Cultural and social development
Culture of Iceland
(Websites to checkout)
http://www.visiticeland.com/DiscoverIceland/themes/cultural-iceland
This site is called “Visit Iceland”. This website is the official tourism information site for Iceland. Under Themes on this site you can click on Culture Iceland and read all about Iceland’s culture and how the country was founded. There are photos of Iceland’s food, art, and leisure activities. This site also has a tab that takes you to the sites for the Museums in Iceland. These museums celebrate Iceland’s rich culture heritage and tradition.
https://guidetoiceland.is/history-culture
If you want to learn more about Iceland’s history and culture, this site is a great site to do just that. The name of this site is “Guide to Iceland”. This site had a lot of diversity and material on the Icelandic culture. There are sixteen different sections that provide fun facts and statistics about Iceland’s art, music, and literature. The site also provides an email address, phone number, and postal address that you can use to gain more information or ask question about Iceland.
(Websites to checkout)
http://www.visiticeland.com/DiscoverIceland/themes/cultural-iceland
This site is called “Visit Iceland”. This website is the official tourism information site for Iceland. Under Themes on this site you can click on Culture Iceland and read all about Iceland’s culture and how the country was founded. There are photos of Iceland’s food, art, and leisure activities. This site also has a tab that takes you to the sites for the Museums in Iceland. These museums celebrate Iceland’s rich culture heritage and tradition.
https://guidetoiceland.is/history-culture
If you want to learn more about Iceland’s history and culture, this site is a great site to do just that. The name of this site is “Guide to Iceland”. This site had a lot of diversity and material on the Icelandic culture. There are sixteen different sections that provide fun facts and statistics about Iceland’s art, music, and literature. The site also provides an email address, phone number, and postal address that you can use to gain more information or ask question about Iceland.
This is a map of the world and the 7 continents. As you can see, Iceland is a part of Europe. Each continent in the world has its own form of culture. The European Cultural Foundation states that, “For 60 years, [Europe has] been striving towards an open, democratic and inclusive Europe in which culture is a valued and key contributor.” Europe connects people and democratic institutions by joining local cultural change-makers and communities across Europe, which includes Iceland.
Image URL: https://www.kaartenenatlassen.nl/files/wereld-continentkaart.jpg
HOME.European Cultural Foundation (2014, January 1). Retrieved February 22, 2015, from http://www.culturalfoundation.eu/
Image URL: https://www.kaartenenatlassen.nl/files/wereld-continentkaart.jpg
HOME.European Cultural Foundation (2014, January 1). Retrieved February 22, 2015, from http://www.culturalfoundation.eu/
Population and death rates
Looking at the population over the past 100 years, one can see that it has grown tremendously. In 1915, the population for Iceland was 121, 037. (Figure 1) By the year 2010 the population of the world had increased by about 35%. Iceland’s population grew from 121, 037 to 337, 996. (Figure 2) One may ask why there has been such a large increase in the population over the past 100 years. Part of the reason is that the life expectancy rate has risen greatly. Iceland has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world. Looking at the maps below, in 1950 the life expectancy rate for men was to age 69 and for females it was age 74. (Figure 3) When looking forward to the present year, 2015, the life expectancy rate has risen by about ten years. Part of the reason their life expectancy rate is so high is because of The level of atmospheric PM10 – tiny air pollutant particles small enough to enter and cause damage to the lungs – is 17.6 micrograms per cubic meter, lower than the average of 20.1 micrograms per cubic meter. Iceland has a strong sense of community and high levels of civic participation, where 96% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in time of need. (Better Life Index, OCED)
Figure 1: Population of Iceland in 1915 is 121, 037 people
Figure 2: Population of Iceland in 2013 is 331, 1996 people
Figure 3: Life Expectancy for women (to the left) and men (to the right) in 1950
Figure 4: Life Expectancy for women (to the left) and men (to the right) in 2015
Religion in Iceland
The Viking Age was a time of serious religious change in Scandinavia. In that period Vikings were viewed as pagans with a hatred of the Christian Church, but that view was very misleading. At the beginning of the Viking Age it was true that almost the whole population of Scandinavia was pagan, but the Vikings had many gods, and it was easy for them to accept the Christian god alongside their own. Most of the attacks that Vikings had on the Christian Church, scholars believe that the attacks had more to do with the fact that monasteries were typically both wealthy and poorly defended, making them an easy target. As the Vikings came into more contact with the Christian Church and settled in places with a Christian population, they adopted Christianity quickly. In the 9th century Scandinavian sailors discovered Iceland and the first settler is recorded to be Ingólfur Arnason who arrived in 874. As more settlers came to Iceland, a General Assembly was established. And in 1000, Iceland became Christian by a decision of the General Assembly.
