Additional resources
This website is dedicated to all things Icelandic. It works as kind of an online advocate for Iceland, outlining many cultural aspects of the country.
http://www.icelandnaturally.com/culture/
This website provides the more interesting, lesser-known side of Icelandic culture. Websites like the one above are useful in researching topical information, while this website allows for a different perspective.
https://www.guidetoiceland.is/about-iceland/category/history-&-culture
http://www.icelandnaturally.com/culture/
This website provides the more interesting, lesser-known side of Icelandic culture. Websites like the one above are useful in researching topical information, while this website allows for a different perspective.
https://www.guidetoiceland.is/about-iceland/category/history-&-culture
Sources (in order of appearance in the slideshow)
Family Life -
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/your-iceland-photos/#/reykjavik-iceland_41751_600x450.jpg
Leisure -
http://www.icelandnaturally.com/country-and-people/travel/nr/214
Transportation -
http://is.sixt.com/uploads/pics/bilde.jpg
Transportation -
http://totaliceland.com/buzzing-around-iceland/
Decision Making -
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2011/6/9/1307638794319/Icelands-parliament-the-a-007.jpg
Leadership/Social Roles -
http://s1.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20120927&t=2&i=657525215&w=460&fh=&fw=&ll=&pl=&r=CBRE88Q1L2500
Resources -
http://www.icelandprofishing.com/gallery/boats.html
Resources/Distribution -
http://www.treehugger.com/corporate-responsibility/iceland-is-the-success-story-of-sustainable-fishing.html
Resources/Production -
http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/fish-processing-from-boat-to-you.html
Resources/Production -
http://en.samal.is
Resources/Leisure -
http://www.ttv.is/static/files/Myndir1/Humpback_near_Husavik_06-1.jpg
Resources/Technology -
http://www.sachem-uncas.com/powerplant2.jpg
Family Life -
http://scienceblogs.com/worldsfair/wp-content/blogs.dir/389/files/2012/04/i-7d404d1aff33ce3e80c6e5c760e823ff-menzel2004_174.jpg
Education -
http://www.hofsstadaskoli.is/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=35964
Education -
http://www.ua.ac.be/main.aspx?c=.EMCHINA&n=79692
Dance -
http://www.leifnorman.net/vefarinn-dance-group-aug-1-2011/
Ritual -
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lx2v4ZWpfF4/TvtcG39myQI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/-ozCMJpaFxY/s1600/copy_of_jolasveinar-myv-008.jpg
Ritual -
http://www.lomography.com/magazine/lifestyle/2011/12/15/christmas-traditions-around-the-world-13-yule-lads-from-iceland
Religion/Ritual -
http://is.visitreykjavik.is/Portaldata/1/Resources//Osl_artr__1.jpg
Ritual -
http://www.newsoficeland.com/home/culture/item/1717-icelandic-national-day-celebrated-in-iceland-today-june-17th
Religion -
http://www.momentaryawe.com/blog/icelandic-church-3/
Art -http://uploads3.wikipaintings.org/images/johannes-sveinsson-kjarval/lava-at-bessastadir-1954.jpg
Art -
http://uploads1.wikipaintings.org/images/asgrimur-jonsson/night-in-reykjav-k-1916.jpg
Music -
http://static.wixstatic.com/media/c5386b_3e9014cd24b32d367572cf2826ebdf3a.jpg_srz_3336_2707_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz
Music -
http://www.musicko.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bjork-app-album.jpg
Leisure -
http://www.mydestination.com/reykjavik/travel-articles/721548/the-very-best-of-reykjavik-nightlife
Leisure -
http://www.mydestination.com/reykjavik/travel-articles/721548/the-very-best-of-reykjavik-nightlife
Ritual -
http://www.latinabroad.com/2012/02/13/travel-through-icelandic-food-photos/
Ritual -
http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/osuabroad/files/2009/10/Copy-of-Iceland_Benson_Thumbsup_Menu-768x1024.jpg
Leisure -
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01680/iceland_1680387c.jpg
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01004/Iceland-460b_1004952c.jpg
http://blog.hottubcoverscanada.ca/travel/mother-natures-greatest-hot-tub-hits/
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/your-iceland-photos/#/reykjavik-iceland_41751_600x450.jpg
Leisure -
http://www.icelandnaturally.com/country-and-people/travel/nr/214
Transportation -
http://is.sixt.com/uploads/pics/bilde.jpg
Transportation -
http://totaliceland.com/buzzing-around-iceland/
Decision Making -
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2011/6/9/1307638794319/Icelands-parliament-the-a-007.jpg
