Siðir

Siðir, the plural of siður in Icelandic, is a term used to describe the customs, practices, and rituals shared by a group. In Icelandic usage it covers both everyday behavior and ceremonial acts, including rites of passage, religious experiences, and seasonal or communal celebrations. The word conveys a sense of tradition as well as ongoing social practice, and it can apply to families, communities, or the wider society.

Etymology: The term derives from Old Norse siðr, related to other Germanic words for habit, manner, or traditional practice. In contemporary use, siðir encompasses both secular and religious elements.

Scope and types: Siðir include everyday social conventions such as greetings and politeness, as well as formal ceremonies surrounding life events like birth, coming of age, marriage, and death. It also covers communal festivities and ritual practices tied to seasons or religious calendars. While many siðir have Christian roots in Iceland, others are secular or culturally specific and may reflect immigration and modernization.

Functions and change: Siðir help coordinate social life, transmit cultural values, and strengthen group identity. They are not fixed; they adapt to new social norms, technology, and plural identities. In modern Iceland, some traditions persist as heritage, while others are revised or replaced to emphasize inclusion, equality, and individual choice.

See also: customs, ritual, tradition, Icelandic culture, life-cycle rites.