The Viking pagan festival calendar for 2023 is a fascinating compilation of events and celebrations that were practiced by the ancient Norse people. These festivals were an important part of their religious and cultural traditions and marked significant points in their seasonal and agricultural cycles. One of the most prominent festivals in the Viking pagan calendar is Yule, which takes place during the winter solstice. This festival marks the rebirth of the sun and the return of longer days. It is a time for feasting, drinking, and exchanging gifts, much like the modern-day celebration of Christmas. Another important festival is the spring equinox celebration known as Ostara.
Blod Manoð (Blood Moon)- New Moon: November 13 Full Moon: November 27
Sivendo Manoð Seventh Moon - New Moon June 18 Full Moon July 3 Ahtodo Manoð Eighth Moon - New Moon July 17 Full Moon August 1 Niguða-manoð Ninth Moon, a leap moon - New Moon August 16 Full Moon August 30. 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.
Another important festival is the spring equinox celebration known as Ostara. This festival honors the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. It is a time to sow seeds and engage in fertility rituals to ensure a fruitful harvest.
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.
In midsummer, the Vikings celebrated the festival of Midsummer's Eve, also known as Litha. This festival honors the longest day of the year and is marked by bonfires, dancing, and singing. It is believed that the bonfires ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year. The harvest festival, known as Mabon, takes place during the autumn equinox. It is a time to give thanks for the bounty of the harvest and prepare for the upcoming winter months. Feasting, storytelling, and rituals are common during this celebration. Finally, the festival of Samhain, which coincides with the modern-day Halloween, marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is a time to honor the ancestors and the spirits of the dead. Mourners may also wear costumes and masks to ward off any malevolent spirits. Overall, the Viking pagan festival calendar for 2023 showcases the rich and vibrant culture of the Norse people. These festivals were not only a time for celebration and merriment, but also a way to connect with their deities, honor their ancestors, and ensure the well-being of their communities. So, mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the ancient traditions of the Vikings..
Reviews for "Immerse Yourself in Viking Tradition: Pagan Festivals of 2023"
1. Emma - 2/5: I was really excited to attend the Viking pagan festival, but I was quite disappointed with the 2023 calendar. Firstly, the organization was chaotic and there was a lack of communication regarding the event schedule and location changes. Secondly, the vendors and activities were limited and didn't offer the immersive experience that I was expecting. Overall, I found the festival to be poorly executed and not worth the ticket price.
2. John - 1/5: What a letdown! The Viking pagan festival calendar for 2023 was a complete disaster. Most of the scheduled events were canceled or rescheduled without any proper notice. There was a severe lack of organization, and it seemed like the organizers were scrambling to put things together at the last minute. I didn't feel like I got to experience the rich history and culture of Vikings as promised. I would not recommend attending this festival unless they improve their planning and execution.
3. Sarah - 2/5: As a fan of Viking history, I was excited about attending the Viking pagan festival. However, I was left disappointed by the 2023 calendar. The festival lacked authenticity and didn't feel like a true representation of Viking traditions. Additionally, the entertainment and activities were repetitive and underwhelming. It felt like a missed opportunity to educate and engage visitors in the fascinating world of Vikings. Overall, I expected more from this festival and would not recommend it to fellow history enthusiasts.
4. Michael - 1/5: The Viking pagan festival calendar for 2023 was a complete waste of time. The event was poorly organized, with long queues for attractions and not enough staff to handle the crowd. The festival grounds were also overcrowded, making it difficult to fully enjoy the experience. Moreover, there was a lack of educational content about Viking history and culture, which was disappointing for someone who was hoping to learn more. I would not recommend attending this festival if you're looking for an authentic and well-planned cultural experience.
5. Emily - 2/5: I had high expectations for the Viking pagan festival, but I was left unimpressed by the 2023 edition. The festival lacked atmosphere and failed to transport me to the world of Vikings. The performances and reenactments felt amateur and didn't capture the essence of Viking culture. The event also lacked variety in food and drink options, which was disappointing. Overall, I think there is room for improvement in terms of organization and providing a more immersive experience.