The ancient Scandinavian pagan calendar, also known as the Norse calendar, is a unique system that was followed by the ancient Norse people in the Scandinavian region. It was based on their pagan religious beliefs and played a significant role in their daily lives and festivities. In 2023, this calendar continues to be observed by modern pagans and those interested in Norse culture and traditions. The ancient Scandinavian pagan calendar was primarily influenced by the cycles of the moon and the movements of the sun. It was divided into several months, with each month corresponding to a specific celestial event or natural phenomenon. The main months observed in the calendar include Yule, Thorri, Góa, Einmánuður, Harpa, Skerpla, Sólmánuður, Heyannir, Tvímánuður, Haustmánuður, Gormánuður, and Ýlir.
· Einmanudur – March to April – The name literally means lone month, which may be because it is the last month of the year or the loneliest month at the end of a long winter.
Gormanudur October to November The first month of winter, the name means slaughter month and probably indicates that this was the time of year when animals were slaughtered ahead of winter. First, some brief background The Ynglinga Saga chapter 8 , from the year 1225, lists the three great blots of the year Odin established the same law in his land that had been in force in Asaland On winter day first day of winter there should be blot for a good year, and in the middle of winter for a good crop; and the third blot should be on summer day, a Victory-blot.
The main months observed in the calendar include Yule, Thorri, Góa, Einmánuður, Harpa, Skerpla, Sólmánuður, Heyannir, Tvímánuður, Haustmánuður, Gormánuður, and Ýlir. Yule, the first month of the calendar, was a time of celebration and feasting, marking the winter solstice. It was a time to honor the gods and goddesses, bring light and warmth to the community, and prepare for the upcoming challenges of the winter season.
2023 Heathen Calendar for Old Ways Heathens
Historical Germanic Heathenry had three major blots, which lasted for three days. Historical Heathens in Sweden also had a minor celebration which was not a public blot: Disting. The Old Saxons in Saxony most likely held their Althing at Marklo at the same time as the Swedes did Disting. At the bottom of this article, I will give the 2023 dates for these historical Heathen holidays for modern practice for Old Ways Heathens. First, some brief background: The Ynglinga Saga (chapter 8), from the year 1225, lists the three great blots of the year: “Odin established the same law in his land that had been in force in Asaland… On winter day (first day of winter) there should be blot for a good year, and in the middle of winter for a good crop; and the third blot should be on summer day, a Victory-blot.” In Old Norse, “Sigurblot” means “Victory-Blot.” Therefore, we have three major Norse blots a year, that appear in the context of Ynglinga Saga (and other references) that were done publicly at Uppsala. In Heimskringla, the saga of Hakon the Good, section 15 (circa 1230 AD) it says the following: “The first night of Yule was hǫkunótt, that is midwinter night, and Yule was held for three nights.” Heimskringla Saga, Magnus the Blind, Chapter 6: “Yule was kept holy for only three days, when no work was done.” The Poettic Edda states Yule was three nights. HELGAKVITHA HJORVARTHSSONAR The Lay of Helgi the Son of Hjorvarth, Chapter 4. This passage is too long for this blog, but I encourage you all to look it up. Hethin came home alone on the evening of Yule, and after a stay of three days, a battle commenced. Like the Heimskringla Saga above written by Snorri, the Poettic Edda agrees that battles were not fought during the three days of Yule. Therefore, Yule was too holy to desecrate with bloodshed.
Bede states in De Temporum Ratione, Ch 15 (725 AD): "Thus, the moon by which they began their winter season was called “Winterfylleth”, a name compounded of the terms for winter and full moon, because from the full moon of that moon winter was thought to begin." Andreas Nordberg, the world’s foremost scholar on Norse Holidays, makes clear in his book on the dating of Yule that “The pre-Christian Yule feast occurs at the first full moon after the first new moon following the winter solstice, while the disting took place at the third full moon according to the same method of calculation.” (Jul, disting och förkyrklig tideräkning Kalendrar och kalendariska riter i det förkristna Norden Uppsala 2006, P.4) At Yule it was determined if a thirteenth moon would be added to the year. To keep the following year’s Yule as the first full moon after the first new moon after the solstice, it would be determined if a 13th moon would be needed or not. You can see Nordberg's book, in PDF form, with a one page English Abstract (Introduction) and twenty page summary in English (the rest is in Swedish) here: https://www.academia.edu/1366945/Jul_disting_och_f%C3%B6rkyrklig_tider%C3%A4knin *** Please note for Saxon Heathens, the Indiculus superstitionum et paganiarum (written circa 743 CE/AD), a Latin writing by St. Boniface and his henchmen, is in the same historical codex as the Old Saxon Baptismal Vow, also written in the 8th century. The Baptismal Vow forces the Saxons to renounce Thunar (Thor), Uuoden (Odin) and Sahsnoth (Saxnote). However, the Indiculus superstitionum et paganiarum prohibits the Old Saxon celebration of Victory Moon. This is a clear reference to Sigrblot, meaning "Victory Blot." Therefore, we are changing the name from "Summer Moon" to "Victory Moon" based on a renewed understanding of this text. Dr. Scott T Shell also believes that this is a reference to the Old Saxons celebrating Sigrblot. Dr. Shell is a Saxon Heathen, and please, check out his YouTube channel. Dr. Shell holds his PhD in linguistics as well as bachelor and master degrees in Old Saxon and Germanic languages. **Since the Germanic Rule for Yule is that Yule is always the first full moon after the first new moon after the winter solstice, 2023 is a Leap Year, having thirteen moons.
During Yule, people would decorate their homes with evergreen branches and lighting candles to symbolize the return of the sun. Thorri, the second month, was named after the Norse god Thor and was dedicated to him. It was a time of reverence and sacrifice, as people would offer food and drink to the gods in hopes of a good harvest and protection from evil. Traditional foods such as cured meats, pickled fish, and dried berries were consumed during this month. Góa, the third month, was associated with the goddess Frigg and honored the coming of spring. It was a time of purification and new beginnings, where people would cleanse their homes and participate in rituals to attract good fortune and fertility. Planting and sowing seeds for the upcoming agricultural season were also common activities during this time. Each month of the ancient Scandinavian pagan calendar represented a unique aspect of nature and the changing seasons. The observance of these months in 2023 by modern pagans serves as a way to connect with ancient traditions, honor the gods and goddesses of old, and celebrate the cyclical nature of life. It provides an opportunity to embrace the wisdom and customs of the past while finding relevance and meaning in the present-day..
Reviews for "The Role of Runes in the Ancient Scandinavian Pagan Calendar for 2023"
1. Alicia - 1 star
The Ancient Scandinavian Pagan Calendar 2023 was a massive disappointment for me. As someone who is interested in the history and customs of ancient Scandinavia, I was excited to get my hands on this calendar. However, upon opening it, I found the content to be lacking in depth and accuracy. The information provided for each month was minimal and superficial, with no references or sources to back up the claims made. The illustrations were also underwhelming and didn't capture the essence of the ancient pagan culture. Overall, I found this calendar to be a wasted opportunity and would not recommend it to anyone seeking genuine knowledge on the subject.
2. Ben - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the Ancient Scandinavian Pagan Calendar 2023, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. While the concept of a calendar focused on ancient pagan customs is intriguing, the execution in this calendar left much to be desired. The information provided for each month was repetitive and didn't offer any new insights or interesting facts. Additionally, the illustrations were generic and didn't reflect the richness and complexity of ancient Scandinavian art. I was disappointed by the lack of effort put into creating a comprehensive and visually captivating calendar. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this calendar to anyone looking for an in-depth exploration of ancient Scandinavian pagan culture.