Heathenry in Canada
Encyclopedia
Heathenry as it is expressed in Canada
is used as a universal term to describe a wide range of Germanic Neopaganism
. Those who practice the religions or folk-ways of Ásatrú
, Forn Sed, Odinism
or Theodism are all considered part of a greater Heathen umbrella. In Canada, Heathenry takes a socially liberal standing in its philosophy. The exclusion of adherents on the basis of ethnic origin, sexual orientation, other group affiliation as well as other discriminatory factors is opposed by most Canadian Heathen groups, although there are, as in the United States
a small number of racially minded groups that limit their membership to those of "Nordic ancestry".
There is no national organization which promote Heathenry in Canada. There are however, provincial organizations and forums such as the Heathen Freehold Society of BC, Maritime Heathens and The Frithling Society of Newfoundland. There are also numerous smaller organizations dedicated to the same goal of advancing Heathenry in Canada such as Kenaz Kindred, Rúnatýr Kindred, Asatru.ca.
Canadian Heathenry has been largely influenced by national organizations in the United States such as The Troth
, Ásatrú Alliance
, Ásatrú Folk Assembly
, as well as other influential groups. There is also a high degree of influence drawn from British, Scandinavian and other European organizations including the Odinic Rite
. As the division between "folkish" and "universalist" Heathen expressions is not as deeply rooted in the culture as it is in the US; other differences such as regarding the acceptance of Jötunn (Giants) and elements of Wicca
into the religion are more controversial.
. It is also possible that the term arose from the Gothic
haiþi meaning one who dwelt on the heath. In modern times among Germanic Neo-Pagans it has come to mean one who practices a polytheistic religion and worldview rooted in pre-Christian Germanic paganism
. For many Heathens to be labeled a Pagan is seen as improper due to the eclectic perception of Neo-Pagans in the greater mainstream public.
Much like the European expression of Forn Sed or Folktro, many Canadian Heathens see the integration of customs from their more direct ancestors as vital to their religion. This may be French
, English
, Irish
, Slavic
or First Nations
customs as applied through a Heathen worldview. This is due in part to the multiculturalism of Canadian society as opposed to the melting-pot of America. It is not uncommon for offerings to be made to non-Germanic landvættir
such as those from Celtic, Slavic and First Nation low mythologies. This is most common in private cult activities of individual Heathens while the public cult or kindred activities are more Germano-centrist. While cultural appropriation is not encouraged, a healthy respect and acknowledgment of ancestors of the land as well as ancestors of practitioners (of all ethnic background) is appropriate.
and Midsummer
, while the equinox and lesser yearly holidays vary more in adherence. Traditionally, most Heathen celebrations occurred based upon the agricultural year with the major festival of Yule being the time when work was not occurring due to the dark and cold and families would come together. Following the quarterly division however, in the context of modern Heathenry, fulfills a need for predictable and stable calendar celebrations allowing for an ease in scheduling, though in some cases is an import from neo-Celtic or Wiccan traditions known as the Wheel of the Year
.
The other major holidays for Canadian Heathens are regional festivals such as Midgard Festival, Kaleidescope Gathering, Maritime Moot and, Gathering for Life on Earth some of which are specific Heathen festivals while others are Pan-Neo-Pagan Festivals that attract many differing groups including Heathens.
Heathens also come together for major rites of passage, including baby naming ceremonies within the first year of birth, a child's entrance into adulthood, marriages and funerals. These can bring communities of Heathens together, as well as bring in non-Heathen family members and friends more often than do the seasonal holidays.
and the modern version of this drinking custom was pioneered by Stephen McNallen
and Robert Stine. The typical, though sometimes modified, format of the Symbel is the passing of a drinking vessel (commonly a drinking horn) filled with either an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage for three rounds. The first round of toasts or hails goes to the Gods, the second to heroes and ancestors the third is the 'oath, toast or boast' round. Many kindreds in Canada make a distinction between a 'high symbel and a 'low symbel.' These differentiations do not refer to the sacredness of the custom, but instead how they are structured.
A high symbel refers to a group ritual drinking that allows only the hailing of Germanic Gods. This format is most often applied at gatherings where more than one kindred comes together to share in symbel such as at Midgardfest or Kaleidoscope Gathering.
The low symbel is the format most often used at smaller kindred gatherings. As there is no rule against non-Heathens from sharing in the custom, these guests are permitted to hail their own Gods. This is often the case when non-Heathen family members wish to participate in the kindred's activities and due to the inclusive nature of the Canadian culture.
concerning the processing of Nerthus
. This act takes on various forms but in each case an idol or other representation of a God(dess) or ancestor are pulled on wagon or carried on a palanquin over a parcel of land. In modern Canadian heathen practice this form of ritual is performed amongst a large number of people. It may take place as part of a festival, parade or on private land.
includes the relying upon primary source texts, archeological finds and academic secondary sources in order to as closely as possible follow the world-view and practices of Germanic paleo-Pagans. Those who do not rely strictly upon academic sources may implement their own personal thoughts, beliefs and experiences concerning the Gods or customs as part of their heathen development. This has come to referred as Unverified Personal Gnosis
or Unusual Personal Gnosis (UPG). The acceptance of such UPG can be a source of controversy among practitioners.
