Jolabokaflod: the Icelandic Christmas reading tradition you need to know about
Summary
Jólabókaflóð, (jolabokaflod, the Icelandic Christmas Book Flood) continues to captivate and intrigue readers all around the world. But what is Jólabókaflóð, exactly? Icelandic author Ragnar Jónasson explains the origins of Jólabókaflóð, how you can make the tradition your own, and – maybe most importantly – the correct pronunciation.
What is jolabokaflod?
Jólabókaflóð , also known as the Christmas Book Flood, is Iceland’s annual tradition of publishing a large volume of all-new Icelandic books in the months leading up to Christmas. Starting in late September, new titles hit the relatively small Icelandic book market like a tide, up until mid-November, when more or less all books have found their way in the shelves of local bookstores.
From there, the excitement builds. All books are promoted in Bókatíðindi, an annual catalogue of the year’s new releases, which is sent free of charge to every household in the country (and, in the digital age, available to read online). Authors promote their new books with public events and readings in schools and workplaces, and readers prepare to buy beautiful (often hardback) books to give their loved ones.
But, more than just a term for Christmas book sales, the jólabókaflóð has become a defining Christmas ritual for book lovers in Iceland and beyond.
What does jolabokaflod mean?
Jólabókaflóð is made up of three Icelandic words: jól (Christmas) – bók (book) and flóð (flood).
How do you pronounce jolabokaflod?
The correct pronunciation for Jólabókaflóð, also written as jolabokaflod, is yo-la-bo-ka-flowth (with a voiced “th”).
When and where did the tradition begin?
The exact origin of the Icelandic Christmas Book Flood is unclear. The word jólabókaflóð first appeared in print as early as 1936, but a popular theory is that the Christmas Book Flood properly started during the Second World War, when imported goods were scarce, and Icelandic books became popular gifts for Christmas.
How do you celebrate jolabokaflod?
For readers in Iceland, Christmas truly is the time to cosy up with a new book, especially on Christmas Eve. Icelanders traditionally celebrate Christmas on 24th December, exchanging gifts (including new books) after a Christmas dinner.
People then tend to sit down with their new book and read into the night, often by candlelight and with a box of local chocolates close by, as well as a glass of malt & appelsín (a combination of a local malt extract drink and orange soda).
Some people have a favourite author to read on Christmas Eve, whose latest book – if a new one is available – they will always plan to read, while others take a more varied approach. Here are some of my personal favourites: