(Dragon) Associated with war & battle, mentioned often, found on items such as shields (the Sutton Hoo Burial an example), it is sometimes referred to as a Wyvern, serpent or worm. In Beowulf our hero battles one who guards a horde of treasure, the dracan is angered by the theft of some of this horde but is slain by the hero (who is himself mortally wounded). Legend says that Vortigern (the Celtic King who recruited the Germanic mercenaries to defend his British Kingdom) wanted to build a stronghold to withstand the Anglo-Saxon advance. Every time it was built it crumbled to the ground, Vortigern consulted his wise men who advised him that a fatherless child's blood needed to be sprinkled on the ground before it was built. When a child was found he surprised the wise men by telling them that beneath the foundations a cavern containing a lake existed. Here two dragons dwelt, one red (which represented the Britons, the red dragon on the Welsh flag. Incidentlly, the word Welsc, is Englisc for stranger, where the Welsh derive their name from), & one white (which represented the Anglo-Saxons. (The yellow wyvern on a red field is now a symbol of Wessex, a yellow dracan on a black field the symbol of pagan Mercia, & for most, the white dracan on a red field the symbol of the ethnic English).) When woken they began to fight, the white dragon defeating the red dragon (foretelling of the Anglo-Saxons victory over the Britons). This legend is possibly of medieval origin as no record exists of it in Anglo Saxon lore. The ancients would often use an animal skull (horse, stag, boar or wolf) fixed to a pole, with a wind sock flowing behind it (as a form of 'colours') to imitate this creature.

The Westbury White Horse

Horse

The horse was venerated by Germanic tribes as well as the Celts, the names of the legendary Hengest & Horsa (leaders of the first Germanic mercenaries hired by Vortigern) themselves mean 'Stallion' & 'Horse'. Twin horse gods under various names were worshipped thoughout the 'Germanic' world. There are carvings on the English landscape that testify to the importance of this symbol to both Celtic & Saxon cultures, & it is still used in heraldic imagery today (such as the coat of arms of Kent). The 'Westbury Horse' is probably of Anglo-Saxon origin rather than Celtic, this massive carving can be found on the hills of Bratton Down in Wiltshire, England. Local legend states that Ælfred the Great ordered it's carving to celebrate his victory over the Danes. So important was the horse to an Anglo-Saxon warrior they have been found buried together, joined in the after life as they were in the mortal.

An Anglo-Saxon Boar clasp

Boar

Probably the most revered animal of the heathen 'Germanic' peoples, indeed the 'bringing in of the Yule Boar' on twelfth night in honour of Frea is a long lasting custom of that season (a boar's head is still paraded every 17th December at Queen's College Oxford). The placing of an apple within it's mouth (how many times have you seen that in films etc?), is meant to represent the sun, linking this animal with the God 'Sky Father'. The poem 'Beowulf' tells us of warriors wearing boar crested helmets, & this is supported by plenty of archaeological evidence. The image of the boar can be found on other objects such as claps, shields etc. The boar was a symbol of war & battle as well as kingship, worn as protection, even today it is held in high regard.

Ceremonial whet stone sceptre from the Sutton Hoo Burial

Stag

The tradition of reverence towards this animal amongst the Anglo-Saxons is rooted in ancient times. The English custom of 'hoodening' dates back to heathen times when, during ceremonies, people would dress as stags & other animals. The importance of this symbol can be found in early references to it in Englisc, refering to it's presence at places such as sacred groves & temples, not to mention the archaeological evidence such as the Sutton Hoo Burial. In 'Beowulf' King Hroðgar's great hall is called 'Heorot' which is said to mean Stag. The Stag was important to the heathen West Saxons, Northumbrians, East Angles, and the God Frea. Carved pillars (ermula/Irminsul) played an essential role in the worship of Frea, the Stag being carved upon them, often with an object representing the sun in it's mouth (like the boar, a Stag's head would have an apple placed in it's mouth at feasts). The Stag's head is still an important image & used in many hereldic arms of English Counties and organisations.

Stylised Anglo-Saxon sheild bird

Bird

The importance of the bird (mostly Raven or Eagle) can be found in evidence such as the Sutton Hoo Burial, where it is found on objects such as the helmet & shield. It is believed the bird was noted for it's courage & it's symbol would help impart this quality upon the wearer. The Raven is associated with war & battle, sacred to Woden. In Englisc they are described as being wælceasig/wæcyrge, meaning chooser of the slain (a connection with the Norse Valkyrie). It would seem birds played an important role in Anglo-Saxon heathenism.

