A Yuletide tradition

King Haakon of Norway (ruled 920-961) issued a decree that everyone must celebrate either Christmas or the Pagan holiday of Yule (you could freely choose either) with four gallons of ale, and the celebration had to last until the ale ran out.

He is commemorated with the title "King Haakon the Good." 😊

(One of many interesting tidbits in the following article:

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/610507/history-of-yule )

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PoetryNEmotion · F

I am laughing. Forced ale. What a laugh. Thanks for that tidbit. A good short read too. Happy Christmas to you, Dr. W.

DrWatson · 70-79, M

@PoetryNEmotion And to you!

DrWatson · 70-79, M

@PoetryNEmotion I've been thinking about your "forced ale" comment, and the thought occurred to me that perhaps the point of the decree is that no one can force you to NOT spend a few days getting drunk -- and employer cannot insist you come to work, a disapproving spouse cannot insist you sober up. He decreed a national holiday.

PoetryNEmotion · F

@DrWatson Absolutely. A decree for a holiday. No choice there. I wonder if anyone was punished for not drinking?