Seasonal Celebrations in Germanic Heathenry: A Guide to Northern Rites

Understanding Germanic Heathenry

Germanic Heathenry, by my definition, is a version of paganism that is specific to the beliefs of pre-christian germanic peoples. It sometimes also is known as Ásatrú, but I personally believe that that name should be reserved to the type of paganism that focuses more on the Scandinavian version of Heathenry, and which also does not take much stiock into hisotrical accuracy of when holidays were observed. The traditions of Germanic Heathenry is as diverse as the old tribes were. These traditions are rich with seasonal celebrations that honor the cycles of nature and the deities associated with them. By understanding these rites, modern practitioners can connect deeply with their ancestors and the natural world.

Central to Germanic Heathenry is the belief in multiple gods and goddesses, each of whom plays a role in the natural and spiritual worlds. While the specifics can vary, many adherents celebrate a series of seasonal festivals that align with the cycles of the moon, as the Heathens of old would observe their holy tides during full and/or new moons.

Sigrblót, or "Victory Blot"

Unlike the neo-pagan Wheel of the Year consisting of eight festivals, the old Germanic calendar only had three major sacrificial celebrations, which followed a luni-solar keeping of time. Historically, Sigrblót corresponded with the third full moon after the Yule moon. 

Here are the two most famous Saga passages on Sigurblot.

 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.” Please note, Sigurblot or Sigrblot, means "victory blot."
  
Heimskringla Olaf’s Saga Helga 77 “In Sweden there was an age-old custom whilst they were still heathen that there should be a blot in Upsala during Goa moon. Then they would blot for peace and victory for their king. People from all over Sweden were to resort there.” 

Winternights

"Winternights" (also known as Vetrnaetr or Winterfylleth) is a festival marking the end of summer and the beginning of winter, celebrated around mid-October, often coinciding with the "Hunters Full Moon". This is one of the reasons why Winter Nights is also called "haustblot" in the sagas, as it was on the full moon of Haustmanuthr, Harvest Moon.

Yule

Yule is midwinter celebration that goes back to (as early as) the 4th century. The Germanic-Saxons called it Jólaboði (Jól), and the Scandinavians called it Jul. Both translate to the English word 'Yule.'

Historic Heathen Yule does not have a set date. It relies on the moon phase because the calendar (as we know it) did not exist. Yule would occur during the months of Jolmanuðr. Every month was structured around lunar phases, making it impossible to give a set date and month for each historically attested holiday. The Germanic Heathens would have celebrated Yule three full moons between the summer moon (Sigurblot) and winter moon (Winter Nights). This celebration would last three days and nights. Yule happens on the first full moon, after the new moon, following the winter solstice. After the new moon is an important distinction during the lunisolar leap year, which happens every eight years. 

When Should We Celebrate Germanic Heathen Holidays?

While the ancient Germanic calendars were lunisolar, not every modern Heathen adheres to that. For some people, it is easier to keep track of holidays using solar dates. If we are going to assert ourselves as "Old Ways" Heathens, then we should aim to observe the Holy Tides of our Germanic Heathen ancestors at the time of year they did. Preserving the fires of these traditions is important, as these ways were nearly wiped out of existence due to the spread of christianity in the North. If you wish to follow a more "new ways" approach and keep holidays on fixed calendar dates, then go right ahead. just don't claim that you are observing Old Ways when doing so.