Holidays were celebrated throughout the Viking world. During these pagan festivals, the fertility of both humans and the land was central. The celebrations were strongly connected to nature, and the timing of holidays was clearly linked to natural changes, similar to other polytheistic cultures such as the Celts and Romans. The Icelandic sagas, including the Eddas and the sagas of the Norwegian kings, are an important written source of Viking holidays. However, since these writings were composed centuries after the Viking Age, they contain a mixture of traditions. There are no comprehensive sources from the Viking Age itself, which means that we lack a complete understanding of the customs and rituals during these holidays.
Yule: ᚢᛚᛁ
The term Yule refers to the entire midwinter period and all associated festivities. It was a time of joy, celebration, and the rejoicing in the return of light. Yule involved rituals, offerings, feasts, and the burning of Yule logs.
Jólablót: ᛁᛚᛅᛒᛚᚢᛏ
Jólablót was a ritual during the midwinter festival. It was an offering ceremony honoring the gods and ancestors, involving the sacrifice of animals and the sharing of their meat among the community. It was a way to appease the gods, seeking their favor and protection for the coming year.
Þorrablót: ᚦᚢᚱᛅᛒᛚᚢᛏ
Feast of Þorri (January/February): Þorrablót was a winter festival celebrated in honor of the god Þorri, who provided protection against harsh winter conditions. The festival was characterized by abundant feasts featuring traditional dishes such as fermented shark, roasted sheep's heads, and smoked fish. Þorrablót was often associated with the brewing of strong drinks and storytelling during the cold months.
Einherjar: ᛁᚾᚢᚱᚼᛅᚱᛁ
Einherjar was a holiday that honored the fallen warriors and heroes of the Vikings. It was a memorial day to celebrate their courage and sacrifice. Einherjar often involved ceremonies, songs, and stories that emphasized the glory of the fallen warriors.
Disting: ᛏᛁᛋᛏᛁᚾᚴ
Disting was an important annual trade and religious festival held in early spring. It marked the end of winter and the beginning of the new trading season. During Disting, people from different regions gathered to trade, attend festivities, and perform religious rituals.
Sigrblót - ᛋᛁᚴᚱᛒᛚᚢᛏ
Summer Offering (Spring): Sigrblót, also known as the summer offering, was a festival celebrated to welcome the arrival of spring and the new growing season. The festival focused on the gods and goddesses associated with power and prosperity. It involved rituals such as animal sacrifices and the burning of bonfires. Sigrblót marked the beginning of summer activities and was celebrated with games, contests, and community gatherings.
Midsommar - ᛘᛁᛏᛋᚢᛘᛘᛅᚱ
Midsummer Feast (June 21): Midsommar was an important summer celebration that honored the longest day of the year. The festival was characterized by bonfires, dancing around the maypole, flower crowns, and festive meals. It was a time of abundance and fertility, during which the Vikings celebrated the blessings of nature and paid homage to the sun.
Haustblót - ᚼᛅᚢᛋᛏᛒᛚᚢᛏ
Autumn Offering (September): Haustblót was an autumn festival celebrated to express gratitude for the harvest and make preparations for winter. It involved the sacrifice of crops and animals to the gods, as well as the sharing of festive meals. Haustblót was a time of community, as people prepared for the upcoming winter months.
Vetrnætr: ᚢᛏᚱᚾᛅᛏᛦ
Vetrnætr, meaning "winter nights," was a series of three holidays that marked the transition into winter. These days were celebrated with festivities, feasts, and rituals seeking protection from darkness and the cold winter months.
The Viking holidays were significant milestones in the lives of the Vikings. They brought the community together, honored the gods and goddesses, and celebrated the cycles of nature. From the midwinter festival to the autumn offering festival, each event had its own meaning and traditions.
What did the Vikings look like?
See our lookbook for examples of different Vikings. Including compositions how you can make your outfit in an instant.
Discover our Viking replicas
Click here for our Viking clothing
Click here for our Viking weapons
Click here for Viking lifestyle
Click here for Viking jewelry