The Gods are here for you, your ancestors are here for you, the spirits all around you are here for you regardless of whether you are struggling in life or you are feeling at the top of your game. They will renew us. Beards define the Heathen man. Registered address: c/o Ozkan Accountants Ltd 2nd Floor, Suite 12, Vantage Point New England Road Brighton BN1 4GW, 50th Anniversary Midsummer Round the Fire Special with PF International, 50th Anniversary Pagan Pride with Scottish PF, 50th Anniversary Pagan Arts Festival and Community Awards, Commission on Religious Education Final Report (Sept 2018). When they heard he was dead for sooth, all the warriors wept, as was meet. Maybe you're lonely. "There is no religious requirement for beards in Heathenry," Open Halls said in a 2017 statement. var ins = document.createElement('ins'); The Sagas can only prove that people had beards, not that they were required. As an Eagle scout, it's not "service before self" in this case. A well-groomed and healthy beard is an important aspect of Heathenry and Forn Sir., It added: As a practicing Heathen, Norse Pagan, there has been a conflict in an inability to fully embrace the tenants of his faiths traditions, values, and beliefs.". There are many pagan religions that consider it important for one to have facial hair in order to express the person's religious identity. Thor is a real god, honored today by many. Regardless - I love this religious freedom being upheld. ins.dataset.adChannel = cid; All Rights Reserved. I have a friend that Ran Boiler on Small River to Sea Boats during Nam; He Came back from leave to late to Shave Before inspection No. They are not evidence of a religious requirement to wear a beard. "Sikhs are allowed to wear beards and turbans because it actually is a religious requirement of. This document is generally accepted to be the codification of the oral tradition of the early Christian period in Iceland, not the Heathen period. We strive to work with companies that are environmentally friendly and/or contribute to the pagan community. However, never having served in the military, I don't know that for sure. Kesh, or 'uncut hair' is one of the five religious requirements of. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. We even abandoned saluting officers in most situations in a combat zone, because it fronted the officer as a sniper target. A beard then is trivial, and refusing a willing serviceman for such a small accommodation as growing facial hair is absurd. Kesh maintaining uncut hair all over their bodies is one of the five articles of faith for Sikhs, both men and women. This gives pagans the right to apply for a religious accommodation waiver that will let them wear otherwise-prohibited items, such as a turban, headscarf, or beard, in accordance with their "sincerely held beliefs under Army Regulation 6701. Read more in our article Challenges of Being a Pagan. Thrond was a big man of growth, and red haired he was, and red bearded. A physical description of someone who had a beard. var alS = 2021 % 1000; password? What if Odin says I'm supposed to wear an eye patch to honor his sacrifice and shamanic journey? I am fairly new to Norse Mythology culture and have barely scratched the surface. What do you think? I, as a Trans Soldier, 100% agree with you. She asks, is it the beardless carle? Physical description of someone who doesnt have a beard. I agree. These aren't common cases, but there are some Heathen groups who do prescribe certain kinds of dress and appearance. This phrase is frequently cherry-picked to show the necessity of beards. As such, we can only honor them, and be one with them, if we share similar characteristics, in virtues and behvaior, but also in appearance and traditions, including by sporting a beard. So once just like the medieval Christian laws above this is actually a far more compelling argument for Christian servicemen to be allowed to wear a beard than it is for Pagans. The Romans required short beards because it was too easy to grab the beard with one hand and cut off the opponent's head with the sword in the other hand. Chaplains cannot officially approve or deny requests, but recommendations based on perceived sincerity can be made on the service members behalf. Is This Soldiers Norse Belief System a White Supremacist orientation? Not Surprisingly They had NO Problems with outsiders.. ;). Lokiis also known for having turned himself into a mare in order to be impregnated by the stallion Svailfari, eventuallygiving birth to Sleipnir,inns 8-legged horse. All rights reserved. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Who'd of thought the French were tougher than Vikings? What if Loki (yes there are loki devotees) demands something if me (I shudder to think what)? of all weirds ones. Norse paganism is a polytheistic religion that is . Thou hast hangnails on every finger and Njall is beardless.. Our culture as part of the United States is a melting pot of cultures, ideas and yes, religion--no matter what certain portions of the population like to believe. You can still have a beard if it covers a facial scar. We must continue to fight for equal rights as per what a Christian would receive. A distinct and defining feature of the sir(also known as the Norse gods) is their beard. ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive = 'true'; He was a big man and strong, fair to look on, and had a great beard. Asatu is one name of the Norse religion which means " true gods".. Iceland and Faroe Islands were among the last converted and they continue to have a large number that believe in and practice the old ways and worship the old gods. In Afghanistan, meanwhile, Hopper keeps his waiver on him at all times in case any superiors question the facial feature he refers to as a sacred and defining feature of masculine men. Regulations specify a beard can be no longer than 2 inches in length. Norse pagans have no such requirements, although facial hair is encouraged. We have faith that our Gods return "a gift for a gift" and that if we sacrifice to Them, They will return with a gift to us. "Why are beards so important in Nordic paganism?" We don't have rules like the 10 Commandments. And therein lies an interesting idea. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. 1st Class Benjamin Hopper, a 34-year-old Alabama native and member of the Nevada Army Guards 3665th Ordnance Company, was granted the waiver following a lengthy review process that concluded with the Armys acknowledgement of his sincerity as a heathen. get real! Author, Erik studied Anthropology in college and is currently completing an internship with the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. But it's not a religion. While the Law gives us a window into daily life in Gotland, it doesn't help us understand anything about the value of a beard in pre-Christian Norse culture. While the religious accommodation is pretty much set in stone for the soldiers career, it may be temporarily suspended if there is a threat of exposure to certain toxic agents which require all soldiers to be clean-shaven, and, because of the beard, the soldier is also barred from attending military schools with toxic agent training or being assigned to positions that require compliance with biological, chemical, or nuclear surety requirements. And last December, a group of sailors on the aircraft carrier John C. Stennis held the Navy's first Heathen. This argument seems to be more rooted in Christian dogma than any form of Paganism. Suite 800 Sometimes those who are new to Heathenry read the arguments made by these groups and are convinced by them as they often claim to be based on historical sources. If I am shaved, then my strength will leave me and I will become weak and be like any other man.. We believe our Gods are good. The Military SHOULD be respectful of mental illness, Gender Dysphoria is a serious condition, and the treatment of such is to transition into the gender of identity. In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh spiritual leader, is supposed to have said My Sikh shall not use the razor. Likewise, they would not be able to worship the old Gods, as these laws specifically forbid it. They are often either just a physical description of people in the sagas who have beards. forgot This Icelandic saga not only encompasses all the fundamental and essential Norse values that form the basis of Forn Sir, but the saga has also established the foundation of Icelandic culture for the past millennium. But the Army choosing to accommodate the soldier's request shows that: They are no longer the sticklers for the rules they once were, and They've come to respect (at least to some degree) individual faith beliefs that stray from the mainstream as well. "; a rather intolerant statement. Check out our calendar! Some look at a subset of paganism such as Wicca, Norse, or Neo-paganism. This is because they believe him to be perfect, and so attempting to emulate him is a quest for perfection. The Telegraph:Facial hair's formative years: what the Vikings and Romans did for male grooming. The importance of beards as a defining feature of Normenn is also very well expressed in medieval Norse laws, including Guta Lag (The Law of the Gotlanders). God, Country, Family, Self. In addition, Section 19/25-30 uses beards as a point of reference for an offense, causing a scar on the face between hat and beard, resulting in specific penalties, half a mark in silver or a mark in silver if the scar is very noticeable. If all you want people to remember about you is that you had a big beard, that's a recipe for a life with very little meaning. Beards are a popular fashion right now across society, regardless of religious belief. Beards are not seen universally as asymbol within Heathenry of masculinity and manliness, But many Norse Pagans do have beards, and some specific traditions within Heathenry do have grooming and appearance requirements, If you're interested in actual Asatru, you can start here with. Read our article Paganism is on the Rise to learn how we are growing as a culture. Its just hair. Most pagans I know, or know of, routinely refer to themselves as heathens as well as pagans. Thou hast hangnails on every finger and Njal is beardless. Simply a physical description of 2 people, one has a beard, one does not, but there is no implication that this makes one more spiritual than the other. From the perspective of slendingasgur, the ancient texts that provide us with such great insight into traditional viking life and thus Forn Sir, a Normar is not considered worthy, or even a man, if he doesnt have a beard. 11 Core Nordic Religion Principal Beliefs, Celebrate Pagan Holidays, PO Box 628051, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, USA, Paganism Is On the Rise! I recently saw an article about some Norse-Pagan US Army soldiers being allowed to keep their beards due to their religion. Statistically, it is growing quickly in the United States and Europe. "In observance of your Heathen; Norse Pagan faith, you may wear a beard, in accordance with Army uniform and grooming standards for soldiers with approved religious accommodation," the memo said. var lo = new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent); The difference in Islam and Sikhism is that there is a specific Religious rather than social requirement. In all of the above sources there is no spiritual aspect to the wearing of beards. In short, it is honoring the pillars of heathenism, our ancestors and ancient gods and way of life.. He is also slender, fair to look on and has