Additional Information
This website is super helpful additional information on culture because it has eight tabs, being: All the Latest..., Food & Drink, Things to do in Iceland, Culture, Events, Rural Iceland, Reykjavik City, and USA & Europe. These tabs then have other links in them that offers more info on the subjects as well as pictures and events to go to for anyone who visits Iceland or wants to know more about the country.
APA Citation: Culture. (n.d.). Retrieved October 1, 2015, from http://wowair.us/magazine/lifestyle-culture/
This website also adds lots of additional information on the culture of Iceland because it has a specific tab about the culture of Iceland. In the specific culture of Iceland tab it offers lots of additional sites to learn about the culture and customs of Iceland. It also offers many unique things specific to the culture of Iceland that you may not be able to fin on other websites.
APA Citation: Explore Iceland | Travel Information, Nature & Culture. (n.d.). Retrieved October 1, 2015, from https://guidetoiceland.is/about-iceland
APA Citation: Culture. (n.d.). Retrieved October 1, 2015, from http://wowair.us/magazine/lifestyle-culture/
This website also adds lots of additional information on the culture of Iceland because it has a specific tab about the culture of Iceland. In the specific culture of Iceland tab it offers lots of additional sites to learn about the culture and customs of Iceland. It also offers many unique things specific to the culture of Iceland that you may not be able to fin on other websites.
APA Citation: Explore Iceland | Travel Information, Nature & Culture. (n.d.). Retrieved October 1, 2015, from https://guidetoiceland.is/about-iceland
Map
This map shows the Percentage of Europeans who are not religious but believe in some sort of life force. In Iceland the religion is mostly Protestant along with some christianity and this goes along with their tradition and customs because while the vikings did follow pagan practices on their raids they were able to pick up christian and protestant practices and they brought them to the new places they settled in. While in some areas of Iceland they still believe in many of the pagan stories and folk tales for the most part the main religion is protestant currently.
APA Citation:
47 of the most interesting maps on the internet this month. (n.d.). Retrieved October 1, 2015, from http://matadornetwork.com/notebook/n-interesting-maps-internet-month/
APA Citation:
47 of the most interesting maps on the internet this month. (n.d.). Retrieved October 1, 2015, from http://matadornetwork.com/notebook/n-interesting-maps-internet-month/
Country Demographic Data/Statistics
- The total fertility rate in 2015 is 2.02 children/women
- DeathsThe total number of deaths in Iceland in 2014 was 2,049
- PopulationThe population of Iceland as of 2015 is 331,918
- ReligionThe Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland has the highest percentage of people at 73.8% and is the official religion of Iceland.
- Ethnic GroupsThe ethnicity of Iceland is a mixture of descendants of Norse and Celts 94% and foreign origin 6%
- EducationThe education expenditure of Iceland is 7.4% of GDP
APA Citation:
World Factbook: Iceland. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2015, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ic.html
In this chart you see the life expectancy for people in Iceland in comparison to the Income per person. This chart shows that over time the life expectancy of Iceland has grown over time however the income compared to the life expectancy over time has not grown very much. This gives way to the idea that Iceland has very good conditions and technology that improved the life expectancy over time.
This chart shows the murder compared to the total GDP and murder (total deaths). This chart shows how Iceland has a very low amount of murders. This chart reflects the statistics standing about Iceland, this being that Iceland is the third least likely place to get murdered in with only 25 deaths in the last twelve years.
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This chart shows the Armed forces personnel % compared to the total GPP and the armed forces personnel %. This chart reflects how that Iceland is the only country without a standing army but rather they have the Icelandic coast guard.
This chart shows the child mortality rate of children o-5 years old compared to the children per woman/total fertility and the child mortality. This chart compares very well to the population pyramids of Iceland. The population pyramid of Iceland showed that there were higher rates of mortality in children 5-15 it also showed that early on woman had many children (close to 5) as compared to now where they have less children (around 2). It also shows how since conditions have improved the mortality rate for children has gone down.
