Viking unions
Friday, June 19th*
from 4.00 pm to 7.30 pm
Saturday 20th June*
from 10.30 to 12.30 and from 16.00 to 19.30
Friday, June 26*
from 4.00 pm to 7.30 pm
Saturday 27th* and Sunday 28th June*
from 10.30 to 12.30 and from 16.00 to 19.30
This marriage was a solemn agreement between families, celebrated through rituals that included the exchange of swords as a symbol of protection and connection to the ancestors, as well as offerings to the gods.
Following a ritual preparation of the couple on the previous day (the bride, assisted by married women, performed a purification bath, while the groom retrieved the family sword in a ritual of connection with his ancestors), the ceremony took place outdoors. The couple was escorted by their families, with the bride in particular accompanied by her father and brother.
During the ceremony, the exchange of swords took place: the groom gave the bride his ancestral sword to be preserved for their children, and the bride gave her own to the groom. The exchange of rings took place over the sword. The couple then moved closer, and symbolically their bodies were united, as well as their hands, with a ribbon.
These marriages were not only unions of love, but strategic alliances between clans, approved by the community itself.
Difference from the Celtic wedding rite:
The Viking union is considered a bond “for life” and is not renewed, as happens in the Celtic rite.
PRE-UNION INSTRUCTIONS
How to prepare for a “wedding” in the ancient Nordic Viking tradition.
Those who wish to celebrate their Viking union at Triskell should follow these simple instructions.
Some time before the ceremony, you should choose a symbolic object, prepare your rings, bring satin ribbons (preferably white or red, at least 1 meter long each), and, if available, a sword.
Before the actual ritual, simply take a quiet moment apart to focus your thoughts on a sacred union which, in the Nordic tradition, lasts for a lifetime.
At the end of the ritual, your hands will be bound together with the previously braided white and red ribbon, followed by the exchange of rings and a consecration with mead (or another beverage, not necessarily alcoholic, brought by you). If you wish, you may bring one or more witnesses.
Clothing is completely free. Those who feel inspired are welcome to wear Viking or fantasy-style garments, tunics, or similar. It is a celebration day, so dress as you like.
Summary:
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bring a symbolic object
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dress naturally and in theme
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you will enter separately
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you will hold a sword
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you will make your vows while looking at each other
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you will cross the swords
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your hands will be bound
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you will exchange rings
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a toast and celebrations will follow
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The Viking unions will be celebrated by Katia Bridge of Clan Trumusio on Friday 19 (afternoon), Saturday 20, Friday 26 (afternoon), Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June (not Sunday 21).
Note:
Viking weddings are performed only for couples.
Participants from outside Trieste are asked for a €20 contribution for materials.
Bank transfer reference: “Donation for materials – Viking union” IBAN: IT 41O 054 8402 2010 0000 1002 619.
After payment, please email info@triskellfestival.it confirming payment, time, date, and names.
Others may pay €20 directly at the New Age Center, Via Nordio 4/C, during opening hours.
Those who wish to join in this ancient ritual may also request it during the festival at the Info-Point, upon making the required €20 contribution requested by the celebrant for materials.
Reservations are recommended by June 10 at the association headquarters:
New Age Center, Via Nordio 4/C, Trieste, during opening hours (10:00–13:00 and 15:30–20:00),
or from June 17 directly at the Info-Point in the festival area.
For further information, please write to: