by Mary Paliescheskey

Created on: June 30, 2007

As with most pagan religions, the Norse calendar follows the solar year. The main festivals are held during the solstice and the equinox. Therefore, there are four main festivals celebrated by Norsemen: Eostre (spring equinox), Winternights (fall equinox), Lithasblot (summer solstice), and Jul (winter solstice).

The Norse calendar is divided into winter and summer. Summer begins at the spring equinox. Winter begins at the fall equinox which occurs sometime. Festivals are also held at the summer and winter solstice. Additional minor holidays are celebrated as well. Many minor celebrations and festivals were held in between the four major festivals.

Jul is the Norse New Year and was celebrated from December 20-31. The celebrations lasted twelve nights. At this time the sun is reborn and brings light and life back to the world. After Christianity's influence, the Norse god, Ingvi Freyr, was replaced by Jesus. Norse myth and legend states that this time of the year is the ending of all things. The dead walk the earth. Hope is reborn to the world as the day lengthens. Odin is said to lead the Wild Ride. On December 20th, Norse children would leave their shoes outside filled with hay and oats to feed Odin's steed. In return, a treat was left for the children. Currently, in Northern Europe this tradition continues with children filling their slippers with carrots for Santa's reindeer. Santa in return leaves chocolate and coins.

Thurseblot is celebrated at the first full moon in January. This festival honors the god, Thor. It is Thor who is responsible for the coming of Spring. His hammer fights back the frost giants and allows the world to warm.

Disting is celebrated on February 2nd. At this time, cattle are counted and wealth is tallied. The land is preparing for spring and growth. Part of the ritual was to celebrate the abundance that you have by checking your finances. The fields are blessed and prepared for planting.

Eostre is celebrated on March 20-21. The goddess of spring is celebrated with colored eggs. Fertility is honored as spring anticipated. In northern Europe, winter and cold are still present. Eostre survives into modern times as Easter.

Walpurgis is the festival of darkness. It is celebrated over nine nights from April 22 to May 1. Walpurgis remembers Odin's sacrifice on Yggdrisal. Odin sacrificed himself on the tree of life. On the ninth day, he sees the runes and dies. All light leaves the world. Then at midnight, the bonfires are lit to celebrate the

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