Spouse's Day in Iceland (21/01)

At the end of January, Iceland celebrates Spouse Day every year.

Around this day, the harsh winter month of Torrey began according to the Old Icelandic calendar. In different areas of Iceland, different customs have developed about which spouse should call and appease the new month, but the majority (led by folklorist I. Arasson) believe that this is the husband’s — duty.

According to custom, the owner had to stand at dawn and, in one trouser leg, jumping on one leg, describe the circle around the estate, greeting Torrey in a chant. It is not surprising that the priests of that time mentioned this ritual with particular disgust.

Nowadays it is rare to meet an Icelander who thoroughly fulfills an ancient custom: but the day, as before, is called spouse’s day. And for the male part of the population, this means (double a serving) of coffee in bed, and (often) flowers from a wife or girlfriend. Women strive to pay as much attention as possible to their significant other, not only fulfilling, but also predicting the desires of their loved one.

If you were waiting for a reason to please your beloved man, know that he has arrived.

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