If I had the choice to vacation in Hawaii or Iceland, I would always choose Iceland. This county far to the north has intrigued me for a very long time. I have been drawn to Iceland for several reasons, but one that often stands out to me is its value of literacy. 

Iceland’s high literacy rate began in the early 1700s and is 99% today, meaning nearly every adult can read and write. Additionally, at least one-third of Iceland’s population reads daily; bookstores are everywhere, and writers are celebrities. On average, Icelanders read eight books a year.

Iceland’s literacy and storytelling history began with the writing of the Icelandic Sagas. These Sagas or stories about Iceland’s past were first written in the 1200s and shared tales as far back as 800 AD. These detailed accounts of heroes and hardships inspired countless Icelanders during long, cold winter nights. Since the Icelandic language is only spoken in Iceland, they used these Sagas to preserve their language, which has remained unchanged. 

With an unvarying language, Icelanders talk about historical events as if they happened yesterday. The landscape, filled with rivers, hills, and rocks, all have a story that is remembered by reading its tale from long ago. This strengthens Icelanders; as Margaret Willson shared, “This past of survival and kinship means that no native Icelander is really ever alone.” Incidentally, this is a byproduct of reading; when you find people in similar situations as yourself who made it through difficult times, you know you can do the same.

Imagine a frigid, dark night above the Arctic Circle, gathering around a smoky fire in your turf longhouse to enjoy an evening of storytelling. The sun barely peeked above the horizon during the day, so light and heat are much appreciated commodities. As everyone settles in, one of the elders in the group begins to read an Icelandic Saga. Each person listens to learn new life lessons and is cheered by the inspiring lives of those who lived long before them. Everyone there is entertained and educated as they imagine the stories being read to them.

Iceland’s Medieval history differs from that of Europe. During the Dark Ages, Europe was controlled by the Catholic Church, which didn’t value literacy. Instead, they only allowed a few to learn to read and write. In contrast, during this time, most Icelanders knew how to read. One of their Catholic bishops, Jon Arason, even brought the first printing press to Iceland in 1530. During this time, many people in Iceland were freezing and starving during the long winters, but most homes had at least one book.

Icelanders still gather during the cold months of the year to celebrate literacy with Jólabókaflóðið or “the Christmas book flood,” a tradition that began during World War II. Many things were rationed at this time, making it difficult to obtain gifts to give at Christmas. One of the few things not rationed was paper, allowing printing presses in Iceland to produce copious amounts of books that were then given as gifts. So, like their ancestors, Icelanders still share books during the cold time of the year as they gather in their warm houses, with low lights lit, drinking hot chocolate and reading the books they received. 

For the past few years, our family has added the tradition of Jólabókaflóðið to our Christmas Eve celebration. It has become a delightful time to slow down, be still, and let our minds float along the magical path of a story.

The days are still short and the evenings come quickly. If you need an inspiring story, to read in your favorite chair with a cup of hot chocolate, order my historical novel, “Catalyntje Trico: A Life in New Amsterdam.”

Where to purchase your copy of “Catalyntje Trico: A Life in New Amsterdam”

Amazon: Available in paperback, hardcover, Kindle and Kindle Unlimited

Kindle Preview: Free Kindle Book Preview

IngramSpark: Paperback

Historical Slant Website: These are signed paperback or hardcover books

Book Discussion: With the New Amsterdam History Center 
Barnes & Noble: Available in paperback and ebook