This is a version of the Norwegian nisselue, the conical stocking cap worn by the nisse (the mythological gnomes associated with Christmas). During the Nazi occupation, when symbols of Norwegian identity were restricted, these caps, often knitted in a variety of colors, were used as a symbol of resistance. For more information on the history of Norwegian knitting and symbols, “Norsk Strikkehistorie,” (2018, Vormedal Forlag) by Ingun Grimstad Klepp and Tone Skårdal Tobiassen is an excellent resource.

This red hat has now found new life thanks to Paul S Neary, who designed the Melt the ICE Hat to benefit immigrant aid agencies in Minnesota.