By voting in the new religion by the chieftains, it helped centralize government power, yet socially unifying a people under one faith. With the emergence of Christianity in Iceland, it became easier for foreign cultures to enter into Iceland because many other countries had also converted to Christianity. However, by centralizing the government more and more, also caused more civil distress. By 1200AD Iceland's good grazing land was owned by a relative small number of elites that caused civil war. Norway was finally able to pacify the situation, and in 1262-4, Iceland formally announced Norway's supremacy. By the 13th century Iceland was part of Norwegian realm, and didn't become a nation again in till 1944.
There are four sacred sites of religion in Icealand. Domkirkjan, a small and charming Lutheran church of historical importance in Reykjavik. It was in the Domkirkjan that Icelandic independence was first officially endorsed by the Lutheran church of Iceland. Hallgrímskirkja (Hallgrim's Church) in Reykjavik is the tallest and most striking church in Iceland. The church took 38 years to build (1945-86), the tower being completed long before the church's actual completion. The church was named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson (1614-74), author of the beloved Passíusálmar ("Hymns of the Passion") and other works. Landakotskirkja (Landakot Church), is the Catholic cathedral of Iceland, located in Reykjavik. After the First World War, the number of Icelandic Catholics was growing and there was a need to build a bigger church. The last is, Thingvellir in southwestern Iceland. It is said to be the first site of a Christian church in Iceland built around the year 1000 AD, shortly after the conversion. It is now one of the most popular tourist sites in Iceland and place of great holy importance.
In reading the executive summary of Iceland the constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom and, in practice, the government generally respected religious freedom. There is a connection between the government and the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC). They financially support and promote Lutheranism as the country’s official religion. The Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC), which is the state church, enjoys some advantages not available to other religious groups. Although the Icelandic government supports the Lutheran Church there were no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.
Their constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom. The constitution also provides all persons the right to form religious associations and to practice religion in accordance with their personal beliefs. The constitution bans teachings or practices harmful to good morals or public order. (International Religious Freedom Report, 2011)
I respect the role of religion in Iceland today. There has been growth in their religion and it has had an effect on the country. But unlike most countries there has not been any major conflict or wars over religion. There was, however, a rift in the Icelandic parliament during the decision making of whether or not Christianity should be adopted or not. Christianity was ultimately implemented into society with the compromise of pagan rituals being allowed in private. Other than the decision Iceland made to convert to Christianity, religion in Iceland has not played a significant role in its political development. The government structure of Iceland has remained relatively consistent since its beginnings.
Sources:
Countries and Their Cultures. (2015, January 1). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Iceland.html
Williams, G. (2011, February 17). Viking Religion. Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/vikings/religion_01.shtml
Alexander, S. (n.d.). Religion in Iceland. Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://smalexaiceland.weebly.com/cultural--social-development.html
Tattersfield, L. (2012, February 12). Icelandic Viking Fued Concept & Expectations of Love & Marriage. Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.academia.edu/5177986/Icelandic_Viking_Fued_Concept_and_Expectations_of_Love_and_Marriage
THINGVELLIR CHURCH. (2015, January 1). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://nat.is/churches/thingvellir_church.htm
Iceland; Executive Summary. (2011, January 1). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/193031.pdf
Sacred Destinations. (2005, January 1). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.sacred-destinations.com/iceland/sacred-sites
By voting in the new religion by the chieftains, it helped centralize government power, yet socially unifying a people under one faith. With the emergence of Christianity in Iceland, it became easier for foreign cultures to enter into Iceland because many other countries had also converted to Christianity. However, by centralizing the government more and more, also caused more civil distress. By 1200AD Iceland's good grazing land was owned by a relative small number of elites that caused civil war. Norway was finally able to pacify the situation, and in 1262-4, Iceland formally announced Norway's supremacy. By the 13th century Iceland was part of Norwegian realm, and didn't become a nation again in till 1944.
