Sweden builds super expensive Christmas goat effigy, arsonists burn it down
LONDON -- Alas, even Sweden isn't safe from the wrath of 2016.
In our continued coverage of extended metaphors for this tumultuous year, here's a holiday-themed analogy of well-intentioned calamity.
The tale starts out quaintly enough. In the Swedish town of Gävle, there is a lovely holiday tradition of erecting a charming goat effigy.
The structure, complete with red ribbons and twinkling lights, is built in tribute to the Scandinavian Yule Goat, a time-honored symbol of the season.
The town gathers around the structure to greet the goat on the first day of Advent. According to the BBC, this year (for the goat's 50th anniversary) around 2.3m kronor (£200,000; $250,000) was spent on its construction and the associated festivities.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Another unofficial ritual that has sprung up around this picturesque custom?
Arson.
Over the past 50 years, 35 of the giant wooden and straw structures have been destroyed. Last year, the goat, affectionately called Gävlebocken, made it to 27 December before arsonists set it ablaze.
This year, Gävlebocken didn't even last 24 hours.
Despite increased security and CCTV set up to monitor the "goat," an arsonist managed to do the deed when a guard left his post to use the toilet.
Based on a Twitter account set up on its behalf, Gävlebocken has evidently adopted a resigned outlook on its fate:
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
