Pagan holidays. Yule - winter holiday of the Vikings Holidays in Scandinavian mythology

Tendency to create more and more circles of hell for oneself | Druid of Erebor

There were four ancient Icelandic seasonal holidays:

· Midsumar (“midsummer”) - summer solstice, the longest day of the year. The date varies depending on the year.

· Yule is a mid-winter holiday. Now we celebrate 13 days from the winter solstice.

So, the Icelanders had two seasons and holidays in the middle of each season and holidays for the transition to the next season. Therefore, they should be considered the most important in the northern tradition. A characteristic feature of this set of holidays is that, along with the usual four calendar dates of solar solstices and equinoxes, not the equinoxes are celebrated, but the “beginnings of the seasons.”

Authentic Scandinavian holidays

Modern neo-pagan holidays

Spring Equinox (Ostara)

Midsumar - summer solstice

Summer solstice

Autumn equinox

Winter solstice

Thus, we see that in fact only one ancient holiday exactly coincides with a modern holiday. What did the modern northern pagans, led by the American Edred Thorsson, do? They combined both holiday calendars, replacing common neo-pagan holidays with the nearest “northern” holidays, and if there were no nearby holidays, they were added to the list.

And in a stripped down version we get, for example, the following list:

Ostara (spring equinox)
Walpurgis Night (night of May 1st)
Midsummer (summer solstice)
Bread Day "Loaf-Feast" (August 1)
Yule (winter solstice)
Holiday of Thor - Donara (January 19 - 25)

Edred Thorsson himself in Northern Magic offers the following:

Windnetr "Winter Night"
Winter solstice
Disting (February 14)
The vernal equinox
Walpurgis Night and May Day
Summer solstice
Tingtide (August 23)
Autumn equinox

Here the main ideologist of the modern Northern Path leaves no stone unturned from the only extant and reliable pagan traditions of the North (Iceland). He comes up with the holiday "disting", which falls exactly on St. Valentine's Day. Valentina. Celebrates the "witch's" Walpurgis Night, and the traditional "Winter Night", but refuses the first day of summer ("Sumarblot"). And for unknown reasons he comes up with Tingtide, which he considers the time to discuss aspects of the Faith (naturally, Troth).

Needless to say, such a mixture of Germanic continental, Scandinavian, Anglo-Celtic and, in general, pan-European traditions usually gives rise to ritual confusion. Therefore, it is worth separating, if not the wheat from the chaff, then certainly the buckwheat from the peas.

There's no point in celebrating the Icelandic "winter nights" in Miami or Florida as if nothing had happened. There is no need to pin all the important seasonal dates of the agricultural cycle of the southern and fertile latitudes on Frey and Freya. It is absurd to celebrate a generous “harvest day” as part of the tradition of a country where even Christmas trees grow poorly.

Sometimes they do things differently: they leave the four “Nordic” seasonal holidays, but give them the combined meaning of the two closest common pagan festivals. So, for example, Sumarblot combines the features of the spring equinox and Beltane, during which the Anglo-Saxon goddess Ostara and (for some reason) all the main aces and asinyas are revered. Vetrnetr in mid-October is celebrated as a cross between Harvest Day (Lammas) and Halloween, during which tribute is paid to the alves, diss, as well as male ancestors and any other gods. In addition to all this, neo-pagans are left with a burning desire to find their own seasonal holiday for Thor, which is being done with varying degrees of success. Needless to say, this position as a whole is extremely incomplete, flawed and incomprehensible.

I propose to consider the semantic meanings of each season and the transition to it. Then it will become clear what people were celebrating and what they were preparing for at one time or another of the year, not only in the generous northern latitudes, but throughout the world (with the exception of the southern hemisphere, of course). At the same time, we will focus on the internal meaning of living this or that season as an individual person. as well as the entire community.

In addition, let us abandon the “obsession with the cycle” of fertility and agriculture. Firstly, because few of the modern neo-pagans have their own agricultural land and conduct subsistence farming, and the well-being of their families no longer depends much on the favor of the gods, favorable weather and the ability to give birth to as many children as possible. Secondly, it was in Scandinavia that very little farming was done, and extra children were completely thrown away.

Sumarblot
The first day of summer, celebrated on Thursday afternoon between April 19 and April 25 according to the new style. Despite the fact that the Icelans did not have spring and autumn, we all understand that this is a celebration of the beginning of the “warm half of the year,” that is, Spring.

Spring always implies some kind of beginning, the inclusion of an individual and an entire community in something new. New communities are organized, a person takes on a new role, and can officially enter a new age category or sphere of life. And the purpose of the rituals on this day is inclusion.

“Rituals of inclusion” are the creation of a new community, the acceptance of a new participant into an already existing community, the celebration of the birth of a child, female teenage initiation, various “cumulations” of girls (known to us from Slavic rituals), the creation of gender groups within the community (separately male and separately female) . The slogan of the rituals of this period is “belonging to another” (belonging to one’s gender, age, family and clan, brotherhood, community).

For the most part, spring rituals are “female” or “yin” rituals. The element of these rituals is Water. The strongest experiences of the participants here may be associated with water procedures. At this time, you can perform cleansing rituals with water. Such rituals include burning a doll - the personification of Winter, or dipping it and floating it in water.

Each holiday ritual should consistently include semantic elements of all four seasons of the year (with the greatest emphasis on the symbols of the current season). A circular bowl and eating food “from a common cauldron”, circular or group (not paired) dancing, choral singing of songs, bathing in water are symbols of Spring.

Midsumar
The summer solstice, the longest day of the year, marks summer in full swing. This is the only Scandinavian holiday that coincides with the ancient and modern pagan holidays of the rest of Europe.

Summer is the peak of solar activity, the heyday of the year. The blissful state of complete unity, dissolution in another passes. The “honeymoon” ends and the first doubts and contradictions appear. It is no coincidence that this is the time of the general Thing - the Althing in Iceland, when people came together to sue each other, announce important events and agree on everything. This is a period of both belonging and not belonging to another or the whole.

The rituals of this period are associated with a clearer formalization of the relationship between individuals or an individual and a community. This is finding out who is who, who is main and who is secondary, who has what role, who can do what. The status of each person and his importance to the community are clarified. This is a time of feasts and feasts, competitive fights and competitions in various skills. The winners of the competitions take more honorable places at the table and receive winnings and gifts.

The main emotional experience of this stage is the feeling of oneself (as such or as one is) as part of a broader whole. This is a feeling of being part of something great, something with a higher meaning. It's close to awe. Therefore, at this time, solemn rituals dedicated to the patron deities of the community are good. A person already distinguishes himself from the whole, but still feels like a part of it, and a significant part.

The element of this period and its rituals is Air. Therefore, invocations and praises of deities, verbal duels of skalds, announcements of certain events (engagements and upcoming weddings) are good. And as already mentioned, various competitions with winnings are necessary.

Vetrnetr

The holiday takes place on Saturday night from October 21 to 27. It is called “winter nights” and occurs at night, marking the transition to the winter, “night” season, when in the far northern latitudes of Iceland the sun does not appear above the horizon.

If we perceive this transition from Summer to Winter as a short period of Autumn, then the rituals of separation correspond to this time. A person ceases to belong to the community or the whole. He is already on his own, Mother Nature no longer helps him (she grew the fruits, but the person himself had to collect them). This is a time of independence for each community member. The person is also separated from his usual role. He once again checks how well it corresponds to him and leaves or changes his identity in the community, focusing on his state of being. This is a period of non-belonging. This is a certain threshold of ability for one’s own actions.

Rituals of this time include training in concentration, the ability to act volitionally, exercises in strength and dexterity, as well as acquiring new skills. The main experience of these rituals is the feeling of accomplishing something (“I did it”). The plan was implemented and brought to completion, and this brings special joy.

The elemental element of this period and rituals is Fire. It provides severe physical and mental tests in which a person learns to act in even worse conditions than they are supposed to actually be. Weapons, pain and fire can be closely connected here. And a person goes through everything, resisting and experiencing, living it.

Yule
Previously, the mid-winter holiday - Yule was celebrated on January 6-9. However, now pagans tend to celebrate Yule twelve nights starting from the winter solstice (which, frankly, seems like overkill). However, for our description of seasonal holidays within the framework of the seasonality archetype, this is not at all important.

This is a period of rituals of transformation and integration. They involve deep internal changes in consciousness and ideas about the world. These are rites of immersion into the depths of the unconscious. (It is no coincidence that it was on the Yule holidays that the volvas went to feasts and predicted the future. It was not for nothing that Yule was dedicated to Frey and Freya - the deities of the world of the dead and magic.) People learned new secrets and received some knowledge. This is the period of gaining wisdom.

The emotional experiences of the rituals of this time are associated with a sudden understanding of the essence of things or enlightenment. A person from the inside begins to perceive himself again as part of a more general whole, part of the world. The unity of opposites is another idea adopted during this period. The universe reveals meaning and its own wisdom. And a person discovers that he belongs to himself.

Magic holiday "Yule"

Yule (in different languages ​​Yule, Joel or Yuil) is a medieval holiday of the winter solstice among the Scandinavian and Germanic peoples, celebrated on December 21-22. Initially pagan, the holiday became traditional, and was also held in Christian times, combined with Christmas. Nowadays the tradition is almost lost.

