Do you want to experience the thrill of living like a Viking for a day? Well, now you can.
Read on to learn how to dress, eat, and act like one of these legendary Norsemen.
With our tips and tricks on how to live like a Viking for a day, you will be able to feel what it was really like in the days when Vikings ruled the seas.
So grab your drinking horn and let’s get started.
Dress Like A Viking
To really get into the spirit of the day, you should dress in Viking-style clothing. Women should wear long dresses while men should wear pants and a tunic.
A wool cloak is also a nice touch and it will help keep you warm in the colder months.
You can find authentic Viking garments online, at historical clothing stores, or you may choose to make your own.
To top off your look, you may be tempted to wear a horned helmet or a fur headdress with horns attached. However, you should be aware that there is no evidence that the Vikings actually wore horned helmets.
So if you want to remain authentic you should avoid this.
Learn Some Cultural Basics
Before you go about living your life as a Viking for a day, it’s important that you brush up on some basic cultural knowledge.
Vikings are known for their unique style of dress, their hearty appetites, and their strong warrior spirit.
You should also study Norse Mythology to learn about famous gods, understand their language, read stories of famous Viking warriors, and familiarize yourself with the myths that were so important in shaping Viking life.
Knowing these cultural basics will get you into the mindset of a Viking for your day-long experiment.
Equip Yourself With Viking Accessories
A drinking horn is an essential part of a Viking look and it can be used during feasts as well as to toast any special occasion.
You can buy a traditional drinking horn online or make your own from cow horns that are readily available from craft shops or hunting stores.
If you choose to make one, be sure to treat the inside with beeswax so it doesn’t absorb the flavor of whatever you put in it.
You should also consider getting a sword or axe for true authenticity. You can purchase plastic variations that look like the real deal which are perfect for parties.
But for re-enactments you will probably want to purchase a genuine weapon, just be careful not to harm anyone.
Learn How To Eat Like A Viking
To really get into the spirit of being a Viking, you should try to mimic their diet as closely as possible.
Vikings ate a lot of fish, meat, and dairy products like cheese and butter. They also had plenty of fruits and vegetables in their diets such as cabbage, onions, carrots, and apples.
Also, they loved making stews with meat and vegetables.
Vikings drank a lot of ale and mead, so be sure to stock up on those alcoholic beverages if you are looking for the full experience.
Understand Vikings Myths
The mythology of the Vikings is full of fascinating stories that are still relevant today.
Take some time to read up on these myths, which include tales about gods and goddesses such as Odin, Thor, and Freya.
Not only will this give you insight into their culture and beliefs but it can also teach you valuable lessons that are applicable to our own lives.
Learn The Old Norse Language
The Norse language was used by the Vikings during their time. To get into character, take some time to learn some basic phrases.
This can be done through online resources or with an Old Norse language app.
Knowing some common phrases will help you feel more connected to the culture and will also come in handy if you decide to watch any films or television shows about Vikings.
Get Skilled In Ancient Games
The Vikings had plenty of fun ways to pass the time when they weren’t off exploring new lands or raiding villages.
Board games such as hnefatafl (a strategy game similar to chess) were popular among both adults and children alike.
You could also try playing Kubb (also known as Viking Chess) which involves throwing wooden blocks at each other’s pieces in an attempt to knock them down before your opponent does.
There are lots of modern variations of these traditional games available online so you can easily recreate them at home.
Conclusion
Maybe you are a fan of Scandinavia or just want to do something fun with your kids.
Either way, choosing to live like a Viking for a day is a great way to get in touch with the culture and traditions of one of the most fascinating civilizations ever.
With the right gear, food, language skills, and games you can feel like an authentic Viking any day of the year.
So why not give it a try?
To you, we say – Happy Viking Day – Skål!