Anglo-Saxon fylfot brooch

Fylfot

A most sacred symbol of the heathen Anglo-Saxons, it has connections to the worship of both the sun and the Thunder God Þúnor, it can be found carved on many objects and places throughout England. It seems to have strong connections to burial as it is found in grave goods & on cremation urns. It can also be found engraved upon weapons as it was a symbol of the strength of Þúnor. A warrior carrying such a weapon was blessed with his protection during battle, brooches were worn to invoke his protection as well. It is a shame that it is nowadays seen only as a symbol of evil, the complete opposite of it's true meaning. Perhaps education in the old ways & beliefs will eliminate this, and modern day Heathens can reclaim this sacred symbol from those who misuse it.

Anglo-Saxon Hammer amulet

Hammer

A symbol of the God Þunor's hammer which produced thunder & lightning. This symbol represented power & strength and wearing it would give the bearer the God's protection & power. It is often found amongst grave goods.

Sun Wheel

A symbol used in various ceremonies, representing not only the sun but also the wheel of time which turns endlessly. It is found on jewelry, carvings, as well as being used on bread/cakes (Hot Cross Buns). An import symbol amongst most ancient societies, not only the 'Germanic' tribes.

Gera Rune

A symbol that represented the harvest & the 'Earth-Mother', used during ceremonies associated with both. It would be used to decorate cakes as well as being found carved in stone etc. where it is a sign of devotion.

Tiw Rune

This rune represented Tiw and the 'Sky-Father' (possibly one and the same), it was, like the Gera rune, used during ceremonies associated with the said 'Sky-Father'. It was also used as a symbol for war, as Tiw was the God of War, and could offer protection and induce valour for the wearer.

Sigel Rune

A rune which imbued strength and protection, it would be displayed during Geol and Liþa in an effort to guard against fire and lightning strikes. It was also etched upon war gear and worn as pendants to offer protection and give strength to the wearer.

Valknut

A symbol often found carved on stone, or funeral wear. Theories differ on the meaning of this symbol, some linking it to the Þyr Hrungnir (Hrungnir's heart), as this was supposed to be triangular and made of stone. Others point out the importance of the number three (Holy Trinity?), and that it is made up of three interlaced triangles, which of course total nine, the number of realms. It is found carved in many of the 'Germanic' homelands, and what is known is that it is linked to Woden and the 'fallen'. It is used today as a symbol by many Germanic Neopagan groups, to show their reverence of the Great God Woden.

'Knot pattern'

Variants of this pattern can be found all over the 'Germanic' world. It is unfortunately regularly referred to as a 'Celtic Knot'. But if you observe ancient Celtic art it is associated with 'swirls' rather than 'knots'. This has it's roots in 'Germanic' culture, reaching the Celtic world usually via the Vikings who settled in their lands, rather annoying at times 'experts' will attribute it's origins to Ireland. But you only need to research Norse, and Saxon art to prove this untrue, as stated, any that do originate in Celtic art are usually there because they have been influenced by their 'Germanic' neighbours.

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Customs

Maypole

Deep rooted in heathenism & the worship of the cosmic tree Yggdrasil, the Maypole is still an important part of some rural communities (the Christians tried to banish it but failed), and is also part of Celtic tradition as well. Todays' Maypoles are smaller versions of the more ancient type (these could reach heights of over 100 feet, very few now exist, sadly most of these ancient ones were destroyed by Christian zealots). The custom of decorating them with greenery & ribbons, fixing a garland around it's top, & dancing & frolicking around it, all stem back to these ancient times and have an obvious link to fertility as well. Not as a phallic symbol as is so often cited, but because the 'Cosmic Tree' Yggdrasil would always be green and fertile (if you want to see a symbol of fertility, then take a look at some of the carvings of Frea). The Maypole pictured above is from the German town of Otisheim.

Beating of the Bounds

Used to define the borders of a community, it involved children, so as to teach them where the boundaries of the tribe existed, and therefore to learn where they were safe. It is still performed annually in some parts of England today, but of course strictly controlled by the 'church'.

Burning the Bush

An ancient tradition still practiced in places such as Hereford & Worcester. Twelve bonfires are lit with a larger one in their centre, onto this a hawthorn 'globe' is filled with straw and thrown in (this represents the sun or the wheel of time). As it burns a new one is weaved out of a hawthorn bush which is soaked in cider and scorched in the embers of the bonfire. 'Old Cider' is chanted nine times and then the 'globe' is stored away until the following year when it is burned and the process starts all over again. Probably originating in a ceremony to ensure the continued turning of the wheel of time, to ward off the winters due before Ragnarok.

