Bjóðum

Bjóðum is a concept that originated in Icelandic law and customs, specifically in the context of marriage and social etiquette. In Old Norse, the term "bjóðum" is derived from the verb "bjóða," which means "to invite" or "to propose."

In Icelandic tradition, bjóðum refers to a ceremonial gesture where a suitor invites a potential bride to marry him. This tradition was an essential part of Icelandic social life, particularly during the Viking Age and the medieval period. The process of bjóðum was often a formal and public one, involving not only the suitor and the bride but also their families and the local community.

The process of bjóðum typically began with the suitor proposing to the bride in a public gathering or ceremony. If the bride accepted, the suitor would then present her with a formal invitation to marry, often accompanied by a gift or a token of his intentions. This was followed by a period of " recognisment" where the couple and their families would confirm the union through a series of public declarations and transactions.

Bjóðum played a significant role in Icelandic society as it served as a means of socializing, negotiating, and solidifying alliances between families and communities. The practice of bjóðum also influenced the broader social and cultural norms of Icelandic society, shaping the institution of marriage and the role of women within it.