There are four sacred sites of religion in Icealand. Domkirkjan, a small and charming Lutheran church of historical importance in Reykjavik. It was in the Domkirkjan that Icelandic independence was first officially endorsed by the Lutheran church of Iceland. Hallgrímskirkja (Hallgrim's Church) in Reykjavik is the tallest and most striking church in Iceland. The church took 38 years to build (1945-86), the tower being completed long before the church's actual completion. The church was named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson (1614-74), author of the beloved Passíusálmar ("Hymns of the Passion") and other works. Landakotskirkja (Landakot Church), is the Catholic cathedral of Iceland, located in Reykjavik. After the First World War, the number of Icelandic Catholics was growing and there was a need to build a bigger church. The last is, Thingvellir in southwestern Iceland. It is said to be the first site of a Christian church in Iceland built around the year 1000 AD, shortly after the conversion. It is now one of the most popular tourist sites in Iceland and place of great holy importance.
In reading the executive summary of Iceland the constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom and, in practice, the government generally respected religious freedom. There is a connection between the government and the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC). They financially support and promote Lutheranism as the country’s official religion. The Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC), which is the state church, enjoys some advantages not available to other religious groups. Although the Icelandic government supports the Lutheran Church there were no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.
Their constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom. The constitution also provides all persons the right to form religious associations and to practice religion in accordance with their personal beliefs. The constitution bans teachings or practices harmful to good morals or public order. (International Religious Freedom Report, 2011)
I respect the role of religion in Iceland today. There has been growth in their religion and it has had an effect on the country. But unlike most countries there has not been any major conflict or wars over religion. There was, however, a rift in the Icelandic parliament during the decision making of whether or not Christianity should be adopted or not. Christianity was ultimately implemented into society with the compromise of pagan rituals being allowed in private. Other than the decision Iceland made to convert to Christianity, religion in Iceland has not played a significant role in its political development. The government structure of Iceland has remained relatively consistent since its beginnings.
Sources:
Countries and Their Cultures. (2015, January 1). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Iceland.html
Williams, G. (2011, February 17). Viking Religion. Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/vikings/religion_01.shtml
Alexander, S. (n.d.). Religion in Iceland. Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://smalexaiceland.weebly.com/cultural--social-development.html
Tattersfield, L. (2012, February 12). Icelandic Viking Fued Concept & Expectations of Love & Marriage. Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.academia.edu/5177986/Icelandic_Viking_Fued_Concept_and_Expectations_of_Love_and_Marriage
THINGVELLIR CHURCH. (2015, January 1). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://nat.is/churches/thingvellir_church.htm
Iceland; Executive Summary. (2011, January 1). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/193031.pdf
Sacred Destinations. (2005, January 1). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.sacred-destinations.com/iceland/sacred-sites
This pie-chart shows that about 80% of Iceland's population is Lutheran Christian and 20% of the population has a different religion.
source: http://icelandchristmas.weebly.com/uploads/1/5/5/8/15589792/3372564.jpg?723
source: http://icelandchristmas.weebly.com/uploads/1/5/5/8/15589792/3372564.jpg?723
Looking at world religion, you can see that Iceland is red; indicating that Iceland is mostly Protestant.
http://www.worldreligions.psu.edu/images/artimages/maps/worldmap.jpg
http://www.worldreligions.psu.edu/images/artimages/maps/worldmap.jpg
The Acceptance of Christianity in Viking-Age Iceland, this picture represents a man being baptized.
http://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/mythology/religion/pix/baptism.jpg
http://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/mythology/religion/pix/baptism.jpg
Hallgrímskirkja is a Lutheran parish church in Reykjavík, Iceland.