Wassailing

A tradition whose name originates from the Englisc 'Wass Hæl' (to your health). On twelfth night of Geol a 'wassailing' bowl, decorated with greenery, was filled with drink, known as 'lambs wool'. Each person would drink from this cup & wish health to all those present. The poorer members of the community would go from dwelling to dwelling with an empty cup singing wassail songs, asking for food & drink, carrying a stick decorated with greenery & ribbons. Wassail trees (usually apple trees), were decorated, and people would sing songs and pour cider on their roots, horns were blown to scare away bad spirits (Sound like, carol singing, Christmas, trees, & new year traditions?).

Straw Bear

A custom where a man was dressed head to foot in a costume made entirely of straw. This practice still goes on in some English villages, others just make effigies made of straw. In heathen times the 'straw man' may well of been sacrificed.

Blessing the Plough

A custom that is still practiced, dating back to heathen times but usurped by the Christians. A ceremony to praise 'Earth Mother', a heathen charm was sung to the 'Earth Mother' & 'Sky Father', a marriage to bring fertility to the earth, this was followed by drinking and carousing (something most ceremonies were followed by and rightly so).

Horn Blowing

A custom in North Yorkshire dating back to 886 when Ælfred the Great granted a charter and horn, the horn was blown to summon the community together, either to hear news, or a call to arms. This has transformed into the 'Town Crier' in most other areas. Although attributed to Ælfred, this is unlikely, as Yorkshire was mostly under the influence of the Danes and not Wessex. It also occurs elsewhere in England and probably dates back to the first settlements of the 'Anglo Saxons', as the settlement may be called to arms at any moment to repulse a Romano British attack.

Hoodening

A custom where people dress up as animals or carry animal heads in a ritual dance or parade. Cattle were sacrificed to the Gods & their skins used, this tradition is still practiced in many places in England today.

Mayday Parade

A festival that dates back to the worship of trees and fertility (the Church attempted to ban it, but it was too popular and so still survives today, not only in England but throughout the world). Customs such as 'going-a-maying' (collecting flowers & greenery), May Poles, parades and dancing continue. Superstitions of May Day include walking in the early dew, and washing your face in it, or soaking blankets in dew (this was thought to help cure certain ailments). May Queens were crowned (and still are) as well as May Kings, and horse parades (which were finely decorated with ribbons ect. (see Hobby Horses below) also took place.

Hobby Horses

A custom associated with 'Hoodening' and compared with the custom of 'Ulebukk' (Yule-goat) in Scandinavia. The horse being a sacred animal to the Anglo-Saxons, and therefore always an important figure in a lot of ceremonies.

Easter

As previously explained in other pages on this site, an ancient tradition that predates Christianity. All to do with re-birth, traditions such as egg painting, egg rolling, egg hunting, easter eggs, & the easter bunny or hare all originate in this heathen ceremony (nothing to do with Joshua Ben-Joseph, Jesus). The veneration of the Goddess Eostre and what she brings the world is what this is all about.

Egg Rolling

A popular custom still practiced in some areas of England which represents the rolling of the sun through the sky. This has evolved into the 'egg and spoon' race in most places now, which is performed at most local Fayres and school sports days.

Well Dressing

An ancient custom usually venerating a local god, or water spirit. This tradition has it's roots not only in the 'Germanic' tribes but also the Celtic & Roman peoples. Sources of water were always important and sacred areas because of their obvious importance to the tribe.

Blessing the Sea

A ceremony used to ensure safe journeys & good catches of fish (yet again usurped by the Christians). It was meant to placate Ægir and in particular Rag, to calm the waves and seek bountiful harvest of the sea.

Cheese Rolling

A tradition still popular today and practiced in England, indeed visitors from all over the world visit the better known ones to take part. It has it's origins, like egg rolling, in representing the rolling of the sun through the sky. The cheese is rolled down a steep hill and chased by the men of the community, the one who catches it was thought to gain the favour of the Gods, and their fields would be more fertile in the coming seasons.

Mummers Plays

Plays linked to a ceremony celebrating Þunor's antics. A custom where people would dress up in costume or as animals, parade round the village or town, and perform plays at inns or in houses (this could not be stopped by the early church, and so adapted it to suit their own purposes, Þunor is replaced by Christ, the passion plays being an example).

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