I know Christmas is done, past, let’s move on. But I couldn’t resist this bizarre, surreal, wonderful story. This is how traditions are started. See this link for the story of the traditional goat burning in Sweden…
As a followup, apparently this year the town council was able to find a fire-retardant chemical that was waterproof….
Doug
Wide Awake 
Jan 04, 2007 @ 00:59:45
I wonder why they are building a 13-metre high billy goat to begin with, and why are they so motivated to rebuild it 22 times…
This is one my pet peeves about the media by the way. They could make just a little effort and provide some context and understanding about the factoids they display.
Do some people hate the goat? Is it part of a heinous secret ritual? Are the people there just naturally vandals? What gives! What’s the story behind the story!
Anyway, don’t get me goin’…
Regards
Jan 04, 2007 @ 07:49:38
Hey Fencer, well I’ll tell ya, I call this an opportunity for creative embellishment. We have a saying here in the Maritimes “Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story”,
I have plumbed the depths of the inestimable Wikipedia to present this nugget, which goes into more of the backstory.
Regards!
Doug
Jan 06, 2007 @ 17:55:32
Hi Doug,
Thanks for that reference. Now that’s information… Very interesting. Vandalism as cultural event and tourist destination…
Regards
Feb 14, 2007 @ 19:28:55
My favorite line from that story is this: “Two men were seen running from the blaze, one of whom was disguised as Father Christmas, said police.” xo, BL
Feb 20, 2007 @ 21:45:01
Hi BL
It is so good to hear from you again! There is nothing like a daft tradition to really get me excited.
Although you wouldn’t know it from my loud silence of late my thoughts have been with you. As I’m sure have all your friends out here!
Doug