Sacral Mead - A Journey Through A Sacred Tradition
“The word “sacral” derives from the Latin “sacrum,” meaning “sacred” or “consecrated.” It signifies something set apart from the ordinary, imbued with a divine or spiritual essence. In essence, “sacral” refers to that which is holy, revered, and connected to a higher power.”
We at Vinland Meads produce Sacral Mead. The term "sacral," though, perfectly encapsulates the essence of our mead. It is not merely a beverage; it is an embodiment of the sacred. From the honey harvested from hives we visit and help thrive, to the water that filters through the earth at Hays Manor, to the fruits and spices we acquire from local sources – all these elements are sacral in our construction of Mead.
Every drop of Vinland Meads is performed by hand.
We approach meadmaking with a sacramental perspective. Sarah, a Christian, finds holiness in the communion with her faith, and that holiness is infused into the mead through her devotion and the love she pours into its creation. Clyde, a Heathen, connects with the ancestral spirits and the reverence for nature that defines his path. His holiness, rooted in this connection, is woven into the very fabric of the mead through his reverence for tradition and the sacredness of the brewing process.
Vinland Meads providing the Holy Consumption for a Wedding, a many oaths have been given over a Mead Horn
The best known peoples for Sacral Mead are undoubtedly the Ancient Europeans. For them, mead transcended the realm of mere refreshment; it was a sacred drink, an elixir of the gods. Imbued with a divine essence, mead played a pivotal role in their religious and social fabric. It was not uncommon to find mead offered to the gods as libations during rituals. Furthermore, consuming mead was an integral part of feasts honoring ancestors, fostering a sense of connection to the past. Shared amongst the community during celebratory rituals, mead served as a bond, uniting individuals and strengthening social ties.
Monks making Mead Woodcut
Monks also played a vital role in the evolution of mead production across Europe during the Middle Ages. Many monasteries maintained apiaries, producing honey for a variety of uses, including the creation of mead. The meticulous nature of monastic life extended to their brewing practices. Monks, often highly educated and skilled in various crafts, meticulously experimented with different honey sources, fermentation techniques, and aging processes. They meticulously documented their findings, leading to the development of refined meadmaking techniques. These records provide invaluable insights into medieval brewing traditions, offering a glimpse into the historical evolution of this ancient beverage.
Ancient Monks were the bee keepers and Mead Makers
Fermented Beverages are practiced by most of the faiths of the world. Christianity has the Communion wine, also known as sacramental wine. It symbolizes the blood of Christ and is consumed during the Eucharist, a central act of Christian worship. For Jews, kosher wine plays a crucial role in Jewish religious observances, particularly during Passover and other festivals. Its production adheres to strict dietary laws, ensuring its ritual purity. In Tantric texts, Hindus explore the spiritual dimensions of wine consumption, viewing it as a means to transcend the physical and achieve higher states of consciousness. In Japanese Taoism, wine is used as a sacred offering in certain Taoist rituals. While not as prominent as in some other traditions, sake, a fermented rice wine, holds cultural and religious significance in Japan.
Uncovering amazake: Japan’s ancient fermented 'superdrink'
Whether enjoyed within the hallowed walls of a church, amidst the grandeur of a cathedral, or in the quietude of a forest glen, the consumption of sacral mead is a sacred act. It is a moment of communion with the divine, a celebration of tradition, and an expression of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us.
Vinland Meads Logo Waxed into Mead Bottle
Our brewing tradition itself is a sacred act, passed down through generations. It connects us to our ancestors, a continuation of a time-honored practice that connects us to the earth and the rhythms of nature. We are deeply honored to uphold this holy tradition, to carry forward the legacy of our ancestors. Each batch of mead we brew is a testament to our faith, our love, and our reverence for the sacred.
Clyde and Sarah with Hawks at Yule Viking Festival
“May the spirits of our ancestors guide our hands, and may both God and the Gods smile upon our humble offerings.”
