Frith & Generosity.

 Dear Reader,

The holiday season is upon us. It looks a little different this year because of Covid-19, but there are some elements that remain the same. In antiquity, the Nordic and Germanic pagan cultures valued something known as 'frith' and generosity highly. These were the glue that helped hold the social structures of those societies together. We would do well to rekindle these concepts in our hearts to help heal the social agonies of our present day culture.

Frith is an ancient term. It denotes the concept of hospitality to strangers, keeping peace within the social group, and a state of safety. There are subtle differences across the different cultures how Frith was viewed, but these three major concepts underlay the variations. Frith literally translates to 'peace' or 'calm'. Places of sanctuary were denoted as frithgard, usually holy sites dedicated to the gods. The term Frith lasted up until the late middle ages with certain churches having a frith-stool, where one would sit upon if they were invoking holy sanctuary.

Generosity is well known, though not well practiced. Fame and renown in antiquity came in part from being known as a generous person in these cultures. Kings were upheld as examples of great generosity as they gave from their personal holdings to people who served them, people who were in need, and guests. How much of this is mythic uplifting of ancient kings as greater paragons of virtue than they were, who knows? The stories, however, tell us that this was a important element of the smooth functioning of that culture.

Now is the season of giving. We give gifts. We host parties. We celebrate widely. Let us remember in our giving to give the gifts of peace, good will, safety, and genuine generosity. Let us remember these things not because they commend us to others but in honor of the season and because they help us to be better people.