Neo pagan winter traditions are a collection of practices and beliefs observed by modern pagan and neo pagan communities during the winter season. These traditions are often inspired by ancient European paganism and folklore, and they celebrate the cycles of the natural world, the changing seasons, and the connection between humans and nature. One of the main ideas in neo pagan winter traditions is the celebration of Yule, which marks the winter solstice – the shortest day and longest night of the year. Yule is seen as a time of rebirth and renewal, as the days start to become longer again. It is often observed with rituals and gatherings that include elements such as lighting candles, burning Yule logs, and exchanging gifts. Another important concept in neo pagan winter traditions is the reverence for nature and the Earth.
“What you likely have is a slave-driven production of textiles,” said Price. “We can’t really know who is making the cloth, but the implications are clear.”
Now, time is long overdue to raise the banner once more and declare hunting season on yet another sacred calf of the misguided and opportunistic The ægishjálmur. These fellows must often have been antiquarians and book collectors, and as Icelanders they had a unique access Old Norse literature through widely circulated paper manuscripts, as well as continental occult literature pertaining to what is more commonly called ceremonial magic.
Another important concept in neo pagan winter traditions is the reverence for nature and the Earth. Many neo pagans view winter as a time of dormancy and introspection, when the Earth rests and prepares for the coming spring. They may engage in activities such as nature walks, meditation, and creating artwork or crafts inspired by the beauty of the winter landscape.
Kinder, Gentler Vikings? Not According to Their Slaves
New clues suggest slaves were vital to the Viking way of life—and argue against attempts to soften the raiders’ brutish reputation.
By Andrew Lawler National Geographic Published December 28, 2015 • 7 min read Share Tweet EmailThe ancient reputation of Vikings as bloodthirsty raiders on cold northern seas has undergone a radical change in recent decades. A kinder, gentler, and more fashionable Viking emerged. (See “Did Vikings Get a Bum Rap?”)
But our view of the Norse may be about to alter course again as scholars turn their gaze to a segment of Viking society that has long remained in the shadows.
Archaeologists are using recent finds and analyses of previous discoveries—from iron collars in Ireland to possible plantation houses in Sweden—to illuminate the role of slavery in creating and maintaining the Viking way of life.
“This was a slave economy,” said Neil Price, an archaeologist at Sweden’s Uppsala University who spoke at a recent meeting that brought together archaeologists who study slavery and colonization. “Slavery has received hardly any attention in the past 30 years, but now we have opportunities using archaeological tools to change this.”
Small houses surround a great hall at a Viking site in Sweden called Sanda. Some archaeologists believe this may have been a Viking plantation with slaves as the labor force.
Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.Scandinavian slavery still echoes in the English language today. The expression “to be held in thrall,” meaning to be under someone’s power, traces back to the Old Norse term for a slave: thrall.
Slavery in the region long predates the Vikings. There is evidence of vast economic disparity as early as the first century A.D., with some people living with animals in barns while others live nearby in large, prosperous homes. In 2009, archaeologist Frands Herschend at Uppsala detailed a burnt structure from this early era in which people and animals were immolated. The human bodies were left in the ruins rather than retrieved for burial.
Ancient chronicles long mentioned that people, as well as precious objects, were a target of the Viking raids that began in 793 A.D. at the Scottish monastery of Lindisfarne. The Annals of Ulster record “a great booty of women” taken in a raid near Dublin in 821 A.D., while the same account contends that 3,000 people were captured in a single attack a century later.
Ibn Hawqal, an Arab geographer, described a Viking slave trade in 977 A.D. that extended across the Mediterranean from Spain to Egypt. Others recorded that slaves from northern Europe were funneled from Scandinavia through Russia to Byzantium and Baghdad.
In addition to Yule, some neo pagan groups also celebrate other winter holidays or festivals that have roots in ancient pagan cultures. For example, the festival of Imbolc, which marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, is associated with the goddess Brigid and is a time of purification and preparation for the coming spring. Overall, neo pagan winter traditions are a way for modern pagan communities to connect with nature, honor their ancestors, and celebrate the cycles of the seasons. These traditions are deeply rooted in ancient beliefs and practices, and they provide a sense of continuity and connection to the natural world in a modern context..
Reviews for "The Role of Festive Dress in Neo Pagan Winter Celebrations"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to learn about Neo pagan winter traditions, but I found this book to be quite disappointing. The information provided was very basic and could easily be found with a quick internet search. I was hoping for more in-depth explanations and historical context, but unfortunately, that was lacking. The writing style also felt dry and dull, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive exploration of Neo pagan winter traditions.
- James - 1 star - As someone who has been practicing Neo paganism for several years, I found this book to be a complete waste of time. The author's knowledge of the subject matter seems extremely limited, and I didn't learn anything new or interesting. The book is also filled with errors and inaccuracies, which further proves the author's lack of understanding. I would strongly advise against purchasing this book if you're looking for an in-depth and accurate exploration of Neo pagan winter traditions.
- Emily - 2 stars - While I appreciate the effort to shed light on Neo pagan winter traditions, I found this book to be quite superficial. The author barely scratched the surface of the topic and failed to go into detail about the various customs and rituals associated with this tradition. It felt more like a rushed overview rather than a comprehensive guide. I was disappointed by the lack of depth and would recommend seeking other sources for a more in-depth understanding of Neo pagan winter traditions.