Cakeman (Kagemand in Danish) is a traditional element at Danish birthday parties for children. It looks like a large-scale gingerbread man, is made of a sweet dough with lots of sugar and butter, and is decorated with sweets, Danish flags, and candles. If only we could add bacon to the recipe, we would have all things essentially Danish in one place. Part of the tradition is that the birthday boy or girl cuts the throat of the Cakeman while the other kids scream. “Happy birthday, darling. Now cut the throat of Cakeman.” How is that for a hyggelig Nordic-noir birthday? – Meik Wiking, The Little Book of Hygge

The Danish superhero is Cakeman! He is every Danish boy and girl’s favorite treat. It is their birthday cake where the special child cuts off Cakeman’s head and all their friend’s scream.

Who would have known… What a fun hygge tradition!

– Jason