Santas - Yulemen - observed in Mai 2002 at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland!

2005-12-09

In Iceland Santa Claus has several nicknames. In addition to Santa - Santas, he or they are called Yulemen, Yule Lads or Christmas Boys. Nobody knows exactly the origin of these names, but anyway the Christmas celebration in Iceland goes on. In the middle of May 2002 I was lucky to the get a glimpse of some Santas at the Blue Lagoon. I thought the Icelandic Santas were seasonal too, but here I could observe him and she enjoyed themselves in the hot pool in the summertime. The Blue Lagoon looks "frosty blue", but it's really hot. The temperature is about 40 Celsius (104F), and the soothing, mineral-rich water is believed to have curative powers. It seemed to me that the Santas really got their extra power from the magic water, and it will make them in better shape for their hard work in Christmas!

Photo. Two Santas in the Blue Lagoon reloaded their "batteries" for Christmas. © Travel Explorations.

Though the lagoon looks like natural shaped from Iceland's fairytale landscape, it`s actually man made. The lagoon was created by run-off from the Svartsengi power plant, which pumps up the geothermally heated water from a full mile below the surface. After being used to generate both heat and electricity, the excess, which is absolutely clean, is ejected into the lagoon.

In Iceland there are 13 Santas in Icelandic. It's pronounced "Jolasveinar" and means Christmas Boys - Yule Lads. They have been a part of Icelandic traditions for 200 - 300 years, perhaps for a longer time, and they are said to be the sons of two trolls, Gryla and Leppaludi.

Go to Iceland any time, and perhaps some Santas will show up again. Especially if look for them at the Blue Lagoon.

Stein Morten Lund, 9 December 2005

Additional information
It wonderful to take a bath in the Blue Lagoon, especially accompanied with beautiful music. The annual Iceland Airwaves party was arranged at the Blue Lagoon - Geothermal Spa on Saturday 22 October this year (2005). The guests who attended the event listened to the Icelandic musician Hermigervill play a combination of hip-hop, rock, pop and vocals.

The event at the geothermal spa has been one of the festival's highlights where media, musicians, and other guests come together and relax in the lagoon while listening to Icelandic musicians.

For more information click on the link: www.bluelagoon.com.