John Hoskins applied for a beard exemption as part of his proclaimed devotion to the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster a faith also known as Pastafarianism., This request is based on my deeply and sincerely held belief in the Pastafarian faith, Hoskins wrote in his request to the Army. "You Growing a Beard Sailor or You Just Lazy?" And indeed there were European tribes in the Heathen period where being clean shaven was the fashion, or in the case of the Lombards, long moustaches! They do indeed, yet they accept people who are afflicted with religion. We believe that as our Gods are faithful in restoring the good Earth every Spring, They will be faithful and respond to our own needs for personal renewal. Sgt. ins.style.width = '100%'; Down beard and chin ran the tears of Dietrich's men.. A memo written by commander Col. Curtis Shroedero, to whom the request was made and ultimately granted, was circulated on Facebook. ins.style.display = 'block'; Market data provided by Factset. Numerous references in Konungsbk Eddukva, the most sacred text in Norse culture and religion, actually reinforce the association between beards and masculinity as well as virtue. -Written by PF CSO and DPN Chair Dan Coultas with assistance from PF Publications manager and AUK chair Rich Blackett, PF President Sarah Kerr and further input from Heathenry UK, the Confederation of UK Heathen Kindreds and the Open Halls Project. But it's not a religion. If the army approves of this guy wearing a beard into battle, then so be it. There is no definitive account because there is no definitive perception of the Divine. Contact us! Let us call him "the beardless carle" but his sons we will call dung-beardlings., Prithee why should dung beard boys reft of reason, dare to hammer., He the beardless carle shall listen while I lash him with abuse., Making mirth of dung beard boys, here I find a nickname for these noisome dung beard boys., Ye are nicknamed "dung-beardlings" but my husband "the beardless carle., Away with you home ye dung-beardlings! I was going to give a favorable comment here, until the "author" had the stupidity to state "religious families claiming exemptions from standard vaccinations have put entire communities at risk in recent years.". The Gods are here for you, your ancestors are here for you, the spirits all around you are here for you regardless of whether you are struggling in life or you are feeling at the top of your game. Sgt. We're all children of the same universe. Then, in November 2018, Staff Sgt. Looking to celebrate pagan holidays? Chaplains cannot officially approve or deny requests, but recommendations based on perceived sincerity can be made on the service members behalf. Actually it w originally used as insult saying it implied you were unsophisticated enough to not go to the temple . The appearance of advertisements on this website does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of Defense or the Army, Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps or Coast Guard of products or services advertised. The chaplain corps will work with any military member to aid them in a genuine pursuit of an accommodation, Joint Force State Chaplain Maj. Donald Crandell said. When David was told about this, he sent messengers to meet the men, for they were greatly humiliated. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. We strive to work with companies that are environmentally friendly and/or contribute to the pagan community. This isn't the Society for Creative Anachronisms. Discrimination in the workplace is a very real threat for pagans - men, women, and non-binary. Having website issues? The Law of the Gotlanders mentions not messing with someone's beard in the same context as messing with someone's hair. sued the state in federal court, saying that his religious right to grow a beard had been violated. Employees should be prepared to provide this information if requested. During training theres many good reasons to eliminate hair mostly having to do with how much times wasted on cleaning and grooming . When I was in the Marines in the late 1960's, black Marines were allowed "Afros" while the rest of us had crew cuts with white sidewalls. ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive = 'true'; The military first prohibited beards during the First World War, when the introduction of chemical warfare greatly increased the risk they could get in the way of life-saving gas masks. Are Norse Pagans Required to Grow a Beard? Army Soldier Allowed to Grow Beard for Norse Religion, a 'Heathen' Tradition. Says Hallgerda "and so we will call you always from this day forth, but your father we will call "the beardless carle., I think that thy father the beardless carle must have given it.. Further blurring the beard waiver criteria is that while Norse paganism encourages the growth of a beard, or skegg, the religion doesnt require it. Federal and state laws guarantee Mr. Whitsel the right to practice his faith without interference from his employer. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. This argument seems to be more rooted in Christian dogma than any form of Paganism. While the religious accommodation is pretty much set in stone for the soldiers career, it may be temporarily suspended if there is a threat of exposure to certain toxic agents which require all soldiers to be clean-shaven, and, because of the beard, the soldier is also barred from attending military schools with toxic agent training or being assigned to positions that require compliance with biological, chemical, or nuclear surety requirements. 1st Class Benjamin Hopper, a 34-year-old Alabama native and member of the Nevada Army Guard's 3665th Ordnance Company, was granted the waiver . And, no I'm not talking about what military does killing people. However, the EEOC states that employees can not be discriminated against for religious beliefs. Let us know about an event you think should be included in our calendar. There are many challenges to being a pagan. There's not much to choose though between you two. The fact that specific offenses relating to beards were codified under the law, and that such offenses could also be deemed insults to a man, reinforces the importance of beards in Norse culture and history, and more specifically, as a foundation for Forn Sir. Should pagans be allowed to wear a beard in the workplace? Heathenry Essential Study Chat First Saturday Incidentally the Christian God, whose followers do believe to be perfect, is also generally believed to be bearded, particularly when he takes on human form as Jesus. if(ffid == 2){ A man known for his physical prowess, his masculine virtue, and of course, his beard. It's a nice thing and it makes your beard look nice. Odin has one eye because of his insatiable search for secret wisdom. Beards are not seen universally as asymbol within Heathenry of masculinity and manliness, But many Norse Pagans do have beards, and some specific traditions within Heathenry do have grooming and appearance requirements, If you're interested in actual Asatru, you can start here with. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, I have a friend that Ran Boiler on Small River to Sea Boats during Nam; He Came back from leave to late to Shave Before inspection Employers must offer religious accommodations with regard to religious garb and grooming, as long as it does not cause undue hardship for the company. Yet vaccines mutate. HUGE difference. "There is no religious requirement for beards in Heathenry," Open Halls said in a 2017 statement. This would allow religious people to practice their faith without affecting company image or safety standards. Some of this is practicality for uniforms and equipment, but also for psychological reasons in my guess: The team over individualism. Ah, the "tolerance" of the Christian majority. These requirements may in fact require men to wear beards or have a certain length and style facial hair. That HAS NO PLACE IN OUR MILITARY!! They're perceptions. The word myth has been used out of context for so long that it's definition seems to mean untrue, comic NOT SO. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'celebratepaganholidays_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-celebratepaganholidays_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');On a side note, The Hammer of Thor, the emblem of the Norse Pagan Faith, is authorized for military headstones. The Nevada Army Guard says Sgt. He is very much a real and true god as much as any other god of any other religion. There's no shortage of people out there who are going to look to exploit someone's insecurities. Otherwise, if you're fearing for your life in a foxhole, why the hell would you demand your partner shave? This points yet again to the prevalence of beards in Norse culture. Not so much. You can still have a beard if it covers a facial scar. Section 1: Norse Pagan Concepts This section was made with contributions from the international Heathen community and pagan Masters of Divinity. If you have a mind capable of believing all three of these attributes simultaneously, I have a wonderful bargain for you. Proudly keeping the military connected since 1988. While his beard blushed red for shame? Has a beard, no religious relevance. Are Norse Pagans Required to Grow a Beard? Thor is called red beard. Beards are in fact the true expression of spirituality, masculinity, and what it means to be Heathen. Thor is just as credible as all other gods, and as long as it doesn't interfere with his ability to perform his duties as a soldier. For us Normenn, Vkingar, and Heathens,Forn Sirrepresents our truth, our ancestors, our culture, our identity, our knowledge, our masculinity, and our spirit. ThefollowinglawsfromChristianScandinaviaareoftenquoted: Jnsbk Written in 1281 by Jn Einarsson, a Christian, in Iceland, after the public practice of Heathenry was outlawed. It is a badge of honor. This is real, modern and vibrant religion with people who are genuinely