Leadership/Social Roles -
http://s1.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20120927&t=2&i=657525215&w=460&fh=&fw=&ll=&pl=&r=CBRE88Q1L2500
Resources -
http://www.icelandprofishing.com/gallery/boats.html
Resources/Distribution -
http://www.treehugger.com/corporate-responsibility/iceland-is-the-success-story-of-sustainable-fishing.html
Resources/Production -
http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/fish-processing-from-boat-to-you.html
Resources/Production -
http://en.samal.is
Resources/Leisure -
http://www.ttv.is/static/files/Myndir1/Humpback_near_Husavik_06-1.jpg
Resources/Technology -
http://www.sachem-uncas.com/powerplant2.jpg
Family Life -
http://scienceblogs.com/worldsfair/wp-content/blogs.dir/389/files/2012/04/i-7d404d1aff33ce3e80c6e5c760e823ff-menzel2004_174.jpg
Education -
http://www.hofsstadaskoli.is/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=35964
Education -
http://www.ua.ac.be/main.aspx?c=.EMCHINA&n=79692
Dance -
http://www.leifnorman.net/vefarinn-dance-group-aug-1-2011/
Ritual -
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lx2v4ZWpfF4/TvtcG39myQI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/-ozCMJpaFxY/s1600/copy_of_jolasveinar-myv-008.jpg
Ritual -
http://www.lomography.com/magazine/lifestyle/2011/12/15/christmas-traditions-around-the-world-13-yule-lads-from-iceland
Religion/Ritual -
http://is.visitreykjavik.is/Portaldata/1/Resources//Osl_artr__1.jpg
Ritual -
http://www.newsoficeland.com/home/culture/item/1717-icelandic-national-day-celebrated-in-iceland-today-june-17th
Religion -
http://www.momentaryawe.com/blog/icelandic-church-3/
Art -http://uploads3.wikipaintings.org/images/johannes-sveinsson-kjarval/lava-at-bessastadir-1954.jpg
Art -
http://uploads1.wikipaintings.org/images/asgrimur-jonsson/night-in-reykjav-k-1916.jpg
Music -
http://static.wixstatic.com/media/c5386b_3e9014cd24b32d367572cf2826ebdf3a.jpg_srz_3336_2707_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz
Music -
http://www.musicko.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bjork-app-album.jpg
Leisure -
http://www.mydestination.com/reykjavik/travel-articles/721548/the-very-best-of-reykjavik-nightlife
Leisure -
http://www.mydestination.com/reykjavik/travel-articles/721548/the-very-best-of-reykjavik-nightlife
Ritual -
http://www.latinabroad.com/2012/02/13/travel-through-icelandic-food-photos/
Ritual -
http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/osuabroad/files/2009/10/Copy-of-Iceland_Benson_Thumbsup_Menu-768x1024.jpg
Leisure -
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01680/iceland_1680387c.jpg
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01004/Iceland-460b_1004952c.jpg
http://blog.hottubcoverscanada.ca/travel/mother-natures-greatest-hot-tub-hits/
Statistics
Mothers' mean age of giving birth - 27 years
People living with HIV/AIDS - less than 100 people
Prevalence of obesity in adults - 23.2%
Lutheran Religion - 80.7% citizens
Education Expenditures - 7.6% of Gross Domestic Product
Literacy Rate - 99% of citizens
People living with HIV/AIDS - less than 100 people
Prevalence of obesity in adults - 23.2%
Lutheran Religion - 80.7% citizens
Education Expenditures - 7.6% of Gross Domestic Product
Literacy Rate - 99% of citizens
religion in iceland
The first settlers of Iceland were mainly pagan, a broad term for a religious belief that is “based on a reverence for nature” (“Paganism at a Glance,” 2006). Iceland was under the rule of Norway, and around the year 1000 AD, the Norwegian king had converted to Christianity like many other European leaders and felt the need to convert Iceland to Christianity. Icelanders began accepting the conversion in an effort to prevent civil war from breaking out. It was to be understood that pagan rituals could still be practiced but they should be done in private. The spread of the protestant movement lead by Martin Luther about 500 years later would end up creating violence in Iceland. Icelanders were to convert to being Lutherans after already having to accept Catholicism. Many Icelanders who defended Catholicism were killed because of this (Mackiewicz, 2005).
With the emergence of Christianity in Iceland, it became easier for foreign cultures to enter into Iceland because many other countries had also converted to Christianity. Christianity gave way to Iceland developing its literary culture. Before Christianity, the majority of stories and religious texts were passed down orally (“Christianity,” n.d.). Icelanders began to learn how to read and write.
