Learnings: Christianization

A triangular panel made from walrus ivory possibly attached to a Christian shrine / 10th cent.

Through Christianization, Scandinavians would have adopted the following practices: fasting on Fridays and during Lent, having their children baptized, avoiding marriage with cousins, donating to churches, swearing by relics or religious objects like this ivory plaque, and more. Unlike conversion which can occur quickly, these behaviors were slowly integrated into the community.

It is possible that the Christianization of the Vikings began prior to their arrival in Anglo-Saxon Britain. Many Vikings came from places where they would have encountered Christian ideas and perhaps absorbed them. The Viking's familiarity with Christianity might have smoothed theire quick assimilation into the Anglo-Saxon population.