We’re back!

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.

Entschtanning 2021

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.

The Winter Grundsau

Hallicher Grundsaudaag!

Allelieweziel and Ewicher Yeeger

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.

As part of Allelieweziel, we honour our forebears. This twinkling haunted village was inherited from my mother, and is part of that practice for me every year.

Welcome to Holle’s Haven!

Welcome to Holle’s Haven

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.

Hoietfescht

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

Wonnezeit

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

Grumbieredaag, Oschdre, and Ziegdaag

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

The planting has started! Potatoes aren’t terribly easy to photograph, but the baby cabbages are pretty.