The individual who holds the most debate for Heathens, however, is Loki
. Some Heathens will put in place a taboo in their home against the mentioning of Loki's name while others will intentionally offer to Loki at symbel whenever Odin
is toasted. Yet these are issues primarily of those whom practice the Scandinavian forms of Heathenry, while the debate is less relevant to Anglo-Saxon and Frankish Heathens.
, New Brunswick
and Prince Edward Island
and the Frithling Society of Newfoundland. Although the population of heathens in the Maritimes is quite low, a distinct flavour of Heathenry is developing. A greater influence of Celtic heritage can be felt as the majority of Maritimers are of Gaelic descent (though French and British ancestry is also common) which can be felt in the 'kitchen party' type atmosphere of their gatherings. Anglo-Saxon customs such as the husel are also reflected in the make-up of the Maritime Heathen.
, there is a greater tendency for practitioners to involve elements of Seax Wicca (sometimes called Saxon witchcraft or Norse Wicca), in their customs. Giants worship is also higher in this region, due to Montreal's most active kindred describing its practice as Northern Tradition Paganism (rather than Heathenry), and borrowing elements of Ár nDraíocht Féin's ritual format.
The majority of Quebecers are from French ancestry and especially from Norman ancestry. The Normans
were the people who gave their name to Normandy
, a region in Northern France. They were descended from Norse Viking
conquerors of the territory and the native population of Frankish and Gallo-Roman stock. Their identity
emerged initially in the first half of the 10th century, and gradually evolved over succeeding centuries. A few heathens in Quebec aknowledge their Norman ancestry in their religion.
Another kindred, based in downtown Montreal, is closely related to The Troth
, a famous American umbrella organization with universalist ideals. They say they attend to many pagan events (contrary to heathen events) and they clearly mention events such as Beltane
fair, which is clearly a Celtic
festival.
There was also a kindred based in Pointe-aux-Trembles
(an Eastern suburb of Montreal) founded by bikers and related to the Odinic Rite
. According to the Canadian Ásatrú Portal, this kindred is inactive today.
There are also a new group since September 2011 closer to the definition of modern “ Heathenry
” because they are structured as a tribal community, with a chieftain
and many by-laws. They avoid as much as possible any kind of relationship with Seax Wicca or druidry.
has built a fairly independent tribalism system. The province, being the most populated in Canada, also has larger concentration of heathens in urban centers. Many of the urban centers have kindreds, including Barrie
, Kitchener
, Oakville
, Toronto
, Thunder Bay
and two in Ottawa
. Kingston
has groups of Heathens who perform ceremony together, albeit without a formalized kindred structure. In addition, in many of these urban centers there are individual Heathens who choose to remain unaffiliated with any group. One could argue that the only common thew in Ontario is the localized independent kindred structure as many of these groups prove to be distinctly unique to their area.
, Saskatchewan
and Manitoba
, Heathenry has been largely influenced by the Odinic Rite
with the exception of an independent kindred in Calgary. There are pub-moots in Calgary
and Edmonton
that attract various people interested in Heathenry or who are heathens themselves. Unfortunately for those Heathens in the Prairies such racialist and white supremacist groups as Blood and Honour
have been actively using heathen related imagery to promote their message. Edmonton and Calgary have both been subject to numerous white pride parades that has left many in the province suspicious of Heathenry and Heathen symbols.
has very much been shaped by the Heathen Freehold Society which has been operational since 2002. The organization goes across the province and is one of the largest and longest-running Canadian heathen group. There are however, other groups in British Columbia some of which are independent kindreds and some which are splinter groups from former Heathen Freehold Society members such as the Fridhgard Fellowship Society. Though there is a strong influence of family within heathens across the country it is especially important to Heathens in British Columbia. In addition unlike some other areas of the country non-Germanic folk-customs do not tend to play a role in BC Heathenry.
or Nunavut
. One heathen individual (related to a kindred in Ontario) has been reported to live in Yellowknife, in the Northwest Territories
.
Within Canada most heathens participate within kindreds, however this is affected by proximity to other Heathens and whether a provincial organization exists.
Kindreds:
Provincial Organizations:
Festivals or Major Gatherings:
Canadian Heathen Blogs:
Canadian Heathen Forums:
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
is used as a universal term to describe a wide range of Germanic Neopaganism
Germanic Neopaganism
Germanic neopaganism is the contemporary revival of historical Germanic paganism. Precursor movements appeared in the early 20th century in Germany and Austria. A second wave of revival began in the early 1970s...
