Nit

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A nit when reading.

A nisse (plural nisser ) is a type of leprechaun that plays an important role in Danish , Faroese, and Norwegian traditions. It is similar to the Roman Lares Familiares . The name Nisse is a derivative of the name Niels , the Danish form for Nicholas . In the past, the Nisse was also called lille Niels , Niels Gårdbo , Gårdbo , Gårdbukken or Puge .

In Sweden and Finland there is a similar figure called Tomte and Tonttu, respectively .

The Nisse is an old man with a white beard, about the size of a 10-year-old child and wearing a red cap.

Nisser is traditionally found in houses and stables. The Nisse protects the property and takes special care of the pets. If he is not treated well, he will play pranks or leave the court.

Variations

Julenisse family made of glass

There are different variations of the nit.

  • The Julenisse (Christmas nebula ) is most common in today's Denmark . This was drawn in 1836 by the Danish history painter Constantin Hansen . Today the Julenisse is an integral part of the Danish Christmas tradition. He helps Santa Claus make the presents and in return expects people to provide him with rice pudding (Danish "risengrød") during Advent. The Julenisse is the only Nisse with a family.
  • The Kirkenisse (Kirchennisse) appears in several fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen . The Kirkenisse lives in the rectory or in churches . He makes sure the church stays clean and beautiful.
  • The Gårdnisse (Hofnisse) live in houses or stables. He always lives alone and often helps people. In Sønderjylland in particular , this nit is also known as nis puk . One example is the legend of Nis Puk from the Lindewitt farm .
  • The Skovisse (woodland) is a newer variation. This nit lives in nature and leaves traces that cannot be directly explained. The Skovisse is quite small, about 80 cm, and wears green and brown clothes. In December 2004 there was an exhibition about the Skovisse in the Natural History Museum in Aarhus .
  • The Skibsisse ( Schiffsisse ) is known in Germany as the Klabautermann . An example would be the ferryman Nis von Holnis .
  • The Sætternisse (Laws) smuggles or puts misprints in books and newspapers. He does this in such a way that they are not discovered during proofreading.

See also

literature

  • Wilhelm Vollmer: Kobolds . In: Dictionary of Mythology . Stuttgart 1874, p. 299 ( zeno.org [accessed March 13, 2013]).
  • Johann Christoph Adelung: Nothing, that . In: Grammatical-Critical Dictionary of High German Dialect . tape 3 . Leipzig 1798, p. 514 ( zeno.org [accessed March 13, 2013]).

Web links

Commons : Nisser (folklore)  - collection of images, videos and audio files