Of all the festivals, Yule is undoubtedly the most important, the most sacred and the most powerful. On these nights, all worlds converge in Midgard: gods and goddesses descend to earth, trolls and elves talk with people, the dead emerge from the Lower Worlds; those of the people who often communicate with the Other World leave their bodies for a while and join the riders of the Wild Hunt (oskorei - “riders of Asgard”), or become werewolves and other spirits.

Also, “Yule” is the days of the great feast and holiday, on which all members of the clan gathered together in order to again meet the Sun, rising from the darkness, and see the reborn world. It is no coincidence that elements of the holiday have been preserved in Christian Christmas - such as an evergreen tree, symbolizing life that will continue after the winter cold.

The origin of the word “Yule” is lost in the mists of time. Most likely, it goes back to an Indo-European root meaning “to rotate,” “to spin,” “wheel.” Perhaps it means “turning time,” “turn of the year,” “time of sacrifice,” or “dark time.”

According to tradition, Yule lasts 13 nights, which are called “Nights of the Spirits,” which is also preserved in their German name, Weihnachten. These thirteen nights, from the first sunset to the last dawn, are the gap between two years, a sacred period during which there is neither the usual time nor the usual boundaries, when the lot of the gods is decided and the spindle of the goddess of Fate, Urd, rotates.

In ancient times, among the Anglo-Saxon tribes, Yule began the night before the winter solstice (December 19 or 20, depending on the year). According to Bede the Historian, this night was called "mother's night", and if earlier, apparently, it was dedicated to rituals associated with diss and Frigg, now it is expressed as an evening "with the family."

However, the most important night of the Yule holiday is, of course, the solstice, the longest night of the year, during which spirits become the real rulers of this world. On this night, they lit the “Yule bonfire” and protected the house from evil spirits; on that same night the most sincere vows and promises were made. They also believed that one should not be alone on this night - because then a person is left alone with the dead and spirits of the Other World...

“Yule” ends on the “twelfth night” (actually, the thirteenth, as evidenced even by its Old Icelandic name, Threttandi) - that is, January 6 according to the Christian calendar (if counted from the night of Christian Christmas on December 25), or 1-2 January according to ancient Germanic chronology (if counted from December 19 or 20).

The next day was considered the “day of fate” - everything that was said and done before sunset determined all the events of the coming year (hence our saying “how you celebrate the New Year is how you will spend it”). It was believed that there were no surer signs than those revealed during the “Twelfth Night”; and the most powerful words are those spoken that night.

Let us note, however, that, according to some historians, in ancient times the German “Yule” was celebrated several days later than Christian Christmas. Thus, in Norway, “Twelfth Night” (“Whip Day”) fell on January 13; some believe that "Twelfth Night" was celebrated on January 14 according to the modern calendar. However, most modern Asatru communities nevertheless prefer to combine Yule with the Christian holiday of Christmas and the winter solstice.

Traditions

Yule - Solstice Night, the longest night of the year. A great festival was held in her honor, as the medieval Germans awaited the rebirth of the Oak King, the Sun King, the Giver of Life, who warmed the frozen earth and awakened life in the seeds stored in its bosom throughout the long winter. Bonfires were lit in the fields, and the crops and trees were blessed by drinking spiced cider.

Children went from house to house with gifts of carnations, apples, and oranges, which were placed in baskets made of evergreen branches and stalks of wheat, sprinkled with flour. Apples and oranges represented the sun, branches symbolized immortality, stalks of wheat represented the harvest, and flour signified success, light and life. Holly, mistletoe and ivy were decorated not only outside but also inside houses to invite nature spirits to take part in the celebration. A branch of holly was kept near the door all year as a constant invitation to good fortune to visit the inhabitants of the house.

According to tradition, there was singing of a Christmas carol, blessing of trees, burning of the Yule log, decorating the Yule tree, exchange of gifts, and kissing under the mistletoe. The tradition of serving Christmas ham dates back to the pagan custom of swearing an oath on the head of a wild boar. It was believed that such an oath reaches Frey himself, the god of fertility, whose sacred animal was the wild boar.

Symbolism

Symbolism of Yule - a Yule log or a small Yule log with three candles, evergreen branches and twigs, holly, ivy hanging on the door, golden candles, baskets of fruit decorated with carnations, a boiling pot of ale, milkweed, Christmas cactus.

The ceremonial Yule log was given the main place in the holiday. According to tradition, the log must be taken from the land of the owner of the house or accepted as a gift... but in no case purchased. Brought into the house and placed in the fireplace, it was decorated with seasonal greens, watered with cider or ale and sprinkled with flour. The log burned all night (it was set on fire from a piece of wood from last year's log, which was specially preserved), then smoldered for the next 12 days, and then was ceremonially removed. Ash is the traditional tree for the Yule log. This is the sacred tree of the Teutons, associated with the mythical tree Yggdrasil.

