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Just as with many organisations and faiths, the Assembly of The Elder Troth too has special days and events which are celebrated by many Asatruar. The links below provide a list of months and the events that you will find occur during those months. We hope you find the information both informative and useful.

From Living Asatru: A handbook of Simple Celebrations by Stephen A. McNallen, 1993.
Edited and adapted by Rurik Grimnisson, Shope and Steersman of the A.E.T. Inc.1996.

Day of Rememberance for Erik the Red

October 8th (Suggested)

Erik the Red is commonly recalled in the popular press as the father of Leif Erikson. Each October, as the U.S.A. gets ready to celebrate Columbus Day, jaded newspaper reporters and the Norwegian ethnic organisations remind us that, after all, the sailor from Genoa was about five hundred years too late. Lucky Leif gets the spotlight, but standing not far back in the shadows is that old rogue, Erik.

We thought he deserved better. When we learned that U.S. President Johnson declared October 9th of every year to be Leif Erikson Day, we decided to put in a mention of Leif's stalwart sire. Out of respect for the youngster's accomplishments, though, we opted to celebrate it the day before - hence the departure from our usual pattern of Days of Remembrance.

What was so special about Erik? Besides the passing on of exceptionally fine genes to his sons, he roared through Scandinavia with deeds destined to make his saga a wash of colour and drama. Exiled from land to land for his volatile temper, he had a way of making his neighbours uneasy. This didn't do much for community calm, but it did lead to the settlement of Greenland by the Vikings - and thus set the stage for Leif's spectacular voyage.

Erik was a dedicated follower of Thor. He stayed loyal to his blustery God even when his wife converted to Christianity and wouldn't sleep with him anymore. I don't imagine Erik went without a bedmate - and his wife got a little chapel, built right over the hill where her heathen husband wouldn't have to see it when he looked out of the house.

So how do we keep old Erik fresh in our memory? Here are some ways:

• We often recommend toasts and libations, but Erik, Thor's own man, seems like a particularly suitable candidate for the process. Lift a cup to the old Norseman who has come down to us so ringingly in legend and history.
• Work on your home or property. Erik the Red must have done lots of land clearing in his time.
• Okay, it's time to do Thor stuff! So take a satisfying work-out to stir up the muscles and the cardiovascular system, then (after a little rest) knock back a pint and a good hearty meal.
• Meditate on the rune thurisaz as it pertains to Erik the Red.
• Take a trip somewhere - some place with opportunity, change, and FUN. It doesn't have to be as grand as a tour of Greenland or Vinland, but do your best to manifest the spirit of Erik the Red, and his friend Thor!

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