Sumarsdag - the first day of summer among the pagans

The ancient Icelandic tribes divided the year into two seasons: summer and winter This is due to the climate of this northern country, which is famous for long frosts and short summers Accordingly, each Icelander kept his chronology according to the harsh winters he lived through That is why, the onset of warmth expected on winter evenings has become one of the main and long-awaited joyful celebrations celebrated on the first Thursday after April 18 - Sumarsdag or Siggblot On this day, the ancient Icelanders gave gifts to survivors of a harsh winter The ancestors of modern Icelanders were pagans and, accordingly, the main role in celebrating the onset of warmth was given to the “head” of the Scandinavian pantheon - the great Odin The ancient Icelanders, as one of the most furious and brave warriors, held him in special esteem Sacrifices were made to him and competitions in military skill and dexterity were held in his honor Since the ancient Icelanders did not have a calendar, they established the date of the onset of Sumarsdag with the arrival of representatives of the shorebirds of the plover family - plovers - the first Icelandic “swallows” These same birds “told” what awaited those who heard their voice, which sounded like neighing If the first bird cry was heard from the east, then wealth awaited the Icelander, a cry heard from the south promised good luck and favor of the gods, a cry from the north promised illness and even death In addition to the call of the plover, other signs are associated with the day of Sumarsdag For example, frost, which was called “summer that froze into winter” or the thickness of the layer of cream on milk Modern residents of this northern country, which is quite natural, do not make sacrifices to the gods of the past However, Icelanders are extremely careful about the past times and traditions of their people Therefore, Sumarsdag is still celebrated in Iceland and remains one of the most fun and long-awaited holidays The only difference between the first day of summer and past times is the replacement of sacrifices with festive festivals taking place in every locality of the country