siður

Siður is an Icelandic noun meaning custom, tradition, or established practice. In Icelandic usage, it denotes shared patterns of behavior and social norms transmitted across generations, often with moral or communal significance. It encompasses rituals, etiquette, and long-standing practices that shape daily life and collective identity.

Etymology: Derived from Old Norse siðr, related to other Scandinavian terms for custom. In modern Icelandic, siður contrasts with venja, which indicates a habitual tendency that may be less socially binding.

Usage and scope: The concept covers a wide range of phenomena, including family and community rituals, seasonal or calendar-based observances, hospitality norms, funeral and mourning practices, and rules governing interaction. While some siðir are deeply rooted in historical tradition, others may be modern or evolving, reflecting changes in society while retaining continuity with the past.

Cultural significance: Siður is often discussed in folklore, ethnology, and cultural studies as a lens to understand Icelandic social life, values, and identity. The study of siðir considers how practices are learned, performed, and transmitted, as well as how globalization, urbanization, and immigration influence and modify them.

See also: Icelandic folklore, ethnology, culture, customs and traditions.