At 73 metres, it is the largest church in Iceland and the sixth tallest
architectural structure in Iceland.
http://www.globaltravelmate.com/uploads/images/iceland/reykjavik/reykjavik_hallgrimskirkja.jpg
http://www.globaltravelmate.com/uploads/images/iceland/reykjavik/reykjavik_hallgrimskirkja.jpg
Pagan temple dedicated to Thor and Odin to be built in Iceland – for the first time in 1,000 years
http://www.hexapolis.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Pagan-Temple_Thor_-Iceland-777x437.jpg
http://www.hexapolis.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Pagan-Temple_Thor_-Iceland-777x437.jpg
Cultural Diversity in Iceland
While conducting research on Iceland’s cultural diversity, unlike most of the world, Iceland’s population is increasing in diversity rather than decreasing. Although Iceland is increasing in cultural diversity, the world’s sweeping global change is taking away indigenous peoples and local communities of their lands, resources, and lifestyles; forcing them to subsist in highly degraded environments; crushing their cultural traditions or hampering their ability to maintain them; and forcing them into linguistic assimilation and abandonment of their ancestral languages. (The Loss Of Diversity, Terralingua) Over the span of 100 years, the chart shows that the number of dead zones, a place or period in which nothing happens or in which no life exists, has increased dramatically. This means that the world has not seen much growth in cultural diversity or biodiversity.
Although these results are very discouraging for cultural diversity, today people from all corners of the globe call Iceland home. Iceland’s foreign-born population numbers around 25,000, 7.6 percent of the country’s total population. Five years ago that number was 3.5 percent; ten years ago just 2.4. While Iceland’s foreign-born population might be relatively small compared to some other nations, such as Australia with 25 percent, Canada with around 18 percent and Sweden with 14 percent, Icelandic society has, over the years, become increasingly diverse. Immigrants in Iceland represent no less than 130 nations. The largest groups come from Poland, Lithuania, Denmark and the Philippines. Last year, 900 of these foreign citizens received Icelandic citizenship. Iceland truly is becoming a multicultural nation. (Celebrating Cultural Diversity, Zoë Robert)
The Icelandic government drew up a specific National Cultural Policy as an effort to preserve cultures in the country. The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture started work on the policy in 2009, consulting extensively with those involved in the cultural scene. For this purpose, the Ministry in 2010 organized a conference entitled “The Land of Culture” (Menningarlandið) to discuss how the policy should be shaped. Iceland possesses a rich cultural and artistic life characterized, in a variety of fields, by worthwhile original creative work which is of importance both to its inhabitants and to the world at large. In the sphere of cultural heritage the government has a key role to play since an understanding of the nation’s cultural history is one of the prerequisites for active participation in society and an important part of each individual’s personal identity. A varied cultural life also contributes to general well-being in society and promotes equality. Participating in cultural activities is conducive to a full life and stimulates positive interaction between different social groups and generations. (National Cultural Policy, Ministry of Education Science and Culture)
Sources:
Robert, Z. (2009, March 22). Celebrating Cultural Diversity. Retrieved April 7, 2015, from http://icelandreview.com/stuff/views/2009/05/22/celebrating-cultural-diversity
The Loss Of Diversity. (2015, January 1). Retrieved April 7, 2015, from http://www.terralingua.org/overview-bcd/loss/
Shah, A. (2014, January 19). Loss of Biodiversity and Extinctions. Retrieved April 7, 2015, from http://www.globalissues.org/article/171/loss-of-biodiversity-and-extinctions
Magnúsdóttir, Á (Ed.). (2013, January 1). National Cultural Policy. Retrieved April 7, 2015, from http://eng.menntamalaraduneyti.is/media/MRN-pdf/Menningarstefna_ENSKA_LOKAutgafa.pdf
Robert, Z. (2009, March 22). Celebrating Cultural Diversity. Retrieved April 7, 2015, from http://icelandreview.com/stuff/views/2009/05/22/celebrating-cultural-diversity
The Loss Of Diversity. (2015, January 1). Retrieved April 7, 2015, from http://www.terralingua.org/overview-bcd/loss/
Shah, A. (2014, January 19). Loss of Biodiversity and Extinctions. Retrieved April 7, 2015, from http://www.globalissues.org/article/171/loss-of-biodiversity-and-extinctions
Magnúsdóttir, Á (Ed.). (2013, January 1). National Cultural Policy. Retrieved April 7, 2015, from http://eng.menntamalaraduneyti.is/media/MRN-pdf/Menningarstefna_ENSKA_LOKAutgafa.pdf
Icelandic Food
Svið (Singed and boiled Sheep Head)
Svið literally means “singed”, from how the sheep head is singed to remove the hair. It is then brained, boiled and served with mashed turnips, potatoes and rhubarb jelly. Then you eat its face. And eyeballs. Gross as it sounds (and looks), svið is not actually bad food, and you must try it when you're Iceland, if only to say that you did it.
