MusingsOfHulda

Midwinter Orison by Andy Kehoe

^ My father’s haplogroup (traced through my brother.)

What’s particularly interesting is Y-DNA haplogroup I1. There is no trace of it in Neolithic Europe, nor in other IE cultures. It originated in southern Scandinavia, where according to the Ynglingatal and Ynglinga Saga, the Gods sired the first of the Ynglings.

The Mabinogion is a collection of eleven prose stories collated from medieval Welsh manuscripts. The tales draw on pre-Christian Celtic mythology, international folktale motifs, and early medieval historical traditions.

Druidess by Lionel Royer

Irish mythology, Éimhear, daughter of Forgall Monarch, and her husband, the hero, Cú Chulainn. Illustration by Giacinto Gaudenzi

In Scandinavia this is called a maschma or marsma. A bag for your craft supplies, which is rolled up and easily buttoned. And therefore easy to take with you. Originally made from scraps of fabric and yarn, left over from homemade clothing or traditional costumes.

“We of Norse blood, but American birth, if we are true to the best that is in us, cannot fail to have an interest in the trials and the achievements of the pioneer fathers. We must recognize the true heroism of the men and women who braved the hardships and suffered the privations of frontier life.”

Northern Beauty by Tamara Yufa

Winter Spirit by Swedish artist Naktis

“Animism is the way humanity has been deeply connected to the land and its seasonal cycles for millennia, in rapport and conversation with the animals, plants, elements, ancestors and earth spirits. The opposite of animism is the “cult of the individual” so celebrated in modern society, and the loss of the animist worldview is at the root of our spiritual disconnect and looming ecological crisis. Human beings are just one strand woven into the complex systems of Earth Community, and the animistic perspective is fundamental to the paradigm shift, and the recovery of our own ancestral wisdom.” ―Pegi Eyers *Artwork by Elin Manon

The Norwegian bridal crown came in use at the end of the middle ages. The crown was undoubtedly the most expressive part of anything the bride would wear. It would be a symbol of her purity and virginity. Women who did not qualify in that category or who were pregnant or who were widowed were not allowed to wear the bridal crown. Bridal crowns varied from district to district. They, as a rule, would be richly decorated with detailed silver work and, of course, would be very valuable. Some of these crowns were privately owned if the family was wealthy enough, but most of the crowns were owned by the church and would be rented out.

My Finnish ancestry comes from Savonia and Karelia. It’s an area of eastern Finland (Karelia is now divided between Finland and Russia) steeped in rich history and culture. Several places of importance are mentioned in the Kalevala regarding Savonia and Karelia.

A maid from Savonia churning butter by Zachris Topelius and the Savonian coat of arms

Northern Sun ☀️❄️

Cerridwen by Elena Albanese

Folk costume from Zemgale (central Latvia)

Karelian woman wearing traditional dress

As Väinämöinen matured, his connection to music deepened. His melodies possessed the power to heal, inspire, and control the elements. With his enchanted kantele (a traditional Finnish musical instrument), Väinämöinen could sway the winds, calm turbulent waters, and beckon creatures from the depths of the forests. The wise and venerable Väinämöinen became a revered figure among both gods and mortals. His teachings transcended the boundaries of mere mortals, offering insights into the mysteries of the universe. Through his music, he communicated with spirits, sought guidance from celestial beings, and navigated the intricate web of existence. #Finland #Folklore #Culture #Kalevala #Mythology