Yule is a medieval holiday of the winter solstice among the Scandinavian and Germanic peoples, celebrated on December 21-22.

Scandinavian Viking horoscope

Viking horoscope divided into 12 months. Each month has its own Scandinavian god.

Vikings- These are medieval Scandinavian sailors who, in the 8th-11th centuries, made sea voyages from the Scandinavian Peninsula to North Africa.

For the most part, these were free, landless people who lived in the territory of modern Sweden, Denmark and Norway, and who were forced to seek a better life outside their homeland.

Swedish and Baltic Vikings tended to travel east - they were called Varangians.

Norwegian and Danish Vikings traveled west - they were called Normans.

The Vikings, before adopting Christianity, practiced the Germanic-Scandinavian religion (known as Asatru) and made regular sacrifices. The Vikings' writing was runic (Scandinavian runes).

Presumably the Vikings had a priest who possessed universal occult knowledge, including knowledge of astrology, and developed a horoscope in which each month of the year corresponds to its own Scandinavian god.

One- the supreme god in German-Scandinavian mythology, sage, shaman, expert on runes, tales, priest, sorcerer, god of war and victory, patron of warriors, owner of Valhalla (heavenly palace in Asgard (heavenly city) for those killed in battle, paradise for valiant warriors ) and the ruler of the Valkyries (warrior maidens).

Odin's weapon is a spear that never misses its target and kills anyone it hits. Residents of Scandinavia believed that Odin often rode around the earth on his horse and took part in battles, helping the most worthy to win. Odin is the god of military magic.

People who were born under the auspices of Odin have warlike spirit, wisdom, a sense of justice, leadership qualities and magical abilities. On the lower plane they can be cruel and treacherous.

Thor- the god of thunder, storms, rain and fertility, second in importance after Odin, the eldest son of Odin and the earth goddess Jord. Thor had powerful strength, which he loved to compete with everyone, and an incredible appetite; he ate a bull in one sitting. He protected gods and people from giants and monsters.

People who were born under the auspices of Thor have enormous endurance, good physical strength, hard work, practicality, vigorous activity, the ability to organize their lives and a good appetite.

Tyr (Tyr)- God of justice and rational thinking. He knows the measure of all things and the place of each thing in the right and just order. Tyr has always actively fought against evil and injustice.

People who were born under the auspices of Tyr (Tyr) have logic, rational thinking, a sense of justice and rigor.

Balder- the god of spring and light in German-Scandinavian mythology. Balder is the patron of agriculture and vegetation. Balder is also considered the god of love.
People who were born under the auspices of Balder have compassion, a desire to love and sacrifice.

Bragi- the god of wisdom, eloquence, inspiration and art in German-Scandinavian mythology.
People who were born under the auspices of Braga have creative energy, sensitivity, and eloquence. Bragi is the patron of poets, writers and artists.

Vidar- the god of vengeance and silence in Scandinavian mythology, the son of Odin and the giantess Grid.

People who were born under the auspices of Vidar have prudence, prudence, external calm, and practicality. They are well versed in herbs and healing potions, love order, solitude and silence. On the lower plane, such people are quick-tempered and vindictive.

Hoder- god of war and cold weather. Hoder often became immersed in his thoughts about the Absolute and the eternal.

People who were born under the auspices of Hoder have restraint, perseverance, willpower, and coldness. They prefer to achieve everything through their own efforts and do not rely on anyone’s help.

Hermed- god of the other world. He was endowed with the gift of communication with the spirits of those who died on the battlefield, served as a messenger of the gods, and was Odin's right hand.

People who were born under the auspices of Hermed have occult knowledge or a thirst for occult knowledge, innate insight, and an inquisitive mind. Such people strive to understand the secret meaning of things.

Hoener- assistant to the god Odin. Hener was portrayed as a tall and handsome god, endowed with a wonderful mind.

People who were born under the auspices of Hener have a good mind, determination, ingenuity, generosity, and nobility. And very often external beauty.

Njord- god of the wind, sea elements and fertility. Njord is rich, has power over the sea, wind and fire, patronizes navigation, fishing, and hunting sea animals.

People who were born under the auspices of Njord have rigor, organization, self-discipline, practicality, and authority. They don't like slackers and disorder. On the lower plane, these are tough people.

Loki- god of fate and fire in German-Scandinavian mythology. Loki has multiple faces, making him very difficult to see. He can send many tests, and then generously reward the worthy.

People who were born under the auspices of Loki have excellent intelligence, intelligence, generosity, and modesty. There may be many trials, adventures and twists of fate in their life. But fate can also be great.

On a lower plane, these people are capable of extravagant, rash acts.

Vali- god of vengeance in German-Scandinavian mythology. And also Vali - the god of plants. He combined the personification of revenge and the personification of the forces of nature that give life.

People who were born under the auspices of Vali have good insight, intuition, calmness, and friendliness.

On a lower plane, these people can be touchy and vindictive.

Our new book "The Energy of Surnames"

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Oleg and Valentina Svetovid

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Scandinavian Viking horoscope

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Yule (in different languages ​​Yule, Joel or Yuil) is an ancient holiday of the winter solstice among the Scandinavian and Germanic peoples, which is traditionally celebrated on December 21-22. Being pagan, the holiday later became traditional, and was held in Christian times, combined with Christmas.

Of all the festivals, Yule is undoubtedly the most important, the most sacred and the most powerful. On these nights, all worlds converge in Midgard: gods and goddesses descend to earth, trolls and elves talk with people, the dead emerge from the Lower Worlds; those of the people who often communicate with the Other World leave their bodies for a while and join the riders of the Wild Hunt (oskorei - “riders of Asgard”), or become werewolves and other spirits.

Also, “Yule” is the days of the great feast and holiday, on which all members of the clan gathered together in order to again meet the Sun, rising from the darkness, and see the reborn world. It is no coincidence that elements of the holiday have been preserved in Christian Christmas - such as an evergreen tree, symbolizing life that will continue after the winter cold.
The origin of the word “Yule” is lost in the mists of time. Most likely, it goes back to an Indo-European root meaning “to rotate,” “to spin,” “wheel.” Perhaps it means “turning time,” “turn of the year,” “time of sacrifice,” or “dark time.”
According to tradition, Yule lasts 13 nights, which are called “Nights of the Spirits,” which is also preserved in their German name, Weihnachten. These thirteen nights, from the first sunset to the last dawn, are the gap between two years, a sacred period during which there is neither the usual time nor the usual boundaries, when the lot of the gods is decided and the spindle of the goddess of Fate, Urd, rotates.

In ancient times, among the Anglo-Saxon tribes, Yule began the night before the winter solstice (December 19 or 20, depending on the year). According to Bede the Historian, this night was called "mother's night", and if earlier, apparently, it was dedicated to rituals associated with diss and Frigg, now it is expressed as an evening "with the family."
However, the most important night of the Yule holiday is, of course, the solstice, the longest night of the year, during which spirits become the real rulers of this world. On this night, they lit the “Yule bonfire” and protected the house from evil spirits; on that same night the most sincere vows and promises were made. They also believed that one should not be alone on this night - because then a person is left alone with the dead and spirits of the Other World...

“Yule” ends on the “twelfth night” (actually, the thirteenth, as evidenced even by its Old Icelandic name, Threttandi) - that is, January 6 according to the Christian calendar (if counted from the night of Christian Christmas on December 25), or 1-2 January according to ancient Germanic chronology (if counted from December 19 or 20).
The next day was considered the “day of fate” - everything that was said and done before sunset determined all the events of the coming year (hence our saying “how you celebrate the New Year is how you will spend it”). It was believed that there were no surer signs than those revealed during the “Twelfth Night”; and the most powerful words are those spoken that night.
Let us note, however, that, according to some historians, in ancient times the German “Yule” was celebrated several days later than Christian Christmas. Thus, in Norway, “Twelfth Night” (“Whip Day”) fell on January 13; some believe that "Twelfth Night" was celebrated on January 14 according to the modern calendar. However, most modern Asatru communities nevertheless prefer to combine Yule with the Christian holiday of Christmas and the winter solstice.

Traditions

Yule - Solstice Night, the longest night of the year. A great festival was held in her honor, as the medieval Germans awaited the rebirth of the Oak King, the Sun King, the Giver of Life, who warmed the frozen earth and awakened life in the seeds stored in its bosom throughout the long winter. Bonfires were lit in the fields, and the crops and trees were blessed by drinking spiced cider.

Children went from house to house with gifts of carnations, apples, and oranges, which were placed in baskets made of evergreen branches and stalks of wheat, sprinkled with flour. Apples and oranges represented the sun, branches symbolized immortality, stalks of wheat represented the harvest, and flour signified success, light and life. Holly, mistletoe and ivy were decorated not only outside but also inside houses to invite nature spirits to take part in the celebration. A branch of holly was kept near the door all year as a constant invitation to good fortune to visit the inhabitants of the house.
According to tradition, there was singing of a Christmas carol, blessing of trees, burning of the Yule log, decorating the Yule tree, exchange of gifts, and kissing under the mistletoe. The tradition of serving Christmas ham dates back to the pagan custom of swearing an oath on the head of a wild boar. It was believed that such an oath reaches Frey himself, the god of fertility, whose sacred animal was the wild boar.