Svið literally means “singed”, from how the sheep head is singed to remove the hair. It is then brained, boiled and served with mashed turnips, potatoes and rhubarb jelly. Then you eat its face. And eyeballs. Gross as it sounds (and looks), svið is not actually bad food, and you must try it when you're Iceland, if only to say that you did it.
Skyr
The famous not-actually-a-yoghurt-but-nobody-cares product, skyr, is technically a type of soft cheese, made from gelatinous milk curds. As appetizing as that sounds, mixed with milk and served with sugar or Icelandic blueberries or raspberries, it's actually quite wonderful, with a rich, yoghurt-like texture and slightly sour taste. This superfood is incredibly high in protein and unbelievably low in everything else, a typical batch sporting something like 12% protein, 3% carbohydrate and 0,5% fat, and also rich in calcium and various vitamins.
The famous not-actually-a-yoghurt-but-nobody-cares product, skyr, is technically a type of soft cheese, made from gelatinous milk curds. As appetizing as that sounds, mixed with milk and served with sugar or Icelandic blueberries or raspberries, it's actually quite wonderful, with a rich, yoghurt-like texture and slightly sour taste. This superfood is incredibly high in protein and unbelievably low in everything else, a typical batch sporting something like 12% protein, 3% carbohydrate and 0,5% fat, and also rich in calcium and various vitamins.
Icelandic fish (All the fish)
In addition to the wide variety unbelievably fresh fish available, there are two types of interesting traditional Icelandic fish worth noting:
In addition to the wide variety unbelievably fresh fish available, there are two types of interesting traditional Icelandic fish worth noting:
- Saltfiskur (Bacalao): Saltfiskur, literally salt-fish, has been dried and salted. It has a history in Scandinavia of more than 500 years, and used to be a major export before refrigeration was a thing. Recently however, it has experienced a revival in some Icelandic restaurants.
- Harðfiskur (Stockfish): The simplest way to explain harðfiskur is that it is like beef jerky. Only fish. So fish jerky. It is dried out in the cold air, where the cold air bacteria ferment it in a process similar to the fermenting of cheese. So fish-cheese jerky. You eat it with butter.
Svið & Sviðasulta Recipe:
Singed sheep's heads & sheep's head jam (head cheese, brawn)
Sheep's head jam is a traditional meat product that can be found in any Icelandic supermarket. It is usually eaten fresh, but during the Þorri season you can also get whey-pickled head jam. There is also a pig's head version, svínasulta, which includes spices. This variety food is known as head-cheese or brawn in English.
6 ea. sheep's heads, singed (see instr. below) as needed water and salt How to singe and otherwise prepare sheep's heads for cooking:
Take the fresh heads and singe them with fire until all the hair is burnt. Use a stiff brush to clean the heads under running cold water. Clean the area around the eyes and inside the ears especially well. Saw the heads in half lengthwise and remove the brains (less messy if you freeze them first). Cook them with the skin. Preparation:
Pack the heads into a cooking pot, sprinkle with coarse salt and add water. It's not necessary to let the water cover the heads completely. When the water boils, skim off the scum. Cook, covered, until the flesh begins to separate from the bones, 90-120 minutes at the least. Heads meant for jam need longer cooking. Heads that will be eaten without further preparation generally need only 60 - 90 minutes cooking, and should only be cooked until the flesh is cooked through, but has not started to separate from the bones.
Make the jam:
When the heads are cooked, remove from the cooking liquid. Heads that will not be made into brawn are put on a platter and served right away, or allowed to cool. Heads that will be made into jam are taken and the meat cut off the bones and into coarse pieces. You can include the skin or leave it out as you wish. Put the pieces in a loaf pan and put a light weight on top. Allow to cool at room temperature and then put it in a refrigerator to set completely. To make more of the jam, include some of the cooking liquid in the mix. The cooking liquid will set better if singed sheep's legs are cooked with the heads.
