On Friday, July 18, a wedding ceremony was held for two provisional members of the blót kindred Gungnir. Björn Oddvar and Beatrice Ludvigsen entered into marriage according to NAS/NAC tradition.
The ceremony was officiated by Lena Svensson Hildebrandt and assisted by Uwe Pötter.
When the ring was gathered and Lena had explained the customs and practices, the horn resounded across the farm. The deep sound of the drum guided the torchbearers and the bride and groom to the table. The torchbearers placed their torches in a stand at the center of the ring, adding a decorative element. The ceremony began according to our established routines. The heat at the site was intense, but water was available for everyone.
Many of the guests had never experienced a Viking wedding before, making it especially interesting for them. Among the guests were many members of the village group who were having their village week at the time.
Once the bride and groom had received well-wishes from the circle and shared their ceremonial toast, the ceremony concluded, and both the couple, the officiants, and the guests quickly sought the shade. A feast followed the ceremony. Joy, laughter, and love flowed throughout the afternoon on this important day for our friends in the blót kindred. To be part of people’s lives in this way is deeply rewarding, and to show those unfamiliar how things may have been done in the time that both the farm and our ancestral faith are rooted in is always something special.
/ Uwe Pötter