. Those who practice the religions or folk-ways of Ásatrú
Ásatrú
is a form of Germanic neopaganism which developed in the United States from the 1970s....
, Forn Sed, Odinism
Odinism
Odinism is a type of Germanic Neopaganism.Odinism may also refer to:*Norse paganism** the cult of Odin- See also :*Odinist Fellowship*Odinic Rite*The Odin Brotherhood*Wotanism, a Völkisch / White Nationalist movement*Wodenism...
or Theodism are all considered part of a greater Heathen umbrella. In Canada, Heathenry takes a socially liberal standing in its philosophy. The exclusion of adherents on the basis of ethnic origin, sexual orientation, other group affiliation as well as other discriminatory factors is opposed by most Canadian Heathen groups, although there are, as in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
a small number of racially minded groups that limit their membership to those of "Nordic ancestry".
There is no national organization which promote Heathenry in Canada. There are however, provincial organizations and forums such as the Heathen Freehold Society of BC, Maritime Heathens and The Frithling Society of Newfoundland. There are also numerous smaller organizations dedicated to the same goal of advancing Heathenry in Canada such as Kenaz Kindred, Rúnatýr Kindred, Asatru.ca.
Canadian Heathenry has been largely influenced by national organizations in the United States such as The Troth
The Troth
The Ring of Troth, now called simply The Troth, is an American-based international Germanic neopagan organization. The Troth was founded on December 20 , 1987 by former Asatru Free Assembly members Edred Thorsson and James Chisholm. However, neither is any longer involved with the organization...
, Ásatrú Alliance
Ásatrú Alliance
The Asatru Alliance is a US Ásatrú group, succeeding Stephen McNallen's Asatru Free Assembly in 1987, founded by Michael J. Murray of Arizona, who is a former vice-president of Else Christensen's Odinist Fellowship. The AFA seceded into two groups, the other one being The Troth...
, Ásatrú Folk Assembly
Asatru Folk Assembly
The Asatru Folk Assembly, or AFA, an organization of Germanic neopaganism, is the US-based Ásatrú organization founded by Stephen McNallen in 1994. Gardell classifies the AFA as folkish....
, as well as other influential groups. There is also a high degree of influence drawn from British, Scandinavian and other European organizations including the Odinic Rite
Odinic Rite
The Odinic Rite is a religious organization, practicing a form of Northern Indo European religion termed Odinism after the chief god of Norse mythology, Odin...
. As the division between "folkish" and "universalist" Heathen expressions is not as deeply rooted in the culture as it is in the US; other differences such as regarding the acceptance of Jötunn (Giants) and elements of Wicca
Wicca
Wicca , is a modern Pagan religious movement. Developing in England in the first half of the 20th century, Wicca was popularised in the 1950s and early 1960s by a Wiccan High Priest named Gerald Gardner, who at the time called it the "witch cult" and "witchcraft," and its adherents "the Wica."...
into the religion are more controversial.
Terminology
The modern use of Heathen arises from the Old English hæðen which meant non-Christian and was employed in the same manner as gentileGentile
The term Gentile refers to non-Israelite peoples or nations in English translations of the Bible....
. It is also possible that the term arose from the Gothic
Gothic language
Gothic is an extinct Germanic language that was spoken by the Goths. It is known primarily from the Codex Argenteus, a 6th-century copy of a 4th-century Bible translation, and is the only East Germanic language with a sizable Text corpus...
haiþi meaning one who dwelt on the heath. In modern times among Germanic Neo-Pagans it has come to mean one who practices a polytheistic religion and worldview rooted in pre-Christian Germanic paganism
Germanic paganism
Germanic paganism refers to the theology and religious practices of the Germanic peoples of north-western Europe from the Iron Age until their Christianization during the Medieval period...
. For many Heathens to be labeled a Pagan is seen as improper due to the eclectic perception of Neo-Pagans in the greater mainstream public.
Differences with American Ásatrú
Unlike in the United States, there has been no significant move towards Theodism or kindred models based upon a single leader. Most Canadian kindreds are formed and/or led by a democratic body. Organizations such as the Heathen Freehold Society of BC, Rúnatýr Kindred and others have focused on the family aspect of Heathenry and made the family unit a smaller part of the greater kindred. These may be referred to as hearths or households which make up the larger tribal unit.Much like the European expression of Forn Sed or Folktro, many Canadian Heathens see the integration of customs from their more direct ancestors as vital to their religion. This may be French
French people
The French are a nation that share a common French culture and speak the French language as a mother tongue. Historically, the French population are descended from peoples of Celtic, Latin and Germanic origin, and are today a mixture of several ethnic groups...
