Post Number:#8
by mark » Thu Mar 23, 2017 5:15 pm
Miðsumar [Major Sacrifice]
The summer solstice is second only to Jól in importance to the Norse. This day is sacred to the Goddess Sunna, who is literally the sun, and the Summer Solstice when the power of the Sun is at its height is celebrated. Miðsumar is recognised as the longest day of the year; thus, the year began to age after this time and the days grow progressively shorter in a continuous wheel of life, and the movement of the sun & moon across the seasons.
It is at this time that most foreign trade is conducted, as well as shipping, fishing expeditions, and raiding. Thus, Miðsumar is the festival of power and activity. It is not without its darker side as well, the god Baldur is said to have been sacrificed at this time, but is reborn at Jul; the hero Sigurd was also said to have been slain by treachery at Miðsumar by his blood-brothers Hagan and Gunthur (Gundahar).
Most Miðsumar festivities centre around remaining awake all night long to mark the shortest night of the year, then at sunrise performing the "Greeting of Sunna" and a blót (sacrifice) to her. During the night there is also general merriment, drinking, feasting and great bonfires. A notable custom is the rolling of a (sometimes flaming) wagon wheel down a hill or along the streets to mark the turning of the wheel of the year and the movement of the sun to her highest point in the sky.