Weddings are one of the oldest time-honored traditions. Even though such a celebration is a common part of our modern lives, ancient cultures also acknowledged and gathered for the joining of two families—and the start of a couple's new life as newlyweds. Such was the case with the Vikings, who originated from Scandinavia and existed from approximately 800 to 1066, when the Norman conquest of England occurred. However, it's important to note that the term Vikings specifically referred to the group of people who embarked on exhibitions and seafaring conquests during this time period, while the residents of what we know as modern-day Denmark, Sweden, and Norway were referred to as Norse people. Yet, even though not all Norse people were Vikings, the two groups shared a number of traditional rituals and customs, particularly when it came to a couple's nuptials.
Prior to getting married, like most ancient cultures, such a union was arranged by the families of a bride and groom. Yet, even though most women would not have a say in the person they ultimately wed, it was often assumed that an unexcited bride would result in an unhappy marriage. With this in mind, women were sometimes allowed to have an opinion regarding the person their parents selected for them. In order to tie the knot, the groom's family would pay a "bride price" to their son's soon-to-be wife, and the bride's family would pay a dowry to their future son-in-law. After the finances were taken care of and approved, the wedding planning would begin.
Here, we break down 10 common Norse and Viking wedding traditions to know about—from the bride's hairstyle to the reception food. Read on for everything you need to know.
Weddings Held on a Friday
Historically, Viking wedding ceremonies occurred on a Friday, referred to as Frigg's Day or Freya's Day—after the goddess of fertility and love. Saying "I do" on any other day was considered unlucky and a bad omen for the couple's marriage.
A Pre-Wedding Cleanse
Before Viking brides tied the knot, they would cleanse themselves alongside close female friends and family members, marking their departure from their pre-married life. This would entail ridding themselves of old clothing, as well as their kransen, a bracelet that signaled a bride's virginity.
A Sword Ceremony
Like their brides, Norse grooms would also traditionally mark their transition to their new marital status. However, instead of a cleanse, they would undergo a sword ceremony, breaking into a grave to retrieve a family sword. This custom marked them stepping from boyhood into manhood.
The Ring Exchange
In addition to exchanging rings, Viking brides and grooms gave each other swords to acknowledge their union. The sword given to a bride from her groom would be a family heirloom—and would eventually be passed down to the couple's future sons. The piece that the bride gave to her partner symbolized her spouse's new role as her protector.
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The Handfasting Ceremony
During their wedding ceremony, the hands of a Viking bride and groom would be tied together with ribbons or cords, symbolizing their commitment to each other and the merging of their two lives. Many reports believe that this custom was what resulted in the common modern phrase of "tying the knot."
A Traditional Hairstyle
While the garments Viking brides and groom chose to wear for their big day were not especially significant, the hairstyle selected by the woman was important. Married Viking women often wore their hair up (or covered). As a result, their wedding ceremony was seen as their last opportunity to wear their hair down. If her family was able to afford such a piece, the bride would attach an elaborate crown, constructed of silver and decorated with crystals and cords, to the top of her head.
The Bride Running
Known as the bruðhlaup, this running-based tradition took place at the end of a couple's nuptials. After saying "I do," the newlyweds and their respective families would race from the ceremony site to the location of the reception banquet. The group that lost the race was obligated to serve drinks to the other for the remainder of the evening.
An Elaborate Banquet
Following their wedding ceremony, the bride and groom, along with all of their family members and friends, would enjoy an opulent banquet that typically featured seasonal produce, a hog or fish roast, as well as mead, an alcoholic beverage made of fermented honey, water, and yeast.
Drinking From the Same Horn
At their wedding banquet, the Viking bride and groom would drink mead from the same vessel, typically a horn, to represent their new union. By doing so, the Norse couple underscored their joint life as a married couple—rather than two individuals.
Holding Thor's Hammer
In addition to playing a role in the date of a couple's wedding ceremony, Norse mythology also appeared during a bride and groom's reception. At the post-nuptial banquet, the bride would hold a replica of Thor's hammer, called Mjölnir, in her lap in a bid to birth healthy children. As the God of Thunder and the Son of Odin, Thor was commonly associated with fertility.
