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Thruðheim Kindred Yule Blót
December 21, 2003
“… Yule is also the time of the greatest feasting and joy, because it is at Yule that the whole clan, living and dead, gathers as one, sure in the knowledge that even as the Sun rises every year from her greatest darkness, so there will ever be rebirth for us as well.”
-- From ‘Our Troth’ Online
The Thruðheim Yule Class of 2003 |
This year’s Yule festivities were held at the homestead of Steve and Tracy. Guests began arriving at about 1:00, and time was passed visiting, conversing and catching up until the feast was ready. We were all given a special Yule treat when Talon and Felecia called from Germany to celebrate with us. This particular long distance call really was the next best thing to being there – we miss you guys and it was great to hear your voices!
About 3:00, Steve pronounced the rotisserie weed-rat (pork loin) that he was preparing ready for consumption, and the feast began. As usual, there was no shortage of delicious items to sample from. Just to name some of the fare, there was hunter’s stew, salmon and potato casserole, smoked fish, shrimp salad, and numerous pies and other sugary desserts designed to send all Vikings who gnaw on their shields and don’t brush well to the DentistR.
As people recovered from the feast, small slips of paper were passed around. Everyone wrote their wishes for the new year in runes and wove these into the Yule wreath which was later burned during the blót with the Yule log so that the smoke could carry the wishes aloft.
The blót started with the traditional sounding of the horn. Galdr was sung and the site was hallowed with the hammer. The Aesir and Vanir were hailed and the horn was passed. The sacrifice of the bread boar followed. Each person placed their hand on the boar to infuse it with their hopes, desires, thanks, and prayers.
During kindred rites, Steve and Johnny took a blood sibling oath. It was a very moving and powerful ceremony that words here can’t honestly do justice to. Hail to the oath takers! Hail Steve and Johnny!
After the blót, Make presented the kindred with a gift. A portable high seat he created himself. Hail Make!
Everyone then gathered inside where heathen carols were sung and gifts exchanged. Finally, the guests said their good-byes, gathered their belongings and began their journeys home ready to begin another year.
The Thruðheim Choral Society Performs:
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