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Thruðheim Kindred Founding Day Blót 2008
Including the wedding of Johnny and Julia from Vidarshof
July 19-20, 2008
Cliff holds high the Kindred Oath Ring |
Sunna shared her warmth with us as members and friends arrived at a steamy Big South Fork to celebrate Thruðheim Kindred's tenth anniversary. The special occasion saw us joined by many friends, including our California member, Carl, who traveled all the way back to Tennessee for this event!
To add to the festivities, we were honored to host the wedding of our friends, Johnny and Julia from Nashville's Vidarshof kindred. Soon after all arrived and set up camp it was time to don our ritual garb and prepare for the wedding to begin.
Cliff officiated the wedding, which began with Johnny and Julia walking through an arch of weaponry to stand in front of the vei. The words and vows spoken were powerful and pronounced with purpose.
Members, friends and familes from both Thruðheim and Vidarshof gathered to witness this momentous occasion. Following the ceremony, the crowd quickly changed back into cooler clothing and headed for the shade of the covered shelter to celebrate with the newlyweds. Toasts were made, gifts were given, and cake was eaten in their honor. HAIL THE NEWLYWEDS!
Celebration and friendly chatter continued until after sundown when we headed to the fire ring for sumbel. There was a large turnout for this weekend, and it was incredible to see so many faces gathered around the fire in frith. Gods were hailed, boasts were made, and many toasted Thruðheim and the newlywedded couple. Many Thruðheim members shared stories from the early days of the kindred, and some shared their stories about how they found their true heathen paths. Storytelling around the fire is still a wonderful experience, and our bonds of community were definitely strengthened during this sumbel.
KipperTimeR follwed sumbel, and many tins (and new-fangled sta-freshR pouches) of our favorite fishy filets were consumed before the last of the late-nighters headed to their tents for a little sleep.
Most woke early Sunday morning, and many smartly broke camp before the heat of the day caught up to them. Early in the afternoon, Cliff called all the faithful forward for our Founding Day blót. Tyr and Thor were honored by all, ten years were reflected upon, but the highlight was the annual oath renewal. All Thruðheim members were called forth and asked to grasp the oath ring and repeat our Statement of Faith. Our oath ring is heavy with weighty words spoken, and on this day its weight was felt by all, as was the energy flowing through it. ALL HAIL THE OATH TAKERS!
Following blót, we headed back to the pavillion for feast. As always, many wonderful dishes were available. We had salads, entrees and desserts. Many agreed the green chile stew Shawn brought was a favorite.While we visited and ate, the children played outside and eventually it was time to pack up the vehicles and head home after a very memorable ten year anniversary.
Photo galleries from the weekend:
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