephen's Day in Norway is horse-related activities. In many rural areas, it was customary to hold horse races, known as 'stevne,' and sleigh rides. People would decorate their horses and sleighs with ribbons and bells. Today, these traditions are less common but still practiced in some regions, particularly in the eastern part of the country. Additionally, it is a day for visiting friends and family, continuing the relaxed and festive atmosphere of Christmas.
Traditional food on St. Stephen's Day often includes leftovers from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, such as ribbe (pork ribs), pinnekjøtt (dried lamb ribs), and lutefisk (dried fish). Many Norwegians also enjoy 'julekake' (Christmas bread) and 'pepperkaker' (gingerbread cookies). It is a day for socializing, and many people attend parties or go to restaurants with family and friends.
Why it is celebrated
St. Stephen's Day is celebrated in Norway as part of the extended Christmas holiday, providing time for rest, family, and community. It holds cultural significance as a day for horse-related festivities rooted in medieval folklore, reflecting Norway's agricultural history. For Christians, it is a reminder of the first martyr and the early spread of Christianity, though the religious aspect is less emphasized in modern secular Norway. Overall, it is a cherished public holiday that extends the joy and togetherness of Christmas.