As the women of the Krewe of the Rising Phoenix, we represent ourselves as female Vikings. We are proud to be Shield Maidens and Women Warriors. 

When most people think of Vikings, images of seafaring raiders and plunderers may come to mind. However, Viking society was actually complex. Flourishing for centuries, Viking culture was designed to thrive during difficult times and in harsh conditions.

Women played a critical role in Viking society. Strong in their own right, they were key to the successes of the Viking way of life. They were the first women of their era to have rights. They were able to inherit and own property, ask for a divorce, and pursue careers as entrepreneurs and merchants. As shield maidens they fought alongside the men, but were also negotiators, frequently helping their people reach peaceful outcomes to conflict.

Viking women were responsible for the honor of their household. They oversaw family finances and were often buried with the keys to their home as a symbol of this important responsibility. Vikings were sanitary people: their attention to grooming and clean living reflected the Viking woman’s sense of order in life and beliefs in an orderly afterlife.

Spirituality was important. Norse mythology influenced their beliefs, shaping their fighting practices and cultural identity. Rich with symbolism, elements of Norse mythology are still with us today. For example, our modern days of the week are named after Norse gods.

When Viking men were away at sea, women performed all the jobs of men. Honored and protected, it was considered shameful in Viking society for a man to harm a woman.

The harsh climate of the Middle Ages presented challenges in daily life. Through it all, Viking women survived and thrived. They were able to shrug-off losses easily and move their communities forward during difficult times. Rising again and again from adversity, Viking women embody the spirit of the rising Phoenix, which is the symbol for our Krewe.

As the Krewe of the Rising Phoenix, we honor these amazing Viking women through the design of our costume.

Our Krewe’s costume reflects the strength, diversity, mythology, and symbolism of Viking women and the Viking way of life. Each Viking woman is unique, and strong in her own way, yet common themes bring us together and weave their way through our Viking costumes.

The colors of our costume reflect the rich colors of the North: deep reds, blues, and greens are accented with touches of brown and black leather.

Our clothing is practical and beautiful, with the accessories needed for the many jobs performed by women. Shield Maidens wear the waist armor and protective gear necessary to honor and defend their families. Others wear the sumptuous clothing of wealthy Viking women merchants. Examples of both can be seen in the leather, fur, and metal accents of our costumes.

A Viking woman’s spirituality is represented by feather elements that proudly denote our ability to rise like the Phoenix from the ashes of adversity.

For those women to seek to join our Krewe, we will help you to find your inner Phoenix and represent her through the costume elements you choose. Please see the pictures here for examples of how we honor the strength of Viking women through the imagery of our costume.