Vandals in Sweden Target Christmas Goat

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/22/world/europe/vandals-in-sweden-target-christmas-goat.html

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COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Vandals in Sweden have, for the 27th time, burned down a giant straw goat meant to symbolize Christmas spirit.

The 43-foot, 3.6-ton straw goat was engulfed in flames early on Saturday after unidentified assailants attacked it in Gavle, 90 miles north of Stockholm.

The straw goat is a centuries-old Scandinavian yule symbol that preceded Santa Claus as the bringer of gifts.

The tradition of erecting the giant straw goat in the town square was introduced in 1966. Since then, in their own tradition, vandals have made it a regular target.