Siðaskipti

siðaskipti is an Icelandic term that translates to "change of customs" or "religious change." It primarily refers to the period in Iceland's history when the country transitioned from Norse paganism to Christianity. This significant event occurred around the year 1000 CE. The Althing, Iceland's parliament, made the decision to adopt Christianity as the official religion, though it allowed private practice of paganism as long as it did not disrupt public order. This peaceful conversion, largely driven by political and social considerations rather than outright conflict, is a notable aspect of Iceland's historical development. The change marked a profound cultural and societal shift, influencing laws, traditions, and the overall worldview of the Icelandic people. The term siðaskipti encapsulates this fundamental transformation in religious and cultural identity.