The Christmas Sheaf

The first written notions about the Christmas sheaf is found in Norway's Natural History (1753), written by Danish-Norwegian author, bishop and historian, Erik Pontoppidan. According to Pontoppidan, at "Christmas Eve, the hospitality of the Norwegian farmer goes to great lengths, by also inviting the birds for a feast. Setting up an elaborate bunch of cereal-crop stems bound together outside the door on a rod, this practice facilitate a joyous Christmas party for sparrows and other little birds." More recent traditions can confirm that such Christmas sheafs have been common in farms and dwellings all over the country, gradually gaining ground in in the cities. 

Christmas preperations. Siblings pictured in Oslo, 1905

© Museum of Oslo

The lifespan and purpose of this custom is difficult to identify. However, several theories have been suggested, more or less justified within the tradition itself. Norwegian theologist and sociologist Eilert Sundt, for example, thought that the sheaf was a pagan protecting agent against evil spirits, in the same way as fire, burnt bread, green leaves and twigs. For most, however, a set up sheaf unlikely had no other meaning than letting even the smallest of creatures in on the fun; for also the birds were entitled to the same care and consideration on Christmas Eve, as other animals on the farm.

There were a number of regulations for when and how a sheaf should be set up. First and foremost, it had to be placed high and visible to birds and people, on a set stake or in a tree. In Hemne, a municipality in the county of Trøndelag, a young spruce with many branches were placed in the top, so the birds had "something to sit on while they had their meal." Below the snow had to be swept away, so that the little ones could jump and dance and make merry. 

Immediately after the Chritmas sheaf was set up, it was important to make observations; of what kind of birds were visiting, and how they conducted. If the sparrows and bullfinches flocked to the sheaf, being  cheerful and voracious,  it was a sign of a fruitful forthcoming crop. If the birds were few and far between, eating very little, it was believed that a future famine was in store. At Christmas, nearly everything came a warning. Originally, the sheafs were placed at the foot of the barn bridge – in recent times however, it became more common to place them so that the birds could be seen from the living room windows.

Whether they were made out of barley or oats, the sheafs should be large and have plenty of food. Otherwise, the bird food consisted of tallow and bits of pork for the tits, grains and bread "sprinkled on the roof tops". The magpies and crows got something from slaughter and other scraps from the household kitchen – and "even a glass of liquor" (!). On Christmas eve all living beings should have peace and an abundance of food and drink.

In "Norheimsund in the county of Hordaland it was said: "The Christmas sheaf was the well-established Christmas dinner for birds. The old society showed great care for the animals, always having the birds in mind.” 

Painting by Adolph Tidemand, Traditions of Christmas, 1846

Sources:

• Ørnulf Hodne (1999). Jul i Norge: gamle og nye tradisjoner. Cappelen