The 2018 Gavle Goat.
(Photo: ANAKUL /Depositphotos)
Christmas traditions vary greatlyaround the world.
However, the construction of the goat is not the only tradition local to the region.
The 2018 Gavle Goat. (Photo: ANAKUL /Depositphotos)
In the past 56 years, the goat has burned down 38 times.
The Yule Goat is a Scandinavian tradition with pagan roots.
Today, most Yule Goats are ornament-sized and hang on trees.
Its size and prominence has made it a target over the years.
In 1973, a man stole the enormous statute and put it in his yard.
He was later arrested.
In 1976, a crashing Volvo took out the goat.
In 2010, a plot was afoot to capture the goat and carry it away by helicopter.
Thankfully it was foiled.
The greatest threat to the Galve Goat is arson.
Unlike Bonfire Night in the UK, the fire is a crime rather than officially sanctioned.
The man who burned down the goat in 2021 received six months in prison.
Most of the goat arsonists, however, have not been apprehended over the years.
These measures have at last worked.
On Twitter, the Gavle Goatupdatedeveryone on its survival on Christmas: I made it.
Then,on New Years Day, the account happily welcomed 2023 with a simple Happy new year.
This wasfollowedby a cheeky, New year, same me.
Why mess with perfection?
For more from the Galve Goat, you could follow the festive tradition onTwitter.
Happy new year pic.twitter.com/0tiQN2rVq4
Gavlebocken (@Gavlebocken)December 31, 2022
New year, same me.
Why mess with perfection?