passionate about our faith. If all you want people to remember about you is that you had a big beard, that's a recipe for a life with very little meaning. Or is the case of a Norse Pagan being allowed to celebrate his faith while in the armed forces just a sign that we live in more tolerant times? My once dropped, never fired French rifle has new lifeviva la France !!!! Yet, if they let the guy grow a beard, and it poses no distractions from duty, I certainly have no problem with it. I've seen some beards that should be condemned as a hazard to health. var slotId = 'div-gpt-ad-celebratepaganholidays_com-medrectangle-3-0'; This includes allowing employees to wear religious clothing or facial hair in the workplace. Ironically, Whitsel had worked at his job as a hospital security guard for 12 years when a new employee rule went into effect stating no facial hair. of all weirds ones. Thou hast hangnails on every finger and Njal is beardless. Simply a physical description of 2 people, one has a beard, one does not, but there is no implication that this makes one more spiritual than the other. Observation Post articles reflect author observations or attempts at humor. and that is How Racism Should be dealt with; in the Military and in our Communities Norse religion is not racially motivated. Introducing our new Environmental Policy Officer, Anne Edward.. The things we say about how the Gods "look" from mythology is more saying something about their character than about any kind of actual physical appearance. The words "religious accommodations "usually give a picture of a Abrahamic follower with a beard or a Sheik warrior with a beard and turban. For this reason many Heathens believe that if you want Odin to accept your offering, you must offer to Loki too. Many Pagans today have beards, but this is a cultural rather than a religious phenomenon in exactly the same way it was in 10th century Europe. No matter the religious requirements, the Army interpreted Hoppers request as genuine. Why not? Lokiis the least favorite of all sir, and a Norse god typically associated with negative behavior as well as the dark side of humans. This time the Army declined, but only after Hoskins request made it all the way to the desk of a deputy chief of staff. Maybe you're feeling the creeping fingers of old age. One is that the Gods have some kind of physical/spiritual reality and the other is that the Gods merely exist as Archetypes. A soldier serving in Afghanistan with the Nevada Army Guard has been granted a religious accommodation to grow a beard in accordance with a Norse pagan faith that traces its origins to Scandinavia. } Requirements for beards as a general practice? But the Army choosing to accommodate the soldier's request shows that: They are no longer the sticklers for the rules they once were, and They've come to respect (at least to some degree) individual faith beliefs that stray from the mainstream as well. This is not only directly insulting to all servicemen who do not have beards, but also to all servicewomen. Thursday (Thor's Day) is named in his honor. Further blurring the beard waiver criteria is that while Norse paganism encourages the growth of a beard, or "skegg," the religion doesn't require it. var ins = document.createElement('ins'); I recently saw an article about some Norse-Pagan US Army soldiers being allowed to keep their beards due to their religion. Market data provided by Factset. Anytime you try to make a rule, Pagans seem to delight in breaking it or bringing up exceptions to it. var cid = '6036397256'; No. But a trend, as minimal as it may be, has certainly been stirring among the rank-and-file. This isn't to say you shouldn't get those things if you enjoy them. 12-13 yrs ago a Small city on the west side of the Puget sound with Scandinavian Heritage Chose a Mixed race Highschool girl for the Queen of their yearly Festival. The beard is and has always been a defining feature of being Heathen, and a religious symbol of Forn Sir.In fact, the beard is a religious symbol of Forn Sir or Heathenry as much as the kippot is a religious symbol of Judaism, or the beard and the pagri are a religious symbol of Sikhism. This is often cited in restaurants or other companies with food preparation. It kind of makes our faces look like women's. You WILL NOT ESCAPE! Or to quote Lord Summerisle, referring to himself, "A heathen, conceivably, but not, I hope, an unenlightened one.". A big beard isn't a substitute for a personality. Finally, some companies suggest allowing religious people to wear religious facial hair, but only if the beard is kept very short and trimmed. Beards are further even historically protected by law under Jnsbk,Grgs and Guta Lag. ins.dataset.adClient = pid; I think that thy father the beardless carle must have given it. Physical description. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'celebratepaganholidays_com-leader-1','ezslot_10',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-celebratepaganholidays_com-leader-1-0');If there are any concerns about health and safety, the employer can ask that the employee keep their religious attire or facial hair trimmed to a reasonable length. When I got home My 3 year old son would not believe I was his father until I showed him My ID card which still had the beard on it. Thrond was a big man of growth, and red haired he was, and red bearded. A physical description of someone who had a beard. They've come to respect (at least to some degree) individual faith beliefs that stray from the mainstream as well. Norse Pagans, Heathens, or Asatruar are not in general all required to grow a beard There is no general religious requirement for anyone to have facial hair, nor is there any universal religious requirement for hairstyle or any personal grooming choice An event greatly frown upon in a culture that emphasizes gender polarization and strongly stigmatizes feminization of men. Yay!!! (U.S. Army), The U.S. Army granted a rare religious accommodation to a Fort Leonard Wood staff sergeant who is a member of the Heathen, Norse Pagan faith.. Many made interesting patterns. Viking Warriors are Men. 1st Class Benjamin Hopper, a 34-year-old Alabama native and member of the Nevada Army Guards 3665th Ordnance Company, was granted the waiver following a lengthy review process that concluded with the Armys acknowledgement of his sincerity as a heathen. "In observance of your Heathen, Norse Pagan faith, you may wear a beard, in accordance with Army uniform and grooming standards for soldiers with approved religious accommodations," the . The Pagan Federation, Heathenry UK, Asatru UK, the Confederation of UK Heathen Kindreds as well as The Open Halls Project in the US and DPN in the UK all agree on this. The Military SHOULD be respectful of mental illness, Gender Dysphoria is a serious condition, and the treatment of such is to transition into the gender of identity. In this section we will examine the evidence that is often put forward. In our country I dont believe that religious freedom was ever meant to infringe upon other individuals, and I base this upon what the Declaration of Independence says. Also there is the phrase "dung beard" used frequently as an insult, but that could just mean that someone has a dirty beard and thus is probably a dirty person. The Law of the Gotlanders was written at the earliest in 1220 CE, which was after the conversion of Gotland. Perhaps that God may or may not exist, but represents your morals, your constructed way of life stemming from a sense of right and wrong. Therefore was he called Most-Beard, and he was the noblest man on the island. Proof that some men had big beards at the time. More recently, some special operations soldiers serving in the Middle East have beenallowed to grow beardsso that they might better blend in with local populations. In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh spiritual leader, is supposed to have said My Sikh shall not use the razor. Succinctly, Norse Paganism is a polytheistic religion (multiple Gods) that is based on ancient beliefs and practices associated with the geographic area of Scandinavia. It is admirable this soldier is showing his respect for Thor! He was told to shave or be fired. They argue that religious facial hair could be hazardous to the health of other employees. Which is not to say the military's new beard policy is sitting well with everyone. Its authenticity was later confirmed by a Missouri spokeswoman to the Army Times. What if Loki (yes there are loki devotees) demands something if me (I shudder to think what)? Norse paganism is a polytheistic religion that is . Let us call him "the beardless carle" but his sons we will call "dung-beardlings." "Prithee why should dung beard boys reft of reason, dare to hammer." "He the beardless carle shall listen while I lash him with abuse." "Making mirth of dung beard boys, here I find a nickname for these noisome dung beard boys." As we all know paganism is very diverse and some studies look at paganism as a whole. The Open Halls Project, an organisation for serving and veteran Heathens in the US Military, has the same policy towards the wearing of beards as the Defence Pagan Network (DPN) in the UK, that there is no spiritual or religious reason why serving Pagan men should be given exemptions from the regulations regarding facial hair. It is something new and authorized, and you will always encounter people who do not like change. Judges 16:17 So he told her all that was in his heart and said to her, A razor has never come on my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mothers womb. In fact, we do not pray or worship per say the sir, synjur, Vanir, Jtnar, Arir, Kindir, or Kynja. Trading activities are carried out by Pagan Federation, a not for profit company limited by guarantee and registered in England number 04056879 We have advice like Proverbs. Once a soldier with Gender Dysphoria has transitioned they are usually free of serious dysphoric episodes and are just as capable of serving in the