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return of the light and Odin's rebirth. This night is the end of the Wild Hunt and the beginning of summer. For the Norse, the dead are present in the world throughout the winter months. This celebrations is similar in feeling to Halloween. The dead rule the night.

May 1st is the festival of Thrimilci which is about joy and fertility. In May, the weather of the north actually feels like spring.

Midsummer is the celebration of the summer solstice (June 20-21). This is the longest day of the year and the sun is at its most powerful. This is a very important time for cultures in the north. It is a time for trading, feasting, and activity. In Norse culture, there is always a fatalistic or pessimistic side. Even though the sun is at its height, this is the time that the sun's power begins its decline until Jul. While the festivals celebrate, there is thoughtfulness in preparing for the coming of winter.

Lithasblot is a harvest festival celebrated on July 31- August 1. A Blot is an offering to the gods. It can take the form of animal, food, or other goods. In Norse rituals, the people accept and eat the offering. Therefore, a feast is usually associated with a Blot. At this time of year, thanks is given to the earth for the harvest. The abundance is shared and money and food will be given to the poor. It is traditional for loaves of bread to be made in the shape of the sun symbol. These will be given and shared. Ceremonial magic is common at this time.

Mabon is the last harvest of the year, September 22-23. At this time, mead and wine are made. It is considered a minor blot. Most of the wine and mead are set aside for the large festival at Midwinter, Winternights.

Winternights, October 29 November 2, is the major holiday for the Norse. The celebration has many similarities to the Celtic Samhain rituals. The Norse remember their ancestors during this feast. It marks the end of the summer and beginning of winter. During winter, the Norse hunt and remain in their lands. The travel and trade of the summer season is over. Divination is practiced to determine the fate and luck of the coming year.

The Norse have a rich and interesting cycle of holidays that follow the course of their year. Their two seasons of summer and winter are marked by the types of celebrations. Winter is spent at home in reflection and hope for the new trade season. Hence remembrances of ancestors and divination are practiced. Summer is a time of activity, travel, trade, and agriculture. The festivals include bonfires and feasts.

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