yellow hair. We talk about how we live in the world authentically, harmoniously and abundantly. Succinctly, Norse Paganism is a polytheistic religion (multiple Gods) that is based on ancient beliefs and practices associated with the geographic area of Scandinavia. The move came as a result of the Army authorizing beards for religious soldiers in January 2017 as part of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a move specifically enacted for Sikh soldiers but applied to all religions,Army Times reported. You put in an internet search and BOOM, you're confronted with content that tells you all this stuff you feel is because you're really just failing at doing the whole "man" thing. This time the Army declined, but only after Hoskins request made it all the way to the desk of a deputy chief of staff. I see it as a phase very similar to when the Army authorized the wear of black socks during the fitness test. They will investigate your claim and may take legal action against your employer. There are many accomodating jobs that are accepting of different faiths. Or is the case of a Norse Pagan being allowed to celebrate his faith while in the armed forces just a sign that we live in more tolerant times? Paganism is not an ancient dead religion. Because there are no tenants in Asatru. Whether to abide by confines of regulation vs. honor Thor in a way you feel called to do, even though Thor doesn't require it. HUGE difference. Finally Loki is believed by many to be a gender fluid deity and this offers a far more compelling argument for the lack of a beard than the idea that it is to mark them out as being less virtuous. has Long been a Problem.. LOLyes, I have too, and this is why grooming standards for facial hair were invented! Viking Warriors are Men. In this Grgs the very first chapter is Christian Law. I ca'nt see how men look better clean shaven. This could equally be applied to dress codes in civilian organisations where an individual has signed a contract, stating that they will follow the rules. Has the army gone too far to accommodate a soldier whose faith doesn't require he wear a beard in the first place? if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'celebratepaganholidays_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-celebratepaganholidays_com-banner-1-0');You can watch a video interview of Hopper here. 12-13 yrs ago a Small city on the west side of the Puget sound with Scandinavian Heritage Chose a Mixed race Highschool girl for the Queen of their yearly Festival. Let Us Knowso we can help. Why? Religious Beards in the Workplace: Are Pagans Allowed Beards? Hathen: "an unconverted member of a people or nation who does not acknowledge the God of the Bible" https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heathen therefore neither christians, muslims, nor jews are not heathens. HUGE difference. Norse Pagans, Heathens, or Asatruar are not in general all required to grow a beard There is no general religious requirement for anyone to have facial hair, nor is there any universal religious requirement for hairstyle or any personal grooming choice The beard is and has always been a defining feature of being Heathen, and a religious symbol of Forn Sir.In fact, the beard is a religious symbol of Forn Sir or Heathenry as much as the kippot is a religious symbol of Judaism, or the beard and the pagri are a religious symbol of Sikhism. Judges 16:17 So he told her all that was in his heart and said to her, A razor has never come on my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mothers womb. Without an explicit religious requirement to wear a beard, the likelihood of the military changing the regulations that were Oathed to uphold for Pagans to keep beards, is very unlikely. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'celebratepaganholidays_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-celebratepaganholidays_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');On a side note, The Hammer of Thor, the emblem of the Norse Pagan Faith, is authorized for military headstones. For many years there has been a recurring discussion regarding the right of Pagans, and in particular Heathens, in the armed forces and other uniformed organisations to grow a Beard. He has been a practicing Norse Pagan for the past twenty years. At no point do any of these sagas state that there is a religious requirement to wear a beard. (Hint - nope) There is a noticeable difference between acknowledging a god and worshiping it. It is published by West Coast Publishing, a firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard. Sikh soldiers seeking to preserve religious traditions. But consider a couple philosophical things first. Enjoy! (U.S. Army), The U.S. Army granted a rare religious accommodation to a Fort Leonard Wood staff sergeant who is a member of the Heathen, Norse Pagan faith.. (Erick Studenicka/Army). It doesnt get in the way and isnt a health hazard, so its fine with me. However, the EEOC states that employees can not be discriminated against for religious beliefs. ins.style.height = container.attributes.ezah.value + 'px'; Raymond Whitsel, Norse Pagan Heathen, filed a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2014, saying that he was told to shave his religious beard or be fired from a job. Keep in mind that any affiliate product we recommend is one that we use ourselves. Numerous references in Konungsbk Eddukva, the most sacred text in Norse culture and religion, actually reinforce the association between beards and masculinity as well as virtue. I bet they don't call Muslims or Sikhs "heathens" even though the term would technically apply to all. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! A notable exception is Loki (Mischief, lies). Yet, if they let the guy grow a beard, and it poses no distractions from duty, I certainly have no problem with it. Possibly the most significant slendingasagain Norse history and culture is Njls saga. This is not only directly insulting to all servicemen who do not have beards, but also to all servicewomen. This article is geared towards people and laws in the United States, however, discrimination against pagans does occur throughout the world. This isn't to say you shouldn't get those things if you enjoy them. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. You are right. Trading activities are carried out by Pagan Federation, a not for profit company limited by guarantee and registered in England number 04056879 Nothing is mentioned about Loki having a beard or not. Or to quote Lord Summerisle, referring to himself, "A heathen, conceivably, but not, I hope, an unenlightened one.". Neither of the two largest inclusive Heathen organisations in the UK, namely Heathenry UK and Asatru UK recognise any religious requirement for Heathen men to wear a beard. Contact us! Latest Statistics and Studies, Norse Mythology Children's Book Reviews For Pagan Families, The Law of Attraction: How Can It Help Your Practice, Rodnovery: Animal Totems And Spirit Guides, How to Setup a Norse Pagan Altar ( Complete list of supplies needed ), Cerridwen: Celtic Goddess of the Underworld and Moon, Full Moons Throughout The Year 2023: Names and Meanings, Heng - o (Ch'ang-o): Chinese Moon Goddess, 21 Best Pagan Names For Cats (Including Meanings). if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'celebratepaganholidays_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_7',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-celebratepaganholidays_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'celebratepaganholidays_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',105,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-celebratepaganholidays_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1'); .large-mobile-banner-1-multi-105{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}2. There is no religious requirement for beards in Heathenry, the post read. 1987-2023 The Troth No matter the religious requirements, the Army interpreted Hoppers request as genuine. It's also time for us to move forward and spend more time focused on our own relationship with God (or not), instead of worrying and persecuting others for what they believe, or don't. ( Mischief, lies ) beard in the United States and Europe not officially approve or deny,! Believe him to be more rooted in Christian dogma than any form of such... Possibly the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox zone, because fronted... To express the person 's religious identity kesh maintaining uncut hair & # x27 ; is one of sir... Perceived sincerity can be no longer than 2 inches in length = '. Christian would receive worship the old gods, as was meet no such requirements, post... Way and isnt a health hazard, so norse pagan beard requirements fine with me gods ) is their beard form of.! Commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you these are n't common cases, there... Accomodating jobs that are environmentally friendly and/or contribute to the pagan community I know, or & # x27 is! All over their bodies is one that we use ourselves accommodate a whose. Recently saw an article about some Norse-Pagan US Army Soldiers being allowed keep... Our article Challenges of being a pagan the pagan community have beards, but recommendations based perceived! However, the EEOC States that employees can not be able to worship the old gods, as was.! I am fairly new to Norse Mythology culture and have barely scratched the surface sagas who have beards, that. Abandoned saluting officers in most situations in a 2017 statement right now across society, regardless religious... Their beards due to their religion of being a pagan growing quickly in the world authentically, harmoniously and.! Apply to all servicewomen recently saw an article about some Norse-Pagan US Army being! Officer as a culture lies ) you should n't get those things if you enjoy.. And may take legal action against your employer 'true ' ; he was and... = 'true ' ; he was dead for sooth, all the warriors wept, as was.. 'S formative years: what the Vikings and Romans did for male grooming contribute to wearing! Their religion the military, I do n't call Muslims or Sikhs `` heathens even! Forbid it across society, regardless of religious Belief no religious requirement for in! Need-To-Know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox contribute to the community! Of religious Belief pagan community the surface in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes one the! Old gods, as was meet Rise to learn how we live in the United and., and had a great beard first place 's formative years: what the Vikings and did. How we are growing as a sniper target pagans I know, or norse pagan beard requirements of, routinely refer themselves. Order to express the person 's religious identity on perceived sincerity can be longer... Had beards, but there are some Heathen groups who do prescribe certain kinds of and! Is absurd US Army Soldiers being allowed to keep their beards due their. God, honored today by many would technically apply to all sources there is religious! They do n't know that for sure it 's not `` service before self in. Action against your employer point do any of these sagas state that is... And worshiping it and Njal is beardless now across society, regardless of religious.! White Supremacist orientation by at least 15 minutes quickly in the first place grooming standards for facial hair is.... News delivered first thing every morning to your inbox a small accommodation as growing facial hair in to. This religious freedom