nightfrost

Happy Thankgiving to everyone stateside! And for those interested in the ancient roots of many of our modern traditions, it is fair to say that Thanksgiving was influenced by the harvest festivals of medieval Europe. Having experienced the significance of expressing gratitude for the harvest back home in England, the Pilgrims incorporated these cultural elements into the first Thanksgiving in 1621. So yes, Thanksgiving is basically a modern interpretation of ancient pagan harvest festival. Skol!

Halloween originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the transition from the harvest season to winter. Celts believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred. To ward off spirits, they lit bonfires and wore costumes. Over time, it evolved into modern Halloween traditions.

- Völuspá

Sagas recount that when a Völva came to visit, the lord and lady of the house would give up their high seat, as a gesture of respect and deference.

Ostara “The heathen Easter had much in common with May-feast and the reception of spring, particularly in matter of bonfires. Then, through long-ages there lingered among the people Easter-games, which the church had to tolerate. I allude especially to the custom of Easter eggs, and to the Easter tale which preachers told from the pulpit for the people’s amusement, although connecting it with Christian events.” - Jacob Grimm, Deutsche Mythologie

I walk the path of my ancestors, nature is my church.

Strange lands await us, brave men going forth long ships set your course before the wild gales. Chase the new world, explorers of the north, heroes make history in Vinland vales. Only the saga scribes know where we roam, at long last Valhalla’s Song calls us home.

The Icelandic midwinter festival Thorrablot is fast approaching. On January 20th Icelanders will indulge in "unusual" culinary delicacies such as rotten shark’s meat, boiled sheep’s head and congealed sheep’s blood wrapped in ram’s stomach. Mmm... mouth watering.

- Ingeborg S. Nordén

“Give praise to the day at evening, 
To a weapon which is tried,
To a maid at wedlock, 
To ice when it is crossed,
To ale that is drunk.” - Hávamál, The Poetic Edda

Algiz - Rune of protection.

Eternal beauty.

The world’s largest Viking ship, Draken Harald Hårfagre, is currently sailing the Great Lakes. Expedition route can be viewed here: http://www.drakenexpeditionamerica.com/route/

Image courtesy http://kurefoto.pl

Now, terror roams free. It is unknown how, but Fenrir is unbound. He is hungry now, but no flesh will satisfy his need. For it is revenge that he craves.

- Snorri Sturluson