News: Heathen Freehold Society

Local Vikings besiege Beaver Point Hall

Published in The Gulf Islands Driftwood, May 5, 2004

Local Vikings besiege Beaver Point Hall again this weekend in celebration of one of the highest holy days of the Nordic tribes.

The "Festival of the Early-Year", also known as Valpurge's Night, Beltaine and May Day will be celebrated by the Asatru Freehold of BC, as society dedicated to the pagan religion and cultures of the Germanic tribes,on Saturday May 8.

Events begin at 5 p.m. and include a traditional May Pole dance, a treat-hunt for the children, wreath, garland and straw-man construction, a mock battle between the forces of summer and winter, and a crowning of a May queen and king.

After the potluck-style sacred feast, a special rite is planned for sundown which includes noise-making, to shoo away capricious and mischievious spirits, and a votive offering in honour of the Germanic Goddess named Earth.

A presentation of traditional and original Germanic poetry, and later an open-stage welcoming guests musicians, poets and story-tellers will also be held.

For more information call Dan Miller at 653-9575 or email contact@bc-freehold.org