Yes, it is true – we have not faded away.
Some folks had rougher 2020s, some folks had rougher 2021s. We fell into the latter category, but have hope for 2022. And so, we’re back with a new episode (and it won’t be a year until the next one – honest)! Part of the delay was also just the sheer epicness of our topic – der Lewesbaam. Yes, instead of a holiday-centric episode, we’re breaking down the Urglaawe world tree. And we hope you enjoy it.
Welcome back! In our first anniversary show, we take a deeper look into the traditions of Entschanning, including the Kannsege, where we activate our Butzemenner.
For the naming convention explained in more detail, have a look at https://urglaawe.blogspot.com/2012/02/butzemann-naming-convention.html
Also, in case anyone is interested in Grundsau art, feel free to go look at https://www.rachelyoderart.net – she does fabulous work, as seen by these gorgeous pieces we have from her.
Hallicher Grundsaudaag!
This month we look at a multitude of holidays – Voryuul, Yuul, and Berchtaslaaf. Plus we have visits from the Belsnickel, Lutzelfraa, and Krampus! To find the Philadelphia Women’s* Slavic Ensemble, head to http://www.singslavic.com and to find the main Urglaawe Facebook group, simply visit http://www.facebook.com/groups/Urglaawe
Or, why we have a God of Death, Scrapple, and Second Chances. The Dunkelheft is here, and we have a bit of spooky, as well as a cautionary tale.
Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
This is the first post on the blog that will be accompanying the Holle’s Haven podcast. Posts will vary, some may be transcripts for folks who have trouble hearing, some will be stand-alone pieces, hopefully in time we may have guest pieces as well.
The first things you may be wondering is “what is Urglaawe?”, and, “why should I listen to you?”
Urglaawe is a living Heathen tradition, created from the lore and lifeways of the Pennsylvania Germans. That doesn’t mean that we’re all from the greater Deitscherei area (which includes Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, and even parts of Canada). It also doesn’t mean that we’re all of Pennsylvania German descent. We are a firmly inclusive religion, with members from a range of socio-economic and genetic backgrounds, spread across North America, and even in Europe.
If our Gods and Goddesses call to you, that is what matters. Not the colour of your skin, or where you were born, or who you love. Growing up in the Deitscherei, or the surrounding areas, can help with understanding our lore and beliefs, but it is not a prerequisite to know the Deitsch culture; if you hang around us long enough, you’ll start picking up our quirks.
And why listen to me?
I spent most of the first 30 or so years of my life looking for a home. About six years ago, I found it. An interview on a podcast introduced me to Rob Schreiwer, who is the Elder and co-founder of Urglaawe. Through interviews that he conducted, he found that there was more to the folklore and practices of Braucherei and Hexerei than was previously understood. After meeting the folks in the Distelfink Sippschaft (the mother “kindred” of Urglaawe), I knew I had found my home. In the spring of 2018 I was honoured to be elevated to act as a Ziewern (Godswoman) for Distelfink. So, I think I can share some insight into our lively, reverent, yet irreverent, colourful Urglaawe.
In this episode we go in-depth and learn how to activate your Butzemann through the Kannsege and the Butzemannsege. For more background, listen back to episodes 1 and 9, when we discuss the Butzemann in more detail.
This month is all about giving thanks, both for a good harvest, and the Zisa, our Undooer of Knots and Obstacles.
It’s July, and that means it’s time for hay-making! We dive into the Zusaagpflicht, why grass is so important, and how to keep oaths to the Maerriche.
If you would like to purchase a copy of “The First Book of Urglaawe Myths”, you can do it without Amazon at https://www.abebooks.com/9781500790226/First-Book-Urglaawe-Myths-Old-1500790222/plp. Or https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-first-book-of-urglaawe-myths-robert-l-schreiwer/1120320050
This month we look at the Observance of the Desecrated Shrines, end of life planning at Dingsege, and how Summeraafang is about more than just hanging out in the sun. If you want to hear more about death midwifery, my interview with Cory at New World Witchery is a good start https://newworldwitchery.com/2019/10/10/episode-153-death-midwifery-with-victoria-young/
Another month has passed, and we’re ramping up the action, both inside and out. This episode we look at Lenzbutzerei (Spring Cleaning), Wonnezeit, and learn how our Butzemenner defeat King Frost.
If you would like more information on Wonnezeit, a brief description can be found at https://urglaawe.blogspot.com/2019/04/wonnezeit-begins-at-sundown.html
If you’re more interested in the Frost Giants’ attack, look no further than http://deitschmythology.blogspot.com/2017/05/and-here-they-come.html
Three holidays all in one! We’re back with our second episode, which explores the crowded month of March in the Urglaawish year. We look at Grumbieredaag (March 17th), Oschdre (the Vernal Equinox), and Ziegdaag (April 1st), which we’ve adapted from the Deitsch tradition of “Flitting Day”, when tenant farmers would move their families.
For more info on the holidays discussed here, and lore on Der Bariyeharr, and an explanation of Ziegdaag historically: http://deitschmythology.blogspot.com/2015/03/oschdre-where-color-comes-from-origin.html
https://urglaawe.blogspot.com/2019/04/der-ziegdaag.html
Holle's Haven: The Urglaawisch Podcast 