When the brawn is set, it can be eaten fresh or preserved in whey.
Serving suggestion: Sheep's heads are served either hot or cold. Either way, they are usually served with plain, boiled potatoes, rutabagas ( cooked with the heads) and white sauce. I hear lemon-sauce is also good with sheep's heads.
Singed sheep's heads & sheep's head jam (head cheese, brawn)
Sheep's head jam is a traditional meat product that can be found in any Icelandic supermarket. It is usually eaten fresh, but during the Þorri season you can also get whey-pickled head jam. There is also a pig's head version, svínasulta, which includes spices. This variety food is known as head-cheese or brawn in English.
6 ea. sheep's heads, singed (see instr. below) as needed water and salt How to singe and otherwise prepare sheep's heads for cooking:
Take the fresh heads and singe them with fire until all the hair is burnt. Use a stiff brush to clean the heads under running cold water. Clean the area around the eyes and inside the ears especially well. Saw the heads in half lengthwise and remove the brains (less messy if you freeze them first). Cook them with the skin. Preparation:
Pack the heads into a cooking pot, sprinkle with coarse salt and add water. It's not necessary to let the water cover the heads completely. When the water boils, skim off the scum. Cook, covered, until the flesh begins to separate from the bones, 90-120 minutes at the least. Heads meant for jam need longer cooking. Heads that will be eaten without further preparation generally need only 60 - 90 minutes cooking, and should only be cooked until the flesh is cooked through, but has not started to separate from the bones.
Make the jam:
When the heads are cooked, remove from the cooking liquid. Heads that will not be made into brawn are put on a platter and served right away, or allowed to cool. Heads that will be made into jam are taken and the meat cut off the bones and into coarse pieces. You can include the skin or leave it out as you wish. Put the pieces in a loaf pan and put a light weight on top. Allow to cool at room temperature and then put it in a refrigerator to set completely. To make more of the jam, include some of the cooking liquid in the mix. The cooking liquid will set better if singed sheep's legs are cooked with the heads.
When the brawn is set, it can be eaten fresh or preserved in whey.
Serving suggestion: Sheep's heads are served either hot or cold. Either way, they are usually served with plain, boiled potatoes, rutabagas ( cooked with the heads) and white sauce. I hear lemon-sauce is also good with sheep's heads.
Fish Balls Recipe
500 g (1 lbs) Haddock Fillets, skinned 2-3 teaspoons Salt 1/6 teaspoon Pepper 2 1/2 tablespoons Flour 1 tablespoon Potato Starch 1-2 Eggs 1-2 Onions 5 dl (1 pint) Milk Oil or Margarine - for frying Mince the fish with the onions, at least twice. Stir in the flour, eggs, salt and pepper, adding the milk gradually and stir well. Leave to stand for 30 minutes. Form the fish balls with a tablespoon and fry on both sides. Served with brown sauce or tomato sauce, boiled potatoes and vegetables of your choice. Religion and Food
There is not much connection between religion and food in Iceland. A majority of the population is Protestant Christian, and among them, most are followers of the State Lutheran Church. The largest religious minority is of Roman Catholics. In these religions there is not much emphasis on what to eat or not to eat. Both religions are based on the bible, including the Old Testament and the New Testament. In the Old Testament of the bible there is a verse in Genesis that states that, “everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as [God] gave you the green plants, [God] now give[s] you everything.” (Genesis 9:3) Therefore there are no restrictions on what is to be eaten or not eaten.
Where does Icelandic Food come from?
For over 40 years Iceland
has prided themselves on their food quality. Iceland became the
first UK retailer in 1986 to remove artificial colorings and flavorings from their
products. Iceland has been at the forefront of providing customers
with food they can trust. Iceland’s clean mountain air and unpolluted soil and water produce healthy foods that are rated as some of the purest in the world. Icelandic farmers do not use pesticides or hormones, and many of the farm animals are free-range. In spite of Iceland’s short growing season and cold climate, Icelanders are able to enjoy many healthy and delicious foods served in a variety of ways. Iceland’s major food is fish and other seafood. The fish, vegetables and meats are always fresh: freshly caught and organically grown.
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