Monika Warkocz.: What is the reason for celebrating Jule–Gløgg here in the MNC NE Headquarters?
Col. Erik B. Bruhn.: Danes do not celebrate so many public festivals like people, for example here in Poland. So we do not have so many “official occasions” to meet with friends and family in our home country. Therefore, Christmas time is very precious for us as we try to visit each other, enjoying Jule–Gløgg during the long evenings. In Denmark the weather is very capricious so it’s nice to jump into the restaurant or café to drink a warm mug of aromatic wine, when you’re in Christmas shopping whirl. Finally, especially for soldiers celebrating Christmas has always very deep meaning. As we have 42 Danish staff officers and NCOs here in HQ we organize a traditional Danish Christmas events to present our traditions, old customs and specialties. We decided to use Jule–Gløgg name, as it is very popular in Denmark and you cannot imagine Christmas without it.
Monika Warkocz: Hm…what is Jule–Gløgg. It sounds quite mysterious? Is there any traditional recipe so people can prepare it here in Poland?
E. B.: That is easy! Jule–Gløgg - it’s a spiced, warm red wine, very aromatic. “Jul” – in old Nordic language means “feast” Whereas, “Glögg” basically means hot red wine and a squeeze of brandy or snaps with cinnamon, cardamom, raisins and pieces of almond. Its aroma comes from the wine being simmered with raisins, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, orange peel, orange juice, lemon zest and lemon juice.
M. W.: How Jule–Gløgg is usually served.
E.B.: Jule–Gløgg is usually served with a small hot cake of batter called "apple-pieces" even though they do not contain apple anymore. It is eaten with jam and sugar or icing sugar. In some families Jule–Gløgg and apple-pieces is a "Little Christmas Eve" tradition. The "Little Christmas Eve" is the evening before Christmas, in Denmark the evening before December 23. But most of the Danes do not drink it on particular day we taste it whenever we have an occasion to do it.
M. W.: I know that traditionally there will be also St Lucia Parade during the “Jule–Gløgg 2005” event…
E. B.: That’s right!. In Denmark St Lucia processions take place on 13 December at most schools, hospitals, rest homes and other institutions. The Lucia procession originated in Sweden and gained popularity in Denmark after the Second World War. We will invite Danish children to be dressed in white and to carry a candle. Traditionally, one child gets to be the Lucia bride. On her head she wears a wreath of fir with candles in it and she is leading the procession. All the lights are then switched off and the whole parade walks the aisles, singing the Lucia song.
M. W.: Is the Jule–Gløgg of Danish origin?
E. B.: I think that the most correct answer will be to say that Jule–Gløgg is a typical Scandinavian Christmas drink. Danes, Swedish and Norwegians are quarrelling a bit about it. It’s a kind of the cultural symbol, deep-rooted in the whole Scandinavia. In old times, during the winters’ long evenings people were gathering in houses together with their family and friends drinking warm Jule–Gløgg. It’s only during the recent years, when the Danes have started to visit so commonly restaurants. During such cosy evening we have candles, friends and a lot of good jokes. The candles light plays a very important role in the Danish Christmas tradition. The light creates a very “hyggelig” atmosphere. The word “hygge” has a very unique meaning in Danish culture. It describes very cosy and warm moments, which you can experience with family especially during Christmas time. We would like to bring such atmosphere to the HQ and enjoy being together during “Jule–Gløgg 2005” event.
M. W.: Thank you for the conversation and wish you “hyggelig” Jule–Gløgg in Szczecin!