Symbolism
Symbolism of Yule - a Yule log or a small Yule log with three candles, evergreen branches and twigs, holly, ivy hanging on the door, golden candles, baskets of fruit decorated with carnations, a boiling pot of ale, milkweed, Christmas cactus.
The ceremonial Yule log was given the main place in the holiday. According to tradition, the log must be taken from the land of the owner of the house or accepted as a gift... but in no case purchased. Brought into the house and placed in the fireplace, it was decorated with seasonal greens, watered with cider or ale and sprinkled with flour. The log burned all night (it was set on fire from a piece of wood from last year's log, which was specially preserved), then smoldered for the next 12 days, and then was ceremonially removed. Ash is the traditional tree for the Yule log. This is the sacred tree of the Teutons, associated with the mythical tree Yggdrasil.

NORDIC (SCANDINAVIAN) HOLIDAYS WE FOLLOW

Every year on January 9, many followers of the pagan faith in the countries of Scandinavia and Iceland celebrate the Day of Remembrance of Raud the Strong.
Raud the Strong is known for his refusal to accept the Christian faith, which the Norwegian King Olaf tried to impose for political purposes.
Raud was a Norwegian landowner and one of the followers of the Asatru faith. He gave his life for faith and loyalty to the gods Asatru.
Asatru is a pagan religion based on the deification of the forces of nature, the preservation of the traditions and folklore of the indigenous population of their country. The mystical basis of Asatru is Scandinavian mythology.
King Olaf Trygvason of Norway executed Raud by shooting a poisonous snake through an iron forge into Raud's throat. This crime was a kind of act of rejection of Asatru. Afterwards, Trygvason confiscated Raud's lands, and with them all his wealth.
Today, pagans celebrate this holiday by drinking a horn (or goblet) of wine or brandy in honor of Raud

January 22
Torrablout

From the end of January to the end of February, Torrablout is celebrated in Iceland. The name of the holiday comes from the fourth month of winter according to the Icelandic Torri calendar (until now in Iceland it is customary to distinguish only two seasons: summer and winter). The first mention of it is found in manuscripts of the 13th century, so the holiday is considered ancient, dating back to the pagan era, but officially it began to be celebrated only in the 60s. 20th century.

Now Torrablout symbolizes a return to national roots and is a kind of tribute to the Icelanders to their recent past, so throughout the month it is customary to eat national food, which was once the mainstay for the inhabitants of the country. The menu also includes such delicacies as smoked leg of lamb or smoked salmon, but along with this there are dishes that seem very strange and even repulsive to foreigners: smoked sheep's head, whale meat, fermented lamb testicles, but the decoration of the table was always a shark, a long time kept in the ground, and has a unique smell and taste. All this can be eaten only if washed down with Icelandic potato vodka brönnivín, which is colloquially called the “Black Death”.
On the thirteenth Friday of winter, according to ancient Icelandic tradition, the harshest winter month begins - Torri. It is not known for certain from whose name the name of the month comes: whether it was a Scandinavian god (presumably Thor himself) or simply the spirit of weather and nature. Whoever Torrey was, it was worth appeasing him by making a sacrifice (blót) to him.

The 14th of February
day of god Vali
On this day the pagans revered the god Vali, the patron saint of fertility and rebirth. This holiday is also associated with the honoring of ancestors. This is a holiday of late frosts, dedicated to the victory of the light of the Sun over the dark days of Winter. This is traditionally a family celebration with the exchange of gifts and wishes of love. It is also a time for wedding vows and as a suitable occasion for weddings.

The 14th of February
Disting
Heralds the awakening of vital forces that fell asleep during the Winter Night. Local meetings are held at this time. This holiday was especially popular in ancient Sweden. The earth is preparing to receive new seeds. Time to prepare for future events.

March 28
Day of Ragnar Lothbrok
March 28 Ragnar was one of the legendary Vikings. In 845 he made the legendary campaign against Paris. On this day, the pagans honor this brave warrior by reading the sagas about his exploits.
The celebration of this day today in no way indicates an aggressive attitude of the followers of Asatru, but rather, in its modern reflection, this holiday is a glorification of bravery and courage. Ragnar was one of the most famous Vikings. On this day in the year 1145 of the Runic Era, he captured and sacked Paris. On this day, a toast is made in honor of Ragnar and his Saga is read.

April 23
Sumarsdag (First day of summer)
Sumarsdag (Siggblót) - according to the Icelandic calendar, takes place on the Thursday after April 18 and marks the first day of summer, after a long northern winter, representing a great and very joyful event. Previously, during this holiday, ritual sacrifices were made to Odin, which glorified the deeds of the supreme god. In particular, the pagans thanked the ruler for allowing them to enjoy the summer and light and warmth to come to Earth. In modern Iceland, a colorful festival takes place on this day.

