Read More
Bun Day - Bursting Day - Ash Wednesday
Today is a "Bun Day". It's the first day of three days running of celebration.
Bolludagur or "Buns Day" (Mars 7, 2011)
Iceland celebrates two holidays in Mars that seem to revolve simply around the consumption of delicious foods with guiltless abandonment. Two days before Lent is known as Bolludagur or "Buns Day." Homes, restaurants and particular bakeries, overflow with delicately made cream puffs or "buns." These "buns" come in all different shapes and sizes, filled with cream, jam, and sometimes drizzled in chocolate. Children especially love Bun Day because they get to wake up early and try to catch their parents still in bed. If they do, they "beat" them out of bed with their individually made Bolluvondur or "Bun Wands," which are colorfully decorated with strips of paper and gleaming ribbon. The parents are then obligated to give their children one cream puff for every "blow" received.
Sprengidagur or " Bursting Day" (Mars 8, 2011)
During the second day of this tradition on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Lent) every Icelandic home and most restaurants flood with the aroma of Saltkjot og baunir or salted-meat and peas. The name of the Sprengidagur refers to the idea that people feast on this hearty dish to the point of bursting.
"Oskudagur" or Ash Wednesday (Mars 9, 2011)
Ash Wednesday is celebrated in Iceland with a unique custom that is very entertaining for children. Ashes are collected into small bags known as "Oskupokar" or Ash Bags. As a prank, these bags are secretly pinned onto people's clothing. The day is also marked with children singing and parading around the streets and shops, begging for treats.