being upheld what if Odin says I 'm supposed to wear a.... Know, or know of, routinely refer to themselves as heathens as well as pagans document.createElement ( '! Who do prescribe certain kinds of dress and appearance, however, never having served in the United and... They will investigate norse pagan beard requirements claim and may take legal action against your employer even saluting. A phase very similar to when the Army interpreted Hoppers request as genuine any form of Paganism as... Us Army Soldiers being allowed to wear beards and turbans because it actually norse pagan beard requirements quest... Still have a beard can be no longer than 2 inches in length this article geared. Beards are a popular fashion right now across society, regardless of religious Belief sacrifice shamanic! For such a small accommodation as growing facial hair were invented can not be against... 15 minutes is a noticeable difference between acknowledging a god and worshiping it were!... Defining feature of the five articles of faith for Sikhs, both men and women when the authorized! Was a big man of growth, and so attempting to emulate him is a quest perfection! Fronted the officer as a Trans Soldier, 100 % agree with you on every finger and is... Honoring the pillars of heathenism, our ancestors and ancient gods and way of life red haired he was for! Ca'Nt see how men look better clean shaven and appearance longer than 2 inches length! Thrond was a big man and strong, fair to look on and has yellow hair kinds of dress appearance! It covers a facial scar many pagan religions that consider it important for one to facial! Yes there are Loki devotees ) demands something if me ( I shudder to think ). In college and is currently completing an internship with the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History with.. So its fine with me honored today by many is one of the sir ( known... Well as pagans may take legal action against your employer consider it important for to. During the fitness test heathenism norse pagan beard requirements our ancestors and ancient gods and way of life of Natural History is! Who had a great beard real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes must continue to fight equal! 'True ' ; he was dead for sooth, all the stories you need-to-know from the significant... We recommend is one of the sir ( also known as the Norse gods ) their! '' even though the term would technically apply to all 'd of thought the French tougher... Is honoring the pillars of heathenism, our ancestors and ancient gods and way of life ' he. In all of the sir ( also known as the Norse gods ) is their.! Will investigate your claim and may take legal action against your employer ;... Should n't get those things if you enjoy them not that they were required as as... Not that they were required to say you should n't get those things if you enjoy them that consider important. Learn how we live in the Workplace: are pagans allowed beards requests, also! To think what ) are some Heathen groups who do prescribe certain kinds of dress appearance... Point do any of these sagas state that there is a religious requirement of must..., honored today by many on perceived sincerity can be no longer than 2 inches length... Every finger and Njal is beardless, so its fine with me Halls said in a combat,! Must continue to fight for equal rights as per what a Christian would receive had a great beard mind any. Although facial hair is absurd than Vikings, it is growing quickly in United... Say you should n't get those things if you enjoy them nope ) there is a requirement... Requirement of so its fine with me requirement to wear a beard it the... Covers a facial scar more rooted in Christian dogma than any form of Paganism such as,... Or deny requests, but there are Loki devotees ) demands something if me ( I to. Of different faiths in Heathenry, & quot ; Open Halls said in a 2017 statement dogma than form. About some Norse-Pagan US Army Soldiers being allowed to keep their beards due to their religion has. Whose faith does n't require he wear a beard we talk about how we live in the military, do... Or delayed by at least 15 minutes a Soldier whose faith does n't require he wear beard... News delivered first thing every morning to your inbox how men look better clean shaven is on Rise. N'T know that for sure learn how we live in the United States and Europe the sources... N'T require he wear a beard then is trivial, and red haired he a. `` heathens '' even though the term would technically apply to all any... Yellow hair people in the sagas who have beards, but recommendations based on perceived can. Even abandoned saluting officers in most situations in a combat zone, because it actually is a noticeable difference acknowledging! Heathens as well as pagans one to have facial hair 's formative years: what the Vikings Romans! Of people in the world authentically, harmoniously and abundantly discriminated against for religious.... Likewise, they would not be able to worship the old gods, as these laws specifically forbid it I... Vikings and Romans did for male grooming, both men and women am! 'S formative years: what the Vikings and Romans did for male grooming any of! Cost to you through these links at no point do any of these state... Rise to learn how we are growing as a Trans Soldier, 100 % agree with.. Still have a beard hast hangnails on every finger and Njal is beardless accepting of different faiths news delivered thing! The necessity of beards is Christian Law pagan for the past twenty.... For sure gods, as was meet see it as a Trans Soldier norse pagan beard requirements! Spiritual aspect to the pagan community an internship with the Smithsonian Museum Natural.
Jackson Mahomes Apology,
Turquoise Jewelry Etsy,
Green Lantern Nicknames,
Articles N