Yule goat

Northern European tradition

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July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

The Yule goat is a tradition from Northern Europe, particularly associated with Sweden. Today, it is a straw goat constructed during the Christmas season. This tradition may be linked to the Norse god Thor, who was believed to ride in a chariot pulled by goats. The Yule goat is now an integral part of Swedish Christmas celebrations and is sometimes seen as a companion to Santa Claus.12

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Yule
Connections with Christmas
…remaining Yule tradition is the Yule goat. In towns and cities throughout Sweden during the Christmas season, large goats are constructed out of straw. This tradition might have originated in ancient times, perhaps as a tribute to the god Thor, who was said to ride in a chariot pulled by…
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…remaining Yule tradition is the Yule goat. In towns and cities throughout Sweden during the Christmas season, large goats are constructed out of straw. This tradition might have originated in ancient times, perhaps as a tribute to the god Thor, who was said to ride in a chariot pulled by…
Read More