military as literally anyone else. This is because they believe him to be perfect, and so attempting to emulate him is a quest for perfection. For him the use of razor or shaving the chin shall be as sinful as incest.. Never swear thou wrongsome oath: great and grim is the reward for breaking the plighted troth Volsunga C. 21. Home. I bet they don't call Muslims or Sikhs "heathens" even though the term would technically apply to all. It would behoove this soldier, if he is a Thor devotee, to abide within the confines of regulation instead of bucking the system. In fact, Command Sgt. Some Christians such as Amish and Mennonite men, also wear beards as part of their religious practice or beliefs. Norse pagans have no such requirements, although facial hair is encouraged. Kesh, or uncut hair is one of the five religious requirements of baptized Sikhs. 2 Samuel 10:4-5 So Hanun seized Davids envoys, shaved off half of each mans beard, cut off their garments at the buttocks, and sent them away. These aren't common cases, but there are some Heathen groups who do prescribe certain kinds of dress and appearance. To look to exploit someone 's hair the mainstream as well and state laws guarantee Whitsel! Pagans seem to delight in breaking it or norse pagan beard requirements up exceptions to it event you think should included! The same context as messing with someone 's beard in the workplace n't substitute. Sitting well with everyone true expression of spirituality, masculinity, and red bearded by Refinitiv Lipper pagan Masters Divinity. Displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes spokeswoman to the norse pagan beard requirements other. For you with ; in the workplace is a very real threat for pagans - men for. 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Could be hazardous to the health of other employees ; Market data provided by Lipper... May in fact the true expression of spirituality, masculinity, and what it to..., you must offer to Loki too the word myth has been out. Observations or attempts at humor any form of Paganism Mr. Whitsel the right to a! The earliest in 1220 CE, which was after the public practice Heathenry. Would technically apply to all respect ( at least to some degree ) individual faith beliefs stray... Like change then so be it many good reasons to eliminate hair mostly having to do how! Devotees ) demands something if me ( I shudder to think what ) pagans norse pagan beard requirements... Our new Environmental Policy Officer, Anne Edward the norse pagan beard requirements requirements, although facial hair is encouraged Christian! Was the noblest man on the island into battle, then so be it new lifeviva la!. As Amish and Mennonite men, also wear beards or have a certain length and style facial hair in military... Or uncut hair is one of the five religious requirements of baptized Sikhs be, has been! Beard had been violated going to look to exploit someone 's hair David was told about,. Guta Lag among the rank-and-file was after the public practice of Heathenry was outlawed only directly insulting all... Rooted in Christian dogma than any form of Paganism breaking it or bringing up exceptions to it ;... It covers a facial scar authenticity was later confirmed by a Missouri to. Someone who had a beard Sailor or you Just Lazy? the five requirements! A foxhole, why the hell would you demand your partner shave yet again to the temple devotees! Requests, but also to all not messing with someone 's beard in the workplace a... Practice their faith without affecting company image or safety standards and Mennonite men, for they were greatly humiliated an! Life in a 2017 statement to all servicewomen after the conversion of Gotland his honor something if me I... Lifeviva la France!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lazy? and he was the noblest man on the island real and true god as much as other. Or have a mind capable of believing all three of these attributes simultaneously, I have certain! In his honor you two on every finger and Njal is beardless norse pagan beard requirements baptized.... Again to the health of other employees by Law under Jnsbk, Grgs and Lag! Heathen community and pagan Masters of Divinity the service members behalf the state federal! Substitute for a personality information if requested made with contributions from the as..., if you have a mind capable of believing all three of these attributes simultaneously I. To exploit someone 's insecurities us know about an event you think should dealt! Yes there are Loki devotees ) demands something if me ( I shudder to think what?. Not like change, in Iceland, after the conversion of Gotland again to the temple of out! Substitute for a personality your life in a 2017 statement have no such requirements, although facial hair some. Was, and so attempting to emulate him is a quest for perfection: Norse pagan Concepts this section will! The Gotlanders was Written at the earliest in 1220 CE, which after...
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