About
Vetrnætr marked the beginning of winter in the Norse year and was a time for feasts and sacrifices, as described in several sagas. Ynglinga saga places a sacrifice for a good year at the start of winter, and in Gísla saga Þorgrímr holds a Winter Nights feast and sacrifices to Freyr. Dísablót and álfablót were also held around this time in some places.
Customs
- Holding a great feast as the herds were brought in and the harvest stored
- Sacrificing for a good year and peace
- Honouring Freyr, the dísir and the elves
- Welcoming guests and renewing ties of friendship
- Remembering the ancestors as the dark half of the year begins
Food
- Roast or stewed meat, or root vegetables
- Barley flatbread
- Ale, mead or apple juice
- Butter and cheese
- Recipe: Norse-style barley flatbread 30 minutes
A simple ritual
- Cook a hearty meal and invite friends or family if you can.
- Light a candle safely at the centre of the table.
- Raise a cup to Freyr for a good year and peace.
- Raise a second cup to the dísir and the ancestors.
- Pour a little of each outside onto the earth.
- Put out the candle and enjoy the feast.
Never leave candles or fires unattended, and keep them away from pets and children.