Allamakee Album 'Julebukking' in Waterville 1910 |
This photo was taken on December 27, 1910 of Haakin Peterson, Tilda Olson (Huffey), Odin Ellefson, Johanna Ellefson, Ingvald Ellefson and Alice Moe (Rippley). They were from the Waterville area and were out Julebukking.
This was a Norwegian tradition translated Christmas Fooling. It was derived from a pagan celebration of Thor. Some time between Christmas and New Year's, people dressed in costumes (notice the guys in the back row still have their masks on) and went from home to home. The hosts were to guess who was behind the masks by asking questions, but the Foolers would give false answers and disguise their voices. Once revealed hosts would then offer treats to the Foolers.
~contributed by LA, September 2008