Bloody Holidays: How the Vikings celebrated Christmas

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Vikings celebrated winter festivals with animal sacrifices, whose blood was spattered on walls and guests, before the Christianization of Norway put an end to the cruelest elements of such festivals.

Plenty of food and drink

“Sacrificial ceremonies and community feasts with abundant food and drink were the most important aspects of Viking festivals,” said UiA professor Helje Kringlebotn Sødal. Unlike modern Christmas, these celebrations were not suitable for children at all. There were no Christmas gifts like today and there was also a lack of comfort.

an ancient ceremony

Today in Norway, Denmark and Sweden, if you wish someone a “Merry Christmas” you say “God is July”. According to information provided by UiA, the term “July” comes from the Old Norse word “jól”, a winter sacrifice ceremony celebrated between the winter solstice in December and mid-January. Vikings drank in honor of the gods and paid tribute to them by sacrificing animals. During the ceremonies, sacrificial blood was sprayed on the walls, statues and guests.

Blessed beer and meat were drunk and eaten, as stated in a statement from Kringlebotn Sødal’s universities. Otherwise, “jol” was a celebration within your own home and extended family circle. There was also plenty of toasting and drinking going on there, similar to many of today’s Christmas family celebrations. (SDA)

Source : Blick