Symbols & Their Meanings
no:16 ~ Skål
You may have noticed me signing off my posts with the word "Skål."
No it's not my name, but a word with deep roots in Norse culture.
Let's dive in and learn more about the meaning behind this super interesting word.
raising a bowl and saying "Skål" was not just a simple toast. It symbolised the unity and camaraderie among the Norse people.
It is a Norwegian, Swedish & Danish word that comes from the old Norse word skál which means ‘bowl’. This doesn’t mean I have some fascination with bowls.
In ancient times, a bowl would be passed around the mead hall where people would make toasts. This is where it became a somewhat slang word for our modern day ‘cheers’ (good health).
Skaldic poetry was a big thing in the Viking age. Someone who performed this was a Skáld. Many of the remaining stories we have of the Viking age and their religion were recording in this complex verbal skaldic poetry, only to be written down in the 12th-13th century in Iceland.
The word Skål also comes from the old Norse word ‘skalli’ meaning ‘bald head’, which is where our modern word ‘skull’ comes from.
No, Vikings never drank from the skulls of their enemies like Disney and Hollywood would suggest, and there is not a single source or archaeological find that would suggest that. If someone did this they would have been regarded as disgusting and most likely banished from their community.
By drinking from the same bowl together, Vikings were sharing aN experience. This strengthened their bonds and their sense of belonging to a community.
So, next time you raise a glass and say "Cheers," remember the Viking origins of this word. It's a toast to friendship, good health and the cultural heritage of the Norse.
Have an A1 day!
Skål.