, English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
, Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
, Slavic
Slavic peoples
The Slavic people are an Indo-European panethnicity living in Eastern Europe, Southeast Europe, North Asia and Central Asia. The term Slavic represents a broad ethno-linguistic group of people, who speak languages belonging to the Slavic language family and share, to varying degrees, certain...
or First Nations
First Nations
First Nations is a term that collectively refers to various Aboriginal peoples in Canada who are neither Inuit nor Métis. There are currently over 630 recognised First Nations governments or bands spread across Canada, roughly half of which are in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. The...
customs as applied through a Heathen worldview. This is due in part to the multiculturalism of Canadian society as opposed to the melting-pot of America. It is not uncommon for offerings to be made to non-Germanic landvættir
Landvættir
Landvættir are spirits of the land in Norse mythology and in Germanic neopaganism. They protect and promote the flourishing of the specific places where they live, which can be as small as a rock or a corner of a field, or as large as a section of a country.-The nature of landvættir:Some scholars...
such as those from Celtic, Slavic and First Nation low mythologies. This is most common in private cult activities of individual Heathens while the public cult or kindred activities are more Germano-centrist. While cultural appropriation is not encouraged, a healthy respect and acknowledgment of ancestors of the land as well as ancestors of practitioners (of all ethnic background) is appropriate.
Holidays
Heathens come together for differing holidays depending on their region. However, the most common are those around the equinoxes and solstices. The two most widely celebrated holidays are YuleYule
Yule or Yuletide is a winter festival that was initially celebrated by the historical Germanic people as a pagan religious festival, though it was later absorbed into, and equated with, the Christian festival of Christmas. The festival was originally celebrated from late December to early January...
and Midsummer
Midsummer
Midsummer may simply refer to the period of time centered upon the summer solstice, but more often refers to specific European celebrations that accompany the actual solstice, or that take place on a day between June 21 and June 24, and the preceding evening. The exact dates vary between different...
, while the equinox and lesser yearly holidays vary more in adherence. Traditionally, most Heathen celebrations occurred based upon the agricultural year with the major festival of Yule being the time when work was not occurring due to the dark and cold and families would come together. Following the quarterly division however, in the context of modern Heathenry, fulfills a need for predictable and stable calendar celebrations allowing for an ease in scheduling, though in some cases is an import from neo-Celtic or Wiccan traditions known as the Wheel of the Year
Wheel of the Year
The Wheel of the Year is a Neopagan term for the annual cycle of the Earth's seasons. It consists of eight festivals, spaced at approximately even intervals throughout the year. These festivals are referred to as Sabbats...
.
The other major holidays for Canadian Heathens are regional festivals such as Midgard Festival, Kaleidescope Gathering, Maritime Moot and, Gathering for Life on Earth some of which are specific Heathen festivals while others are Pan-Neo-Pagan Festivals that attract many differing groups including Heathens.
Heathens also come together for major rites of passage, including baby naming ceremonies within the first year of birth, a child's entrance into adulthood, marriages and funerals. These can bring communities of Heathens together, as well as bring in non-Heathen family members and friends more often than do the seasonal holidays.
Customs
The primary customs of Canadian Heathens are similar to other groups worldwide. The two most prevalent are blót and symbel. Followed by these are various votive offerings, such as sóa or faining as well as processing. These ceremonies or customs are done with the focus of honouring or venerating the holy powers including the deities of northern Europe, landwights, or ancestors.Blót
Blót is a celebration that is centered upon a sacrifice to the holy powers. Traditionally this was an animal sacrifice, which may still be performed in our modern times. Most often the modern Canadian blót is a feast which is shared communally with a significant portion of the meal and alcohol - usually mead or beer - set aside for the Gods, Wights and/or Ancestors.Symbel
Next to blót the symbel is the most sacred custom of any Heathen gathering. The symbel is attested in BeowulfBeowulf
Beowulf , but modern scholars agree in naming it after the hero whose life is its subject." of an Old English heroic epic poem consisting of 3182 alliterative long lines, set in Scandinavia, commonly cited as one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature.It survives in a single...
and the modern version of this drinking custom was pioneered by Stephen McNallen
Stephen McNallen
Stephen A. McNallen is an influential Germanic Neopagan leader and writer. Born in Breckenridge, Texas, McNallen has been heavily involved in Ásatrú since the 1970s.-Life:...
and Robert Stine. The typical, though sometimes modified, format of the Symbel is the passing of a drinking vessel (commonly a drinking horn) filled with either an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage for three rounds. The first round of toasts or hails goes to the Gods, the second to heroes and ancestors the third is the 'oath, toast or boast' round. Many kindreds in Canada make a distinction between a 'high symbel and a 'low symbel.' These differentiations do not refer to the sacredness of the custom, but instead how they are structured.