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Overall Iceland's' lifestyle has greatly improved overtime. The child mortality has gone down, life expectancy has grown, there is a very low rate of murder and lastly the country has almost no need for an army other than a coast guard. Around the 1950s Iceland had a very high child mortality rate. The majority of the deaths in older days happened to be because of diseases, little technology, and little medicine. Although the mortality rates have decreased greatly in the past 200 years, it is still very evident in the population pyramid. While the population pyramid does show the signs of mortality rate in children the mortality is more evident in toddlers and teenagers ages 5-15. The charts and population pyramids are testimony to the great lifestyle in Iceland and also prove how that over time the child mortality rate will go down and the lifestyle will continue to get better.
Religion in Iceland
The early settlers of Iceland came from Normandy and stemmed from the Norse Vikings. While there was evidence of early Irish monks the permanent settlers were from Norway. The early Norwegians believed in both Norse mythology as well as the pagan religion and worshiped many different gods. The Norse people believe that there are two gods named Aesir and Vanir as well as other mythological creatures such as Giants, dwarfs, fairies, and other creatures. The Aesir gods were believed to be the source of power, war, and death. However the Vanir gods were believed for fertility. They also believed in their Gods' deities Odin, Thor, Loki, Frea, and others. The Vikings believed that the destiny of the Norse gods was in their hands on the battlefield (Religion). In 995 AD Olav Tryggvason came from England with many ships to claim the throne of Norway and to bring Christianity to the country. The conversion to Christianity happened very fast because in an essence people were already familiar with the new faith and partly because their new king forced it upon them (The Vikings).
Iceland still carries many of their traditional Viking and Norse beliefs. Many of these beliefs have been passed down through poems or other works of literature. Iceland offers an Elf School in Álfaskólinn which has certificate programs in elf studies in Reykjavik. In Borgafjörður Eystri you can also find Elf Tours which gives tours in the East of Iceland. These tours come complete with accommodation and multi-day trips. While these offer insight to the traditional beliefs first hand, tourists can also find more stories just by talking ho the Icelandic natives (Elves). People can still find paganism traditions in modern Iceland society. Today there is still an active pagan religious following called Ásatrú and in it pagan rituals are still practiced. The farm Heimabær in Arnardalur valley still participates in heathen ceremonies and pagan festivals (Culture of Iceland). While these two beliefs mainly stay in more traditional or founding Icelandic families many of the other cultural and societal development had stemmed from Christianity. Big events such as Christmas are held through out the city of Reykjavik as well as other religious activities.
Iceland has four major churches one being Domkirkjan in Reykjavik. This site has been occupied by a church since 1200 AD and the church currently there has been there since 1788. Domkirkjan is the place that Icelandic independence was first officially endorsed by the Lutheran church of Iceland. The second church is Hallgrimskirkja also in Reykjavik. Hallgrimskirkja is a Lutheran parish church named after after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson the author of Passíusálmar and other works. Infused with Nordic designs and took about 38 years to build. The third church is Kópavogskirkja in Kópavogur. Kópavogskirkja is a modernist church in Kópavogur and is the second-largest town in Iceland. The architecture is very unusual in that it consists essentially of a cross-section of two wide arches. Its profile is prominent in the Kópavogur town seal. The last church is Landakotskirkja in Reykjavik formally named Basilika Krists konungs but often referred to as Kristskirkja. It is the Catholic cathedral of Iceland and was formed and founded by the first Catholic priests to arrive in Iceland after the Reformation (Sacred Destinations).
The government of Iceland is unitary multiparty republic with one legislative house. Iceland does have a constitution and Presidents are elected for four-year terms by direct popular vote but serve a parliamentary function and do not head a separate executive branch. The parliament is called Althingi after the medieval general assembly. It has sixty-three members that are elected by popular vote for four-year terms. The elections have more to do with policies and positions on issues rather than personalities (Government and Society). The official religion of Iceland is Evangelical Lutheran and it has dominated since the mid 16th century (Why Iceland). There does not seem to be much, if any correlation, with the government of Iceland and its religious beliefs. This is because in a way Iceland is more liberal than many other countries and supports women, gay rights, and other things that the religion may not support.
Overall I find the role of religion extremely interesting in Iceland. The fact that there is so much culture and tradition in Iceland fascinates me. I love to see how many of the originating families as well as country folk still believe in much of the Norse mythology and pagan beliefs. Lastly I enjoy how many of the tourists are able to today still see the beliefs that first originated in Iceland and be able experience them first hand.
