Sigrblót: the Ynglinga saga states one of the great festivals of the calendar is at sumri, þat var sigrblót "in summer, for victory".
April 14th is the sigrblot and with it the summer half of the year starts. The name of the month that follows it is Harpa. The name comes from a female vette, but why she has a full month named after her is lost to us.
Sumarmál is a time for the summer blót, the first of the summer half of the year and dedicated to victory in war and good luck on journeys. According to Gro Steinsland the blót was in the name of Odin. This of course makes sense when we know that Odin is among others a god of war, as well as a traveler.
Traditionally in Norway this day marked the end of the winter fishing season.
And finally this is the day when we turn the prime staff so that the summerside faces up. It is also the month of the girls, where the boys have to take extra care of their sisters.
Festivities include the sacrifice of prized livestock to the gods and large feasts outdoors. The blood is sprinkled on the statues of the gods, on the walls and on the participants themselves. Typically the drinks involve many fruity and sparkling drinks, meads and ales. At night there are large bonfires and dancing. Prominent members of the community are honored (especially those with academic achievement) and they boast to the community. Toasts are held in honor of Odin and for victory this summer. Saying the old prayer til árs ok friðar, "for a good year and frith (peace)" They asked for fertility, good health, a good life and peace and harmony between the people and the powers. Toasts are held in honor the community leaders. And Toasts are held in honor of the ancestors.
This is a particularly good day to do magical workings.