High Symbel
A high symbel refers to a group ritual drinking that allows only the hailing of Germanic Gods. This format is most often applied at gatherings where more than one kindred comes together to share in symbel such as at Midgardfest or Kaleidoscope Gathering.
Low Symbel
The low symbel is the format most often used at smaller kindred gatherings. As there is no rule against non-Heathens from sharing in the custom, these guests are permitted to hail their own Gods. This is often the case when non-Heathen family members wish to participate in the kindred's activities and due to the inclusive nature of the Canadian culture.
Offerings
Votive offerings are the most frequent form of offering. Items of some value to the offering party are either burned, sunk or broken. This act is sometimes called sóa or faining. Traditionally some items given as offerings included weapons, armour, jewellery or household goods. Some Canadian Heathens have taken up some First Nations' traditions in regards to offerings including giving or burning of tobacco and cedar.Procession
Processing is another form of honouring the Gods as described in Tacitus' Germania (book)Germania (book)
The Germania , written by Gaius Cornelius Tacitus around 98, is an ethnographic work on the Germanic tribes outside the Roman Empire.-Contents:...
concerning the processing of Nerthus
Nerthus
In Germanic paganism, Nerthus is a goddess associated with fertility. Nerthus is attested by Tacitus, the first century AD Roman historian, in his Germania. Various theories exist regarding the goddess and her potential later traces amongst the Germanic tribes...
. This act takes on various forms but in each case an idol or other representation of a God(dess) or ancestor are pulled on wagon or carried on a palanquin over a parcel of land. In modern Canadian heathen practice this form of ritual is performed amongst a large number of people. It may take place as part of a festival, parade or on private land.
Major Controversies
Heathens in Canada do share many similarities however, disagreements about how to practice Heathenry exist. Many of these controversies are influenced by the American Asatru and Heathenry, but do have their own intricacies that are specific to Canada in contrast to the United States or Europe.Reconstructionism and UPG
Starting in the year 2000, a rise in historical accuracy has been seen among Heathen practitioners. Influenced by such authors as Bil Linzie, Swain Wodening and the works of Garman Lord (Theodism) modern heathens have taken a more reconstructionist approach to the development of their religiosity. Polytheistic reconstructionismPolytheistic reconstructionism
Polytheistic reconstructionism is an approach to Neopaganism first emerging in the late 1960s to early 1970s, and gathering momentum in the 1990s to 2000s...
includes the relying upon primary source texts, archeological finds and academic secondary sources in order to as closely as possible follow the world-view and practices of Germanic paleo-Pagans. Those who do not rely strictly upon academic sources may implement their own personal thoughts, beliefs and experiences concerning the Gods or customs as part of their heathen development. This has come to referred as Unverified Personal Gnosis
Unverified personal gnosis
Unverified personal gnosis is the phenomenological concept that an individual's spiritual insights may be valid for them without being generalizable to the experience of others...
or Unusual Personal Gnosis (UPG). The acceptance of such UPG can be a source of controversy among practitioners.
Folkish, Universalist and Racialist
Unlike Ásatrú in the United States, the Folkish - Universalist divide is not readily apparent in Canada. This issue is dominated by factions of those Heathens claiming that only those of Germanic ancestry may practice the folk-way (Folkish) while others claim that no such requirement exists (Universalist). It is of the attitude of Canadian Heathens that no person has the right discriminate against another's willingness to adherence to heathen custom and many Canadian Heathen organizations have reaffirmed that. In Canada, due in no small part to the multicultural nature of Canadian society, racialism is nearly nonexistent within the mainstream Heathen community. However, it should be noted that some white supremacist and neo-Nazi organizations in Canada do co-opt Heathen symbols for their own purposes, but are outcast by Heathen organizations.Jötunn Worship
Jötunn (Giants) worship is a major issue of debate among Canadian Heathens. It has been greatly influenced by Northern Tradition Paganism and in particular Raven Kaldera in the United States. Some groups venerate jotnar or have a small segment of their community who makes offerings to jotnar outside of the vé. For instance, Kenaz Kindred venerates jotnar while others such as Austrugr Kindred have made formal statements condemning the veneration of jotnar. Usually, those of a more reconstructionist perspective oppose the veneration of jotnar due to a lack of any historical or archaeological evidence to support them being historically venerated.The individual who holds the most debate for Heathens, however, is Loki
Loki
In Norse mythology, Loki or Loke is a god or jötunn . Loki is the son of Fárbauti and Laufey, and the brother of Helblindi and Býleistr. By the jötunn Angrboða, Loki is the father of Hel, the wolf Fenrir, and the world serpent Jörmungandr. By his wife Sigyn, Loki is the father of Nari or Narfi...
