🌿 This sweet little nisse was such fun to paint! He's featured in my latest "Tea Time With Ann" YouTube video sharing Christmas-themed journal entries.
Nisses are Nordic folklore spirits who completed little household tasks throughout the year and were rewarded with the gift of porridge around the winter solstice. In the 1800s, they became associated with Christmas, influenced by the American Santa Claus.
Nisses look like little elves or garden gnomes. They originated as early as the 1200s. One etymology says the word nisse dervies from Old Norse and means "dear little relative."
Swedish traditions tie the tiny creatures to farmsteads with names meaning "farm guardian" or "yard fellow." Norwegian nisses were said to be about the size of a small toddler, were close to nature, and could shape-shift into animals.
They aren't always pleasant. Apparently, if you don't serve their porridge properly, they will play tricks on your household to retaliate! If treated well, nisses will protect your family and farm from misfortune.
Other cultures have similar little spirits. The Scots and English have brownies, while the Spanish have duende. Does your culture have such a creature?
I would think we could find some similarities in the American Elf On the Shelf which became popular in 2005. He's certainly mischievous!
- brush: Princeton Velvetouch Long Round #2 (available at Amazon | Blick)
- pen: Tombow Mono Drawing Pen (available at Amazon | Blick)
- paper: Emshoi 256-page journal (available at Amazon)
- paint: White Nights watercolors at Amazon
- this 35 full pan set in the lavender tin is the best value I've found for mostly lightfast, transparent paints
- individual pans can be purchased at ArteMiranda (ships from Spain) or sometimes at Etsy (ships from Utah, USA)
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