April 30
Walpurgis Night
Walpurgis Night is the most significant of the pagan festivals dedicated to fertility. Walpurgisnacht is the same as Beltei, or May Eve, and is celebrated on the night of April 30th to commemorate the blossoming of spring. The name Walpurgis Night is associated with the name of Saint Walpurga, a nun of Wimburn (England), who came to Germany in 748 to found a monastery. She died on February 25, 777 in Heidenheim. She enjoyed extreme popularity, and very soon she began to be revered as a saint. In the Roman list of saints, her day is May 1.
In the Middle Ages, there was a belief that Walpurgis Night was the night of the witches' feast throughout Germany and Scandinavia. Now, on the night from April 30 to May 1, Walpurgis Night is celebrated throughout Central and Northern Europe - this is a holiday to welcome spring, when huge bonfires are lit to ward off the witches who flock to the Sabbath that night. The holiday program has not changed for more than 100 years: ancient games, like our burners, performances of student choirs and traditional bonfires on the eve of Walpurgis Night. In Scandinavia, bonfires are lit to attract spring, scare away spirits and get rid of garbage accumulated over the winter. And they eat gravlax - fresh salmon marinated in salt, sugar and dill. The Finns believe that at midnight on the last day of April there is not a single hilltop where witches and witchers are not sitting.

9th May
Gutrot Day
This Norwegian martyr opposed the Christian fanatic Trygvason and called on all Norwegians to resist his tyranny. For this, King Trygvason cut out his tongue. Today, Asatru adherents celebrate the day by expressing their disdain for Christian fanaticism and praising freethinking.

21st of June
Midsummer Festival (Midsamar)
In ancient times, the Vikings divided the year into 2 parts (summer and winter) and celebrated the beginning of each half of the year. June 21 was considered the beginning of the summer half-year and was celebrated as the longest day of the year. In addition, Icelanders believe that the shortest night of the year has magical healing powers and can cure 19 different diseases, and they hold religious events related to this belief.
Midsummer Festival, or Midsommar, is the time when young, fresh foliage is already turning green. At this time, the nights are the lightest of the year, and in the very north of the country the sun does not set at all. The Swedish holiday Midsommar (in Russia it corresponds to the holiday of Ivan Kupala) has been celebrated since ancient times in the summer on the longest day of the year, the Saturday closest to June 24. According to some scholars, it has roots in pagan pre-Christian times and is associated either with the holiday of the end of the sowing season or with some other pagan midsummer holiday. In the Middle Ages, large bonfires were lit on Midsommar, but now this is done only in some areas of Sweden, as well as in other northern countries. According to legend, all kinds of evil spirits are especially active on the night of Midsommar and many people stayed at home, afraid to confuse anything in the complex rules of salvation from them. Especially young people should be careful, since at night in the forest on the river bank they could be waylaid by Nacken, a certain “Mermaid”. He was often described as a naked young guy playing the violin who lured young people into his watery kingdom from which there was no return. Young girls told fortunes about their betrothed by collecting seven different types of flowers in complete silence before going to bed and placing them under the pillow on the night of Midsommar. If from the moment of gathering until bedtime the girl did not utter a word, at night she dreamed of her betrothed. The main celebrations do not occur on Midsommar itself, but rather on Midsommarafton (the evening before the holiday). Swedes get together, sing drinking songs (snapsvisor) and eat. A typical Midsummer dish is spicy herring “mathieu” with boiled new potatoes, dill, sour cream and red onion. Then one of the grilled dishes is served - pork ribs or salmon. For dessert - the first strawberries and cream. Drinks include cold beer, as well as schnapps or vodka, preferably infused with herbs and spices.

October 24
Winter Day (Winter Nights)
Scandinavian New Year, which comes at the end of the period of preparations for the winter period. The element stopped wasting its life force. The time has come when people should direct their thoughts to spiritual things. The holiday is sometimes called “Winter Nights”. Initially, it, like many others, was celebrated over several nights. All this marks the transition to the night time of the year, when in the northern latitudes of Finland, Iceland, and Norway the sun sets below the horizon quite soon. The holiday itself was formed in ancient times and symbolized the point of transition to a difficult period of life, when the life of entire cities depended on the people themselves and not on nature. It was at this moment that a certain “redistribution of power” began - responsibilities and rights changed, those who had the strength to withstand the harsh winter began to make their way to the top. The elemental element of this period and rituals, oddly enough, is Fire. It provides severe physical and mental tests in which a person learns to act in even worse conditions than they are supposed to actually be. Weapons, pain and fire can be closely connected here. And a person goes through everything, resisting and experiencing “living” it.

