The Northern Path

I’m still thinking about what to get people for Yule. Several artisans have websites showing their wares:

• Beautiful things from Urweg
• Original jewelry by Weylandsdottir
• Jewelry and Viking goods from Ragweed Forge. I’m very partial to the Birka glassware.

The Scandinavian retailers also have quite a few “Viking” objects inspired by Norse design. So far my favorite is the Viking spiral bottle stopper by Sigvat Designs, pictured at the left. Sigvat has also created a handsome set of wine charms.

The Tokheim pottery caught my eye, especially the beer mug with horse motif, pictured at right. If I’m feeling flush, I might also get someone the Hnefatafl set. Still, it’s not necessary to go out and spend a lot of money — handmade items, homemade preserves and CD music mixes also make great gifts, and they’re sure to be one of a kind.

Western skiers have been praying to Ullr for snowfall, and are apparently being rewarded. According to the Aspen Daily News:

This year’s early season drought has prompted some Roaring Fork Valley locals to turn to the gods. Several Ullr fires have been lit, and one group of locals is promising to burn one each week until the snow really starts flying.

“It’s just kind of a sacred spiritual event, pooling our energy into the rock and stick, to make energy move around to bring the snow,” said Danny Brown, an Aspen local who has been to several Ullr fires.

Aspen is also hosting its first Annual Pray for Snow party, complete with corporate sponsors: “… if it snows, organizers of the event — sponsored by KSNO-FM and 39 Degrees at the Sky Hotel — said the ceremony will be a way to thank the Norse god Ullr, or any other deity, pagan or otherwise, that unleashed the flakes. “

Invoking Ullr in Colorado is nothing new: Breckenridge has hosted an Ullr Fest for decades. The Fest sounds very tourist-friendly, featuring “the legendary Main Street Parade, live entertainment and bar series, a Nordic event, Ullympics and an ice skating party.”

Whistler Blackcomb also has an annual Ullr Party, and the Norse God is being invoked by official snowbloggers. These parties all sound like Good Clean Fun, encouraged by local tourist boards. And so far there don’t seem to be any objections from Christians — even when the God appears in Utah!