. Some Heathens will put in place a taboo in their home against the mentioning of Loki's name while others will intentionally offer to Loki at symbel whenever Odin
Odin
Odin is a major god in Norse mythology and the ruler of Asgard. Homologous with the Anglo-Saxon "Wōden" and the Old High German "Wotan", the name is descended from Proto-Germanic "*Wodanaz" or "*Wōđanaz"....
is toasted. Yet these are issues primarily of those whom practice the Scandinavian forms of Heathenry, while the debate is less relevant to Anglo-Saxon and Frankish Heathens.
Non-Germanic Customs
Although it is not uncommon for a Canadian kindred to honour non-Germanic gods in low symbel, the incorporation of non-Germanic customs as part of the public cult is more controversial. Some Heathens may see such a practice as cultural appropriation and will not entertain or encourage such practices. However others more open to such ideas tend to justify their practices by way of appreciation for the history and ancestors of the land they are upon. Within the non-Germanic customs perhaps the most controversial is the inclusion of First Peoples folk customs. Some Canadians Heathens view it as cultural appropriation while others see it as a form of appreciation to the original peoples of the land as well as, to many especially French-Canadians, their own ancestors.History and Regional Differences
Canada is the second largest country in the world second only to Russia and has an official bilingualism policy of English and French as well as a multiculturalism ideology. The Canadian Multiculturalism Act recognizes the First Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Metis), the English and the French peoples whom helped form Canada as well as the immigration from many parts of the world. Due to Canada's great size and multicultural make-up, a great number of regional differences exist in each area of the country in regards to Heathenry. Though certainly for a long time Canadian Heathenry was largely inspired by American Ásatrú and European Heathenry from coast to coast, a thew (set of customary practices) has been forming distinct to Canada and each of its regions.Maritimes
The Maritimes are dominated primarily by two regional organizations Martime Heathens which encompass Nova ScotiaNova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada. The name of the province is Latin for "New Scotland," but "Nova Scotia" is the recognized, English-language name of the province. The provincial capital is Halifax. Nova Scotia is the...
, New Brunswick
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the only province in the federation that is constitutionally bilingual . The provincial capital is Fredericton and Saint John is the most populous city. Greater Moncton is the largest Census Metropolitan Area...
and Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is a Canadian province consisting of an island of the same name, as well as other islands. The maritime province is the smallest in the nation in both land area and population...
and the Frithling Society of Newfoundland. Although the population of heathens in the Maritimes is quite low, a distinct flavour of Heathenry is developing. A greater influence of Celtic heritage can be felt as the majority of Maritimers are of Gaelic descent (though French and British ancestry is also common) which can be felt in the 'kitchen party' type atmosphere of their gatherings. Anglo-Saxon customs such as the husel are also reflected in the make-up of the Maritime Heathen.
Province of Quebec
Among those practicing Heathenry in the province of QuebecQuebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
, there is a greater tendency for practitioners to involve elements of Seax Wicca (sometimes called Saxon witchcraft or Norse Wicca), in their customs. Giants worship is also higher in this region, due to Montreal's most active kindred describing its practice as Northern Tradition Paganism (rather than Heathenry), and borrowing elements of Ár nDraíocht Féin's ritual format.
The majority of Quebecers are from French ancestry and especially from Norman ancestry. The Normans
Normans
The Normans were the people who gave their name to Normandy, a region in northern France. They were descended from Norse Viking conquerors of the territory and the native population of Frankish and Gallo-Roman stock...
were the people who gave their name to Normandy
Normandy
Normandy is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. It is in France.The continental territory covers 30,627 km² and forms the preponderant part of Normandy and roughly 5% of the territory of France. It is divided for administrative purposes into two régions:...
, a region in Northern France. They were descended from Norse Viking
Viking
The term Viking is customarily used to refer to the Norse explorers, warriors, merchants, and pirates who raided, traded, explored and settled in wide areas of Europe, Asia and the North Atlantic islands from the late 8th to the mid-11th century.These Norsemen used their famed longships to...
conquerors of the territory and the native population of Frankish and Gallo-Roman stock. Their identity
Identity
-Philosophical topics:* Identity , also called sameness, is whatever makes an entity definable and recognizable* Law of identity, principle of logic stating that an object is the same as itself...
emerged initially in the first half of the 10th century, and gradually evolved over succeeding centuries. A few heathens in Quebec aknowledge their Norman ancestry in their religion.
Another kindred, based in downtown Montreal, is closely related to The Troth
The Troth
The Ring of Troth, now called simply The Troth, is an American-based international Germanic neopagan organization. The Troth was founded on December 20 , 1987 by former Asatru Free Assembly members Edred Thorsson and James Chisholm. However, neither is any longer involved with the organization...
, a famous American umbrella organization with universalist ideals. They say they attend to many pagan events (contrary to heathen events) and they clearly mention events such as Beltane
Beltane
Beltane or Beltaine is the anglicised spelling of Old Irish Beltaine or Beltine , the Gaelic name for either the month of May or the festival that takes place on the first day of May.Bealtaine was historically a Gaelic festival celebrated in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.Bealtaine...
fair, which is clearly a Celtic
Celtic
The words Celt and Celtic can refer to:In ethno-linguistics:*Celts, a people of the Celtic nations*Celts , the modern Celtic identity*Celtic languages...
festival.
There was also a kindred based in Pointe-aux-Trembles
Pointe-aux-Trembles
Pointe-aux-Trembles was a municipality, founded in 1674, that was annexed by Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in 1982. This was the last city to be merged into Montreal until the 2002 municipal reorganization of districts and municipalities as boroughs....
(an Eastern suburb of Montreal) founded by bikers and related to the Odinic Rite
Odinic Rite
The Odinic Rite is a religious organization, practicing a form of Northern Indo European religion termed Odinism after the chief god of Norse mythology, Odin...
. According to the Canadian Ásatrú Portal, this kindred is inactive today.
There are also a new group since September 2011 closer to the definition of modern “ Heathenry
Heathenry
Heathenry, Heathenism or Heathendom may refer to:* an English loan-translation of paganus, see Paganism* a term for Germanic Neopaganism...
” because they are structured as a tribal community, with a chieftain
Chieftain
Chieftain may refer to:The leader or head of a group:* a tribal chief or a village head.* a member of the 'House of chiefs'.* a captain, to which 'chieftain' is etymologically related.* Clan chief, the head of a Scottish clan....
and many by-laws. They avoid as much as possible any kind of relationship with Seax Wicca or druidry.
Ontario
OntarioOntario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
has built a fairly independent tribalism system. The province, being the most populated in Canada, also has larger concentration of heathens in urban centers. Many of the urban centers have kindreds, including Barrie
Barrie
Barrie may refer to:* Barrie, city in Ontario, Canada* Barrie , Canadian federal electoral district* Barrie , provincial electoral district* Barrie—Simcoe—Bradford, former Canadian electoral district...
, Kitchener
Kitchener, Ontario
The City of Kitchener is a city in Southern Ontario, Canada. It was the Town of Berlin from 1854 until 1912 and the City of Berlin from 1912 until 1916. The city had a population of 204,668 in the Canada 2006 Census...
, Oakville
Oakville, Ontario
Oakville is a town in Halton Region, on Lake Ontario in Southern Ontario, Canada, and is part of the Greater Toronto Area. As of the 2006 census the population was 165,613.-History:In 1793, Dundas Street was surveyed for a military road...
, Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay
-In Canada:Thunder Bay is the name of three places in the province of Ontario, Canada along Lake Superior:*Thunder Bay District, Ontario, a district in Northwestern Ontario*Thunder Bay, a city in Thunder Bay District*Thunder Bay, Unorganized, Ontario...
and two in Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
. Kingston
Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario is a Canadian city located in Eastern Ontario where the St. Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario. Originally a First Nations settlement called "Katarowki," , growing European exploration in the 17th Century made it an important trading post...
has groups of Heathens who perform ceremony together, albeit without a formalized kindred structure. In addition, in many of these urban centers there are individual Heathens who choose to remain unaffiliated with any group. One could argue that the only common thew in Ontario is the localized independent kindred structure as many of these groups prove to be distinctly unique to their area.
Prairies
In AlbertaAlberta
Alberta is a province of Canada. It had an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2010 making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces...
, Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is a prairie province in Canada, which has an area of . Saskatchewan is bordered on the west by Alberta, on the north by the Northwest Territories, on the east by Manitoba, and on the south by the U.S. states of Montana and North Dakota....
and Manitoba
Manitoba
Manitoba is a Canadian prairie province with an area of . The province has over 110,000 lakes and has a largely continental climate because of its flat topography. Agriculture, mostly concentrated in the fertile southern and western parts of the province, is vital to the province's economy; other...
, Heathenry has been largely influenced by the Odinic Rite
Odinic Rite
The Odinic Rite is a religious organization, practicing a form of Northern Indo European religion termed Odinism after the chief god of Norse mythology, Odin...
with the exception of an independent kindred in Calgary. There are pub-moots in Calgary
Calgary
Calgary is a city in the Province of Alberta, Canada. It is located in the south of the province, in an area of foothills and prairie, approximately east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies...
and Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta and is the province's second-largest city. Edmonton is located on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Capital Region, which is surrounded by the central region of the province.The city and its census...
that attract various people interested in Heathenry or who are heathens themselves. Unfortunately for those Heathens in the Prairies such racialist and white supremacist groups as Blood and Honour
Blood and Honour
Blood & Honour is a neo-Nazi music promotion network and political group founded in 1987 with links to Combat 18 and composed of white power skinheads and other white nationalists....
have been actively using heathen related imagery to promote their message. Edmonton and Calgary have both been subject to numerous white pride parades that has left many in the province suspicious of Heathenry and Heathen symbols.
