The Norse pagan holiday calendar for 2023 is a significant aspect of Norse mythology and culture. Norse paganism is a folklore religion that was practiced in the Scandinavian countries during the Viking Age and has continued to be embraced today by individuals interested in ancient Norse traditions. The Norse pagan holiday calendar is based on various natural and celestial events, and each holiday holds its own symbolism and rituals. The year 2023 marks the celebration of several important dates in this calendar. The year begins with the celebration of Yule, the winter solstice festival that takes place on December 21st or 22nd. Yule is a time of gathering, feasting, and honoring the return of the sun after the shortest day of the year.
Festival in Ancient Rome to purify the city, promoting health and fertility.
For example, Winnifred Hodge Rose and Piper Perry contributed two Yule Blots that they have performed, but you ll notice that there are common structures to each one. Whichever view you hold, I agree that the Roman church did not know the exact date of the solstice, as the Julian Calendar was off from reality at this time.
Yule is a time of gathering, feasting, and honoring the return of the sun after the shortest day of the year. It is a time to celebrate the rebirth of light and the coming of a new year. In February, Norse pagans celebrate Imbolc, also known as Disting or Solnatt.
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.
This holiday, typically held on February 2nd, marks the beginning of spring and is associated with the goddess Brigid. Imbolc is a time to honor the growing light and the awakening of nature. The following month, in March, Norse pagans celebrate Ostara, which coincides with the spring equinox. Ostara is dedicated to the goddess of the same name and is a time to honor fertility, growth, and new beginnings. It is a celebration of the return of life to the earth after the cold winter months. In April, the festival of Walpurgisnacht is observed. This holiday takes place on April 30th, and it is traditionally associated with bonfires, dancing, and warding off evil spirits. Walpurgisnacht is believed to mark the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The summer solstice, known as Midsummer or Litha, is celebrated on June 21st or 22nd. It is a time to celebrate the abundance of the summer season and honor the sun. Midsummer is characterized by outdoor gatherings, bonfires, and traditional dances known as "ring dances." In August, Norse pagans celebrate Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh. This holiday, marked on August 1st, is associated with the harvest and the god Lugh. Lammas is a time to give thanks for the first fruits of the harvest and offer gratitude for abundance. The autumn equinox, known as Mabon, is observed in September. This holiday, usually celebrated on September 21st or 22nd, symbolizes the balance between light and dark as the days start to shorten. Mabon is a time of reflection, gratitude, and preparation for the coming winter months. Lastly, in October, Norse pagans celebrate Samhain, which also coincides with Halloween. Samhain takes place on October 31st and is considered the most important holiday in the Norse pagan calendar. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dark half of the year. Samhain is a time to honor ancestors, communicate with the spirits, and celebrate the cycle of life and death. The Norse pagan holiday calendar for 2023 offers an opportunity for individuals interested in Norse mythology to engage in ancient rituals and connect with the natural cycles of the year. By participating in these celebrations, people can honor the traditions and beliefs of the past while embracing their own spiritual journey in the present..
Reviews for "Embracing the Divination Arts: Celebrating the Norse Holiday of Snorri Sturluson in 2023"
1. Samantha - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with the Norse pagan holiday calendar for 2023. The descriptions of the holidays were very brief and lacked any depth or historical background. In addition, there were only a few holidays listed, which I found to be very limited compared to other pagan holiday calendars I have seen. Overall, I found the calendar to be lacking in substance and not worth the price.
2. Jason - 1 star
I was expecting a comprehensive and detailed Norse pagan holiday calendar for 2023, but unfortunately, this calendar fell short. The design was plain and unappealing, and the lack of information about each holiday was a letdown. It felt like the calendar was rushed and not well-researched. I would not recommend this calendar to anyone who is looking for a true representation of Norse pagan holidays.
3. Rachel - 2 stars
As someone who follows Norse paganism, I was excited to get my hands on the Norse pagan holiday calendar for 2023. However, I was ultimately disappointed with the lack of accuracy and detail in the calendar. The dates of some holidays were incorrect, and the explanations provided for each holiday were too brief and generalized. I expected a calendar that would help me plan and celebrate these holidays accurately, but this one missed the mark. I would recommend looking for a different calendar if you're serious about practicing Norse paganism.
4. Michael - 1 star
I found the Norse pagan holiday calendar for 2023 to be extremely disappointing. The information provided for each holiday was vague, and it felt like the calendar was more focused on the artwork rather than the actual content. The dates provided were inconsistent with other sources, leading to confusion. Overall, I would not recommend this calendar to anyone interested in Norse paganism as it does not provide accurate or detailed information.