APA Citations
Culture of Iceland. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Iceland.html
Elves, Vikings and Norse Gods in Iceland | Guide to Iceland. (2013, January 24). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from https://guidetoiceland.is/history-culture/elves-vikings-and-norse-gods-in-iceland
Government and society. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from http://www.britannica.com/place/Iceland/Government-and-society#toc225470
Religion. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from http://www.norway.org.uk/studywork/Norway-For-Young-People/History/Religion/
Sacred Destinations. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from http://www.sacred-destinations.com/iceland/sacred-sites
The Vikings meet Christianity. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from http://www.viking.no/e/life/echristianity.htm
Why Iceland? (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from http://www.studyiniceland.is/page/whyiceland
Iceland still carries many of their traditional Viking and Norse beliefs. Many of these beliefs have been passed down through poems or other works of literature. Iceland offers an Elf School in Álfaskólinn which has certificate programs in elf studies in Reykjavik. In Borgafjörður Eystri you can also find Elf Tours which gives tours in the East of Iceland. These tours come complete with accommodation and multi-day trips. While these offer insight to the traditional beliefs first hand, tourists can also find more stories just by talking ho the Icelandic natives (Elves). People can still find paganism traditions in modern Iceland society. Today there is still an active pagan religious following called Ásatrú and in it pagan rituals are still practiced. The farm Heimabær in Arnardalur valley still participates in heathen ceremonies and pagan festivals (Culture of Iceland). While these two beliefs mainly stay in more traditional or founding Icelandic families many of the other cultural and societal development had stemmed from Christianity. Big events such as Christmas are held through out the city of Reykjavik as well as other religious activities.
Iceland has four major churches one being Domkirkjan in Reykjavik. This site has been occupied by a church since 1200 AD and the church currently there has been there since 1788. Domkirkjan is the place that Icelandic independence was first officially endorsed by the Lutheran church of Iceland. The second church is Hallgrimskirkja also in Reykjavik. Hallgrimskirkja is a Lutheran parish church named after after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson the author of Passíusálmar and other works. Infused with Nordic designs and took about 38 years to build. The third church is Kópavogskirkja in Kópavogur. Kópavogskirkja is a modernist church in Kópavogur and is the second-largest town in Iceland. The architecture is very unusual in that it consists essentially of a cross-section of two wide arches. Its profile is prominent in the Kópavogur town seal. The last church is Landakotskirkja in Reykjavik formally named Basilika Krists konungs but often referred to as Kristskirkja. It is the Catholic cathedral of Iceland and was formed and founded by the first Catholic priests to arrive in Iceland after the Reformation (Sacred Destinations).
The government of Iceland is unitary multiparty republic with one legislative house. Iceland does have a constitution and Presidents are elected for four-year terms by direct popular vote but serve a parliamentary function and do not head a separate executive branch. The parliament is called Althingi after the medieval general assembly. It has sixty-three members that are elected by popular vote for four-year terms. The elections have more to do with policies and positions on issues rather than personalities (Government and Society). The official religion of Iceland is Evangelical Lutheran and it has dominated since the mid 16th century (Why Iceland). There does not seem to be much, if any correlation, with the government of Iceland and its religious beliefs. This is because in a way Iceland is more liberal than many other countries and supports women, gay rights, and other things that the religion may not support.
Overall I find the role of religion extremely interesting in Iceland. The fact that there is so much culture and tradition in Iceland fascinates me. I love to see how many of the originating families as well as country folk still believe in much of the Norse mythology and pagan beliefs. Lastly I enjoy how many of the tourists are able to today still see the beliefs that first originated in Iceland and be able experience them first hand.
APA Citations
Culture of Iceland. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Iceland.html
Elves, Vikings and Norse Gods in Iceland | Guide to Iceland. (2013, January 24). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from https://guidetoiceland.is/history-culture/elves-vikings-and-norse-gods-in-iceland
Government and society. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from http://www.britannica.com/place/Iceland/Government-and-society#toc225470
Religion. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from http://www.norway.org.uk/studywork/Norway-For-Young-People/History/Religion/
Sacred Destinations. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from http://www.sacred-destinations.com/iceland/sacred-sites
The Vikings meet Christianity. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from http://www.viking.no/e/life/echristianity.htm
Why Iceland? (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from http://www.studyiniceland.is/page/whyiceland
This map shows all the world religions. As you can see Iceland is completely red meaning that it is "Mostly Protestant" because of this reason Iceland does not offer any maps of its religion alone. The major religion of Iceland is Evangelical Lutheran which is the original form of Protestantism.