Þingvellir in southwestern Iceland is said to be the first site of a Christian church in Iceland built around the year 1000 AD shortly after the conversion. It is now one of the most popular tourist sites in Iceland and place of great holy importance (“Thingvellir Church,” n.d.). Since Paganism was more of a way of life than a separate entity, there isn’t much remaining Pagan places of worship or artifacts. Many people just worshipped the Pagan gods at their home (Short, 2013).
From what I can tell, religion has not played a significant role in Iceland’s political development because the government structure of Iceland has remained relatively consistent since its beginnings. There was, however, a rift in the Icelandic parliament during the decision making of whether or not Christianity should be adopted or not. Christianity was ultimately implemented into society with the compromise of pagan rituals being allowed in private.
With the emergence of Christianity in Iceland, it became easier for foreign cultures to enter into Iceland because many other countries had also converted to Christianity. Christianity gave way to Iceland developing its literary culture. Before Christianity, the majority of stories and religious texts were passed down orally (“Christianity,” n.d.). Icelanders began to learn how to read and write.
Þingvellir in southwestern Iceland is said to be the first site of a Christian church in Iceland built around the year 1000 AD shortly after the conversion. It is now one of the most popular tourist sites in Iceland and place of great holy importance (“Thingvellir Church,” n.d.). Since Paganism was more of a way of life than a separate entity, there isn’t much remaining Pagan places of worship or artifacts. Many people just worshipped the Pagan gods at their home (Short, 2013).
From what I can tell, religion has not played a significant role in Iceland’s political development because the government structure of Iceland has remained relatively consistent since its beginnings. There was, however, a rift in the Icelandic parliament during the decision making of whether or not Christianity should be adopted or not. Christianity was ultimately implemented into society with the compromise of pagan rituals being allowed in private.
sources
Mackiewicz, D.T. (2005). Icelandic religion. Retrieved from
www.oocites.org/iceland002001/icelandicreligion.html#1000yearsofChristianity
Nordic Adventure Travel. Thingvellir church. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://nat.is/churches/thingvellir_church.htm
Short, W.R. Pagan religious practices of the viking age. (2013). Retrieved from
http://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/mythology/religion/text/practices.htm
Thingvellir. Christianity. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.thingvellir.is/history/ christianity.aspx
www.oocites.org/iceland002001/icelandicreligion.html#1000yearsofChristianity
Nordic Adventure Travel. Thingvellir church. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://nat.is/churches/thingvellir_church.htm
Short, W.R. Pagan religious practices of the viking age. (2013). Retrieved from
http://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/mythology/religion/text/practices.htm
Thingvellir. Christianity. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.thingvellir.is/history/ christianity.aspx
iceland religious images
Iceland, indicated by the arrow, is red meaning that it is mostly of protestant faith.
Source: http://www.worldreligions.psu.edu/images/artimages/maps/worldmap.jpg
Source: http://www.worldreligions.psu.edu/images/artimages/maps/worldmap.jpg
A few examples of Norse Paganism symbols. Thor and Orin are Pagan gods.
Source: http://www.jashow.org/Articles/images/runes.jpg
Source: http://www.jashow.org/Articles/images/runes.jpg
Some Icelanders participate in Pagan ceremonies. Many are part of a group called the Asatru, a group that honors the traditional Viking religious practices.
Source: http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/Travelers_Invited_to_Attend_Pagan_Ceremonies_0_379353.news.aspx
Source: http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/Travelers_Invited_to_Attend_Pagan_Ceremonies_0_379353.news.aspx
Thingvellir, the site of supposedly the first Christian church in Iceland.
Source: http://nghsiceland2012.wordpress.com/itinerary/
Source: http://nghsiceland2012.wordpress.com/itinerary/
A replica of what a Pagan temple in Iceland might have looked like.
Source: http://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/mythology/religion/text/practices.htm
Source: http://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/mythology/religion/text/practices.htm
Icelandic cuisine
Traditional Recipe for Svið (Boiled Lamb's Head)
Image from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Svið.jpg
"Sheep's head jam is a traditional meat product that can be found in any Icelandic supermarket. It is usually eaten fresh, but during the Þorri season you can also get whey-pickled head jam. There is also a pig's head version, svínasulta, which includes spices. This variety food is known as head-cheese or brawn in English.
Some recipes include gelatin, but it is generally not necessary if the cooking liquid is allowed to thicken during cooking (by not adding water unless it seems to be completely evoparating).
Ingredients:
6 sheep’s heads, singed (see instructions below)
Water and salt
How to singe and otherwise prepare sheep's heads for cooking: Take the fresh heads and singe them with fire until all the hair is burnt. Use a stiff brush to clean the heads under running cold water. Clean the area around the eyes and inside the ears especially well. Saw the heads in half lengthwise and remove the brains (less messy if you freeze them first). Cook them with the skin.
