Iceland is a land of extreme contrasts, particularly when it comes to its daylight hours. One of the most amusing aspects of living in this Nordic nation is experiencing the natural phenomena of the Midnight Sun and the Polar Night.
Midnight Sun: During the peak of summer, specifically around the summer solstice in June, the sun never fully sets in parts of Iceland. This results in 24 hours of daylight, which can be quite disorienting but also uniquely exhilarating. Imagine playing golf, having a picnic, or even going for a swim at what would normally be ‘midnight’!
Polar Night: Conversely, during the winter, particularly in December, the sun barely rises above the horizon in the northern parts of the country, leading to almost continuous darkness. This can be equally disorienting as the Midnight Sun, with streetlights staying on throughout the day and the aurora borealis often lighting up the night sky.
The Icelandic Language Enigma
Icelandic is not only known for its beauty and old Norse heritage but also for its complexity and humorous word formations. The language has some peculiarities that can leave foreigners both baffled and amused.
Tungumál: This literally translates to “tongue weapon.” It’s the Icelandic word for “language,” which might make you wonder about the combative nature of linguistic exchanges in Iceland.
Brjóstsykur: Directly translating to “breast sugar,” this is actually the term for “marshmallow.” It’s a funny and endearing example of the literal nature of many Icelandic words.
Þetta reddast: A common phrase in Iceland that translates to “it will all work out okay.” This embodies the laid-back nature of Icelanders and their belief that everything will fall into place eventually, even if it seems nonsensical or chaotic at first.
The Peculiar Icelandic Cuisine
Icelandic cuisine might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially with its historic reliance on preservation methods and some unusual ingredients. Here are a couple of quirky highlights:
Hákarl (Fermented Shark): Arguably Iceland’s most infamous dish, this delicacy involves Greenland shark or other sleeper shark, which has been cured with a particular fermentation process and hung to dry for four to five months. It’s known for its strong ammonia-rich smell and fishy taste, often chased with a shot of BrennivÃn, also known as “black death.”
Svið (Sheep’s Head): Considered a delicacy in Iceland, sheep’s heads are singed to remove the fleece, boiled with the brain removed, and served whole. It is a traditional Icelandic dish, often eaten at the Þorrablót midwinter festival.
Quirky Icelandic Traditions
Iceland is not just about breathtaking landscapes and unique cuisine; it also boasts some quirky traditions that can be quite amusing.
Bolludagur (Bun Day): Held on the Monday before Ash Wednesday, this tradition involves children waking up early to try and spank their parents with homemade wands before they get out of bed. In return, the children receive cream-filled buns to eat.
Jólabókaflóð: This delightful tradition translates to the “Christmas Book Flood.” Iceland, known for its high literacy rate, has a tradition where books are given as gifts on Christmas Eve, and the night is spent reading. It’s a beautiful, cozy tradition that highlights the country’s love for literature.
Elf Belief: Many Icelanders believe in the existence of elves or “hidden people.” This belief influences everything from construction plans (to avoid disrupting elfin habitats) to daily life, where some people even leave offerings for elves.
Unusual Laws and Regulations
Iceland’s legislative landscape includes some laws and regulations that might seem bizarre to outsiders but are taken quite seriously by locals.
Naming Laws: Iceland has strict laws about what you can name your child. The Icelandic Naming Committee maintains a list of approved names that conform to linguistic and cultural standards. Names that do not fit these criteria are often rejected.
Dogs in Reykjavik: Up until 1984, it was illegal to own a dog in Reykjavik. While this law has since changed, owning a dog in the capital still requires a special license and adherence to strict regulations regarding vaccinations, leashing, and waste management.
Beer Ban: Beer was banned in Iceland until March 1, 1989. Now, March 1st is celebrated annually as Bjórdagur, or Beer Day, marking the momentous occasion when Icelanders could legally enjoy a brew once more.
In conclusion, living in Iceland is filled with quirky and humorous experiences that stem from its unique environmental conditions, linguistic oddities, and cultural traditions. From endless daylight to peculiar delicacies and elfin diplomacy, Iceland offers a whimsical and delightful lifestyle that is as enchanting as its landscapes.
