Pagan Festival Shout Out: Vinternatsblot

Vinternatsblót or Haustblót– was the name Winter’s Day in the Norse or Ásatrú culture. Associated with October 14th the holiday celebrates the being of the cold nights and indicates that the summer produce has been stored for the harsh winter months. It is an ancient ritual of Northern Europe in old times.

The blot is a sacred meal shared with the gods and in ancient calendars marked the farewell of the crops. The feast would consist of tubers, vegetables, legumes and bread along with meat from the hunt. The arrival of winter and on Vinternatsblot blood offerings wear made to appease the severity of the cold, sacred to Thor.