Burials
Contrary to popular belief, the Vikings did not burn their deceased, they buried them in boats. Just the most honorable Vikings were buried with ships, as they loved their boats. Because of this, being buried with a boat in their time was the greatest honor. Just like the ancient Egyptians buried their honored in pyramids. Another similarity between the two traditions was the reason behind the extravagant burial. The Vikings, like the ancient Egyptians, believed that the ship would help the dead reach their final destination, much like the pyramids. Both men and women were able to receive this honor, and at times sacrificed slaves as well.
Burials
Bargained Marriages
Marriage is a ritual, whichever way you look at it. It doesn’t matter if the ritual includes a price for the bride and a dowry, it still is a binding contract, confirming the unity of two people to a single household. For the Vikings, it was no exception as women were expected to get married between the ages of 12-15, with their marriages arranged even before that. In the marriage arrangement, the groom’s family were to pay a price to the bride once the couple was married. The bride’s father paid a dowry. There was even a set agreement between the families should the couple divorce.
Bargained Marriages