Preparation: Pack the heads into a cooking pot, sprinkle with coarse salt and add water. It's not necessary to let the water cover the heads completely. When the water boils, skim off the scum. Cook, covered, until the flesh begins to separate from the bones, 90-120 minutes at the least. Heads meant for jam need longer cooking. Heads that will be eaten without further preparation generally need only 60 - 90 minutes cooking, and should only be cooked until the flesh is cooked through, but has not started to separate from the bones.
Make the jam: When the heads are cooked, remove from the cooking liquid. Heads that will not be made into brawn are put on a platter and served right away, or allowed to cool. Heads that will be made into jam are taken and the meat cut off the bones and into coarse pieces. You can include the skin or leave it out as you wish. Put the pieces in a loaf pan and put a light weight on top. Allow to cool at room temperature and then put it in a refrigerator to set completely. To make more of the jam, include some of the cooking liquid in the mix. The cooking liquid will set better if singed sheep's legs are cooked with the heads.
When the brawn is set, it can be eaten fresh or preserved in whey.
Serving suggestion: Sheep's heads are served either hot or cold. Either way, they are usually served with plain, boiled potatoes, rutabagas ( cooked with the heads) and white sauce. I hear lemon-sauce is also good with sheep's heads.
Brawn, fresh or preserved, is usually served buffet-style (Þorrablót) with several other kinds of variety meats, fish, bread and boiled potatoes. Thinly sliced fresh brawn can be used as a topping for bread or a filling for sandwiches. My personal favourite is fresh brawn with potato salad."
Recipe from: http://www.isholf.is/gullis/jo/meats.htm#heads
Some recipes include gelatin, but it is generally not necessary if the cooking liquid is allowed to thicken during cooking (by not adding water unless it seems to be completely evoparating).
Ingredients:
6 sheep’s heads, singed (see instructions below)
Water and salt
How to singe and otherwise prepare sheep's heads for cooking: Take the fresh heads and singe them with fire until all the hair is burnt. Use a stiff brush to clean the heads under running cold water. Clean the area around the eyes and inside the ears especially well. Saw the heads in half lengthwise and remove the brains (less messy if you freeze them first). Cook them with the skin.
Preparation: Pack the heads into a cooking pot, sprinkle with coarse salt and add water. It's not necessary to let the water cover the heads completely. When the water boils, skim off the scum. Cook, covered, until the flesh begins to separate from the bones, 90-120 minutes at the least. Heads meant for jam need longer cooking. Heads that will be eaten without further preparation generally need only 60 - 90 minutes cooking, and should only be cooked until the flesh is cooked through, but has not started to separate from the bones.
Make the jam: When the heads are cooked, remove from the cooking liquid. Heads that will not be made into brawn are put on a platter and served right away, or allowed to cool. Heads that will be made into jam are taken and the meat cut off the bones and into coarse pieces. You can include the skin or leave it out as you wish. Put the pieces in a loaf pan and put a light weight on top. Allow to cool at room temperature and then put it in a refrigerator to set completely. To make more of the jam, include some of the cooking liquid in the mix. The cooking liquid will set better if singed sheep's legs are cooked with the heads.
When the brawn is set, it can be eaten fresh or preserved in whey.
Serving suggestion: Sheep's heads are served either hot or cold. Either way, they are usually served with plain, boiled potatoes, rutabagas ( cooked with the heads) and white sauce. I hear lemon-sauce is also good with sheep's heads.
Brawn, fresh or preserved, is usually served buffet-style (Þorrablót) with several other kinds of variety meats, fish, bread and boiled potatoes. Thinly sliced fresh brawn can be used as a topping for bread or a filling for sandwiches. My personal favourite is fresh brawn with potato salad."
Recipe from: http://www.isholf.is/gullis/jo/meats.htm#heads
in a nutshell
Icelandic cuisine is kind of frightening to non-natives. Much of the cuisine that they have been eating hasn’t changed that much since the original Norse settlers. The frequent Norse-based festivities that take place every year include many traditional foods. Much of the food is made from things that are already available to the nation. Seafood and lamb are amongst the most common meats that are eaten in Iceland, for both are very abundant. Icelanders even eat things that many people would stay away from, such as whale and the cute little bird called the puffin.
Many traditional Icelandic foods all on one plate!
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8fbuH1JvpGQ/UEOq3X52PMI/AAAAAAAAGSQ/3XQhx0o_1G4/s800/Icelandic+Food+2.JPG
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8fbuH1JvpGQ/UEOq3X52PMI/AAAAAAAAGSQ/3XQhx0o_1G4/s800/Icelandic+Food+2.JPG