Weddings
FionnaD
Is there anyone out there who could give me some info on asatru wedding
rituals? I would like to perform mine in the asatru style, but I have no idea
what that is :).
Could anybody help me?
Fionna
Harald Steelfoot
FionnaD wrote in article <19971218181...@ladder02.news.aol.com>...
Heilsa -
My wife and I were married in the Asatru tradition, as were two friends of
ours. We would certainly be willing to help. Just now I have spent too much
time responding to a previous issue, and hence must return to *ugh* work.
But we will certainly be in touch later if you wish.
Frith and God Jul
Steelfoot
Vithar Herren
FionnaD wrote:
>
> Is there anyone out there who could give me some info on asatru wedding
> rituals? I would like to perform mine in the asatru style, but I have no idea
> what that is :).
>
> Could anybody help me?
> Fionna
Pick up "A Book of Troth" by Edred Thorrsson (sp?)
or "Teutonic Religion" by Kveldulf Gundarsson
I think that both of these books offer examples of Asatru Weddings
ceremonies. Though, the Gundarsson book is sure to go into more detail!
--
In Frith,
Vithar,
mailto:Vit...@flash.net (to avoid spamblock)
Godhi of Irmin's Way,
Houston area Asatru Clan
Heimdall
FionnaD wrote:
Is there anyone out there who could give me some info on asatru wedding
rituals? I would like to perform mine in the asatru style, but I have no idea
what that is :).Could anybody help me?
Fionna
The Odinic Rite has a hand fasting ritual available in the book of blotar. I'm sure you could get more info from them if you like.
I know the AFA probably has one available too.
Fare with the Gods
Heimdall
AOR/AFA
Harald Steelfoot
FionnaD wrote
>Is there anyone out there who could give me some info on asatru wedding
>rituals? I would like to perform mine in the asatru style, but I have no
idea
>what that is :).
>
>Could anybody help me?
>Fionna
>
Heilsa FionnaD -
I had mentioned that my wife and I were married in an Asa wedding. It was a
Viking period Asa wedding, which was made more colorful by the fact that we
had the VACA (Viking Age Club America) there with us. Three viking tents
were the backdrop to the altar, all participants in the ceremony were in
traditional garb, and fully armed and armored guards posted around the Vee
once it had been sanctified.
The brides group gathered in one tent, the grooms in another. The center
tent behind the altar was the the Godhi's. One member sounded the siganl
horn to call the guests down from the feast area. After they had gathered
(some 200 or so), the horn was sounded again to call the brides group from
their tent into the Vee. They formed a half Vee on the left. The horn
sounded again to call the groom and party, who completed the inner Vee. The
families of each were intended to gather at the foot of the Vee each to
their respective side, but somehow we got that screwed up and never did get
everyone into the Vee.
After we had all gathered, the Godhi made the bridal announcement to the
crowd. Then toasts were offered by the brides-maid and best-man (for lack of
remembering better words) - she to Thor and he to Sif. They did not drink
these toasts, but rather flung them into the air for the Gods. The Godhi
then said a consecration.
It is common at this point to have the members of the brides and grooms
marriage parties offer boasts about the qualities of the person to whom the
other is being trothed.
Things become a little blury in my memory at this point - although my wife
may remember the order better. In any case, the two books Vithar mentioned
have ceremonies very similar. I have not checked the Odinic Rite version,
but would not be surprised if there were also many similarities. I belive
our friends who were married not long ago incorporated the Odinic Rite
ritual.
We swore oaths on a hammer. We exchanged our marriage weapons - i.e. I gave
to her family my sword. She gave to mine an ax. We exchanged rings. All of
this was accompanied by oaths sworn on the hammer.
Then the marriage blessing toasts were begun, about which I only remember
being required to drink more than everyone else in the Vee. :)
Final consecrations were said by the Godhi, a final toast to the Gods, and
that was that. Bride and groom lead the wedding party out of the Vee and up
to the feast.
The whole thing lasted mabe 15 minutes. Which was good. Any longer and
people probably would have been dropping. This was a result of Thor's over
enthusiasm. We had reserved a very large and rustic park in the coutry for
the wedding and feast. Of course since it was to be outside, we certainly
did not want rain. So we asked Thor to make sure we had clear, warm weather
that day. We asked a few friends to ask him too. Now, not to speak ill of
Thor - I certainly do not want his wrath, but Thor is not known as the most
astute of the Gods. So of course that day we had perfectly clear skies, with
a light breeze blowing - and 90% humidity with 110 temperature. It was so
hot and humid that the fire wouldn't even burn - the best it could do was
sputter and smoke. Maybe for some folks down south that is not unreasonable
weather - normal even. But for us Minnesotans' it was pretty rough.
The saving graces were the large number of shade trees, the breeze, and
copious quatities of cold beer and mead. And the good grace of Gods and
friends.
Hope this has been helpful.
Frey, Frith and God Jul
Steelfoot