Celebrated throughout Iceland, Ash Wednesday is a popular day among children who often go from door-to-door singing songs in exchange for sweets and treats. The day is similar to the “trick-or-treat” antics of Halloween in other countries and is a day of mischief and merriment. In the olden days, children would collect ash in small bags known as 'Oskupokar' (Ash Bags) which would then be attached to the clothing of unsuspecting passers-by.
Sounds so cute.
But really the streets are full of kids running around screaming, crazy off candy and it is a little cute.
I took the boys downtown to sing for candy but unfortunatly most places had run out of candy before we got there.
*I make the kids go to school but a lot of kids will skip school to get more canhdy, causing a lot of businesses to run out before lunch.
We then went to Reykjaneshöllin for a little party for the kids. They had games, a jumping castle and contests meant to help the kids burn some of that sugar they were eating. I was grateful.
After two hours there the boys seemed normal enough and we went home, exhausted.
Happy Öskudagur!
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