APA Citation:
PHIL 121 World Religions. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from https://www.northampton.edu/harold-weiss/world-religions.htm
APA Citation:
PHIL 121 World Religions. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from https://www.northampton.edu/harold-weiss/world-religions.htm
This area is an idea of what the pagan temples may have looked like and is the temple for modern paganism.
APA Citation: Hurstwic: Pagan Religious Practices of the Viking Age. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from http://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/mythology/religion/ text/practices.htm This script depicts pagan beliefs, while Christianity was eventually adopted, many people still practiced Pagan rituals and beliefs.
APA Citation Elves, Vikings and Norse Gods in Iceland | Guide to Iceland. (2013, January 24). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from https://guidetoiceland.is/history-culture/elves-vikings-and-norse-gods-in-iceland |
This is the god Thor in Norse Mythology. He is the Norse god of thunder and is the son of Odin and Jord. He is one of the most powerful Norse gods.
APA Citation: Marvel Mythology vs. Norse Mythology. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from http://ifanboy.com/articles/marvel-mythology-vs-norse-mythology/ Druids performing a pagan Samhain blessing ceremony at Stonehenge during the month of October and it is told that Halloween had actually originated from pagan practices.
APA Citation: Halloween 2014: The Origins of This Ancient Christian and Pagan Festival. (2014, October 30). Retrieved October 20, 2015, from http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/halloween-2014-origins-this-ancient-christian-pagan-festival-1472185 |
Icelandic Cuisine
Traditional Recipe for Svið- Icelandic singed sheep's heads & brawn
Background of dish- The reason the Icelanders ate Svið was to not waste any of part of the animal. I was usually served during the winter because it preserved well and morphed into becoming a very popular dish in the country.
1.) 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. Cook them with the skin.
2.) 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.
3.) To 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 or lemon sauce.
Brawn, fresh or preserved, is usually served buffet-style (Porrablot) 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.
APA Citation:
Icelandic cooking, recipes and food. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://icecook.blogspot.com/2006/01/svi-sviasulta-icelandic-singed-sheeps_20.html
Background of dish- The reason the Icelanders ate Svið was to not waste any of part of the animal. I was usually served during the winter because it preserved well and morphed into becoming a very popular dish in the country.
1.) 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. Cook them with the skin.
2.) 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.
3.) To 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 or lemon sauce.
Brawn, fresh or preserved, is usually served buffet-style (Porrablot) 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.
APA Citation:
Icelandic cooking, recipes and food. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://icecook.blogspot.com/2006/01/svi-sviasulta-icelandic-singed-sheeps_20.html
Much of the Icelandic food has not changed much since the Vikings touched down on the country. Most of the food they eat comes from the land and water around them. Their staple foods are lamb, skyr, potatoes, fish, and other seafood. The biggest staple however is the seafood like cod, haddock, monkfish, herring, skate, lobster, and salmon. Much of the food is very traditional to what has always been eaten because it is what is available in the country. Many Nordic traditional recipes are still around as well as lots of the meat that was popular to eat in both the Nordic festivals and the Pagan ritual festivals. The Icelandic people eat many things that most people would never touch. Some of the most popular dishes are whale, a cooked lamb or sheep head and even a small bird named the Puffin. Overall Iceland is a very traditional country that sticks to its strong roots. They eat most the same as they have since they occupied Iceland and use what is abundant and available. Many original restaurants and pubs are still available in the cities.
APA Citations:
Africa Thoughts. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2015, from http://africathoughts.blogspot.com/2012/09/icelandic-food.html
An Intro to Icelandic Food. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2015, from http://www.seriouseats.com/2012/04/guide-to-food-iceland-fish-whale-skyr-hot-dogs.html
APA Citations:
Africa Thoughts. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2015, from http://africathoughts.blogspot.com/2012/09/icelandic-food.html
An Intro to Icelandic Food. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2015, from http://www.seriouseats.com/2012/04/guide-to-food-iceland-fish-whale-skyr-hot-dogs.html