They"ve got long beards, red hats, and a knack for stealing a tad bit of Santa"s thunder every Christmas. Meet the gnome—known as "tomte" in Sweden and "nisse" in Norway—whose traditions vary across regions. Rooted in Scandinavian folklore, these tiny guardians watch over homes and farms, keeping families safe through long, dark winters. But there"s a catch: treat them kindly, or they may play tricks. A warm bowl of porridge on Christmas Eve is their favorite reward. Said to bring luck and laughter, they might even befriend your garden gnomes, since they often resemble them.
Handmade gnomes at a Christmas market
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Trevi in bloom
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What happened to these clouds?
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An underwater rainbow
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World Bee Day
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Beyond Walls for World Refugee Day
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Three Musketeers Falls at Iguazú Falls, Argentina
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La Rocque Harbour, Island of Jersey
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Yellowstone for the National Park Services birthday
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Travel Sunday: Sintra, Portugal
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World Philosophy Day
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Freeze frame
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Haven t you herd? It s World Elephant Day!
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Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain
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World Octopus Day
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The Vestibule at Diocletian s Palace, Split, Croatia
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An uncommonly cool critter
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Kluane National Park
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Preservation Hall in New Orleans, Louisiana
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Wandering Watkins Glen
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Fight for your lefts
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Black History Month
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A light on National Hispanic Heritage Month
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An aviation celebration
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Whangārei Falls in New Zealand
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Quiver trees, Keetmanshoop, Namibia
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Autumn in the Prosecco Hills
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Why’s it called a spelling ‘bee,’ anyhow?
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The 80th anniversary of D-Day
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Riding the bore tide at Turnagain Arm, Cook Inlet, Alaska
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A bull, some flowers, and a stratovolcano
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