11th of November
Einheriar Day
The Einherjar are deceased heroes who have earned their place of honor in Valhalla, the heavenly palace of Odin. The holiday was associated with the veneration of friends who fell in battle and the praise of weapons; in its modern reincarnation, this day is associated with the veneration of Odin.

20th of December
Mother's Night
"Mother's Night" is the night before the winter solstice. It's the end of the year. All the year's work has been completed, the bins are full. Time to take stock and thank the gods and household spirits for their assistance in all matters throughout the year. Time to free yourself from all worries and worries to welcome a new life cycle. This is a dark, feminine time. In 12 nights the New Year will be born. Housewives put things in order in the house, decorate it and gather the family around the fireplace. They praise the Goddesses. Mother opens the gates of the Other World to let new life into our world. All housework must be completed by the evening of this day, the Yule wreath must be made and the entire house must be decorated with Yule greenery (fir branches). If possible, the whole family should go to the bathhouse or sauna (at least just wash) in the afternoon to cleanse their souls and bodies. A wreath of fir or pine branches with 8 candles should be prepared and placed on the mantelpiece or in the place that is the “heart” of the house. The candles in the Yule wreath should burn all night, and if possible - until the 12th Night.

Of all the festivals of our ancestors, Yule is undoubtedly the most important, the most sacred and the most powerful. On these nights, all worlds converge in Midgard: gods and goddesses descend to earth, trolls and elves talk with people, the dead emerge from the Lower Worlds; those of the people who often communicate with the Other World leave their bodies for a while and join the riders of the Wild Hunt (oskorei - “riders of Asgard”), or become werewolves and other spirits. Also, “Yule” is the days of the great feast and holiday, on which all members of the clan gathered together in order to again meet the Sun, rising from the darkness, and see the reborn world. It is no coincidence that elements of the holiday have been preserved in Christian Christmas - such as an evergreen tree, symbolizing life that will continue after the winter cold. The origin of the word “Yule” is lost in the mists of time. Most likely, it goes back to an Indo-European root meaning “to rotate,” “to spin,” “wheel.” Perhaps it means “turning time,” “turn of the year,” “time of sacrifice,” or “dark time.” According to tradition, Yule lasts 13 nights, which are called “Nights of the Spirits,” which is also preserved in their German name, Weihnachten. These thirteen nights, from the first sunset to the last dawn, are the gap between two years, a sacred period during which there is neither the usual time nor the usual boundaries, when the lot of the gods is decided and the spindle of the goddess of Fate, Urd, rotates. In ancient times, among the Anglo-Saxon tribes, Yule began the night before the winter solstice (December 21 or 22 (according to the modern calendar), depending on the year). According to Bede the Historian, this night was called "mother's night", and if earlier, apparently, it was dedicated to rituals associated with diss and Frigg, now it is expressed as an evening "with the family." However, the most important night of the Yule holiday is, of course, the solstice, the longest night of the year, during which spirits become the real rulers of this world. On this night, they lit the “Yule bonfire” and protected the house from evil spirits; on that same night the most sincere vows and promises were made. They also believed that one should not be alone on this night - after all, then a person is left alone with the dead and the spirits of the Other World... “Yule” ends on the “twelfth night” (actually, the thirteenth, as evidenced even by its Old Icelandic name, Threttandi) - then there is, January 6 according to the Christian chronology (if you count from the night of Christian Christmas on December 25), or January 1-2 according to the ancient German chronology (if you count from December 21 or 22). The next day was considered the “day of fate” - everything that was said and done before sunset determined all the events of the coming year (hence our saying “how you celebrate the New Year is how you will spend it”). It was believed that there were no surer signs than those revealed during the “Twelfth Night”; and the most powerful words are those spoken that night. Let us note, however, that, according to some historians, in ancient times the German “Yule” was celebrated several days later than Christian Christmas. Thus, in Norway, “Twelfth Night” (“Whip Day”) fell on January 13; some believe that "Twelfth Night" was celebrated on January 14 according to the modern calendar.

31th of December
Twelfth Night
Yule ends with the Twelfth Night. The twelfth night is the night of the birth of a new year, a new life cycle. On the twelfth night, the gates of the worlds are open, and all their inhabitants gather at the Yule celebration site to welcome new life with a merry feast. This is a peaceful time when even evil spirits are worthy of respect, greetings and festive treats. It is believed that the candles in the Yule wreath should burn all night. This will bring happiness and good luck to the home. The next day was considered the “day of fate.” The new, returning sun is again above the horizon, the day is increasing. Everything that was said and done before sunset determined all the events of the coming year (where our belief came from - “how you celebrate the New Year is how you will spend it”). It was believed that there were no surer signs than those revealed during the Twelfth Night. By the way, the most powerful words are those spoken that night.