British Columbia
The culture of Heathenry in British ColumbiaBritish Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
has very much been shaped by the Heathen Freehold Society which has been operational since 2002. The organization goes across the province and is one of the largest and longest-running Canadian heathen group. There are however, other groups in British Columbia some of which are independent kindreds and some which are splinter groups from former Heathen Freehold Society members such as the Fridhgard Fellowship Society. Though there is a strong influence of family within heathens across the country it is especially important to Heathens in British Columbia. In addition unlike some other areas of the country non-Germanic folk-customs do not tend to play a role in BC Heathenry.
The North
To date there has yet to been any discussions of Heathens living in YukonYukon
Yukon is the westernmost and smallest of Canada's three federal territories. It was named after the Yukon River. The word Yukon means "Great River" in Gwich’in....
or Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut is the largest and newest federal territory of Canada; it was separated officially from the Northwest Territories on April 1, 1999, via the Nunavut Act and the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act, though the actual boundaries had been established in 1993...
. One heathen individual (related to a kindred in Ontario) has been reported to live in Yellowknife, in the Northwest Territories
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories is a federal territory of Canada.Located in northern Canada, the territory borders Canada's two other territories, Yukon to the west and Nunavut to the east, and three provinces: British Columbia to the southwest, and Alberta and Saskatchewan to the south...
.
Heathen Groups in Canada
Kindreds:
- Austrugr Kindred, Halifax NS
- Clearwater Kindred, Calgary AB
- Hunter Moon's Hearth, Edmonton AB
- Kenaz Kindred, Kitchener ON
- Nine Mountains Kindred, Montreal Qc
- Lokabrenna Kindred, Montreal QC
- Mapleheim Kindred, Ottawa ON
- Millerstead Kindred, Saltspring Island BC
- Northern Lakeshore Kindred, Thunder Bay ON
- Odin's Volk Kindred, Oakville ON
- Rúnatýr Kindred, Ottawa ON
- Thunder Oak Hearth, Moncton NB
- Unnamed "The Kindred", Kimberly BC
- Unnamed "The Kindred", Kingston ON
- Vikings Of The Metal Age Kindred, Toronto and Smiths Falls ON
- Wayfarers Kindred, Barrie ON
- Wodan's Kindred, Vancouver Island BC
Provincial Organizations:
- Fridhgard Fellowship Society, BC
- Frithling Society of Newfoundland
- Heathen Freehold Society of British Columbia
- Maritime Heathen
Festivals or Major Gatherings:
See also
- Germanic NeopaganismGermanic NeopaganismGermanic neopaganism is the contemporary revival of historical Germanic paganism. Precursor movements appeared in the early 20th century in Germany and Austria. A second wave of revival began in the early 1970s...
- Germanic PaganismGermanic paganismGermanic paganism refers to the theology and religious practices of the Germanic peoples of north-western Europe from the Iron Age until their Christianization during the Medieval period...
- Religion in CanadaReligion in CanadaReligion in Canada encompasses a wide range of groups. The preamble to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms references "God", and the monarch carries the title of "Defender of the Faith". However, Canada has no official religion, and support for religious pluralism is an important part of...
- Polytheistic reconstructionismPolytheistic reconstructionismPolytheistic reconstructionism is an approach to Neopaganism first emerging in the late 1960s to early 1970s, and gathering momentum in the 1990s to 2000s...
- Ásatrúarfélagið
- Ásatrú in the United States
- Neopaganism in ScandinaviaNeopaganism in ScandinaviaNeopaganism in Scandinavia is dominated by revivals of Norse paganism .-Norway:The Åsatrufellesskapet Bifrost formed in 1996 and Foreningen Forn Sed the fellowship has about 50 Faithful formed in 1999...
- Neopaganism in German-speaking EuropeNeopaganism in German-speaking EuropeNeopaganism in German-speaking Europe has since its emergence in the 1970s diversified into a wide array of traditions, particularly during the New Age boom of the 1980s.Schmid distinguishes four main currents:...
External links
- Asatru.ca
- Ásatrú (Norse Heathenism), ReligiousTolerance.org
Canadian Heathen Blogs:
- A Heathen Handfasting: One woman's planning for her heathen handfasting with her fiance.
- Frankisk Aldsido: A site dedicated to the reconstruction of Frankish heathen custom.
- Mist's Blog: The Gythia of Kenaz Kindred's blog.
- My Heathen Journey: A man's experiences in being Heathen.
- The Godhi's Hall: Because heathen didn't always mean Godless...
Canadian Heathen Forums: