From
Halloween to harvest, many modern holidays are based on ancient
Pagan rites
Pagan
Holidays and Celebrations
by Stephanie
Davies
Pagans
celebrate eight major holidays a year, which we call "sabbats". You
will probably find by looking at the list of holidays below that
some look familiar. That is because these holidays existed long
before the Christian faith came along. When the Roman's were trying
to outlaw paganism thousands of years ago, many pagan holidays were
changed into what we now celebrate as "Christian" holidays. But many
of the actual reasons they were celebrated stayed the same. Here is
a list of our Major Sabbats, and when they occur.
Samhain
(October 31st) - This is the Pagan "new year", and it marks the end
of one year and the beginning of another. During this time we honor
those who have passed away from us, and also recognize the changing
of the seasons. We try to let go of bad habits at Samhain
(pronounced SOW-en), and try to focus on things that need to be
changed in our lives. This is also the time of the "death" of the
Sun God, who will be reborn at Yule.
Yule (December
21) - This holiday is essentially our "Christmas" celebration. We
celebrate by lighting the Yule log, and watching the sun rise (which
symbolizes the Sun God's rebirth on this day). Since this sabbat
celebrates the winter solstice, we celebrate the beginning of light
returning to the earth. We celebrate this holiday by exchanging
gifts, decorating a tree, hanging wreaths and mistletoe, singing,
feasting, and making merry!
Imbolc
(February 2) - Imbolc (pronounced IM-bolk) is the time when pagans
celebrate the renewing fertility of the earth. As winter slowly
turns to spring, we are reminded that life is about to burst forth.
We celebrate Imbolc by planting seeds, or begining new
projects...anything that focuses on the "beginning" of things.
Ostara (March
21) - Ostara (pronounced oh-STAR-ah) is almost celebrated the same
as Easter is. On this day we celebrate renewed life and fertility by
boiling and decorating eggs, going on egg hunts, and blessing seeds
for growth. Anything which celebrates fertility and growth!
Beltane (April
30) - This day is symbolic to us of the God and Goddess uniting in a
handfasting (marriage). In this act, they help the Earth to burst
forth with life and growth. We celebrate Beltane by dancing around
the maypole, or wearing flowers or foliage in their hair, or by
bringing flowers into the house.
Litha (June
21) - Litha (pronounced LEE-tha) is the summer solstice, and is
generally not celebrated as much as the other sabbats are. This day
marks where the God and Goddess are at their peak, but soon the days
will grow shorter and shorter. In the past pagans would celebrate
this night with a large bonfire, but recently it is only marked with
love spells and rituals, and rituals involving nature.
Lammas (August
2) - Lammas is the first harvest festival for pagans. It is the day
when traditionally the first grain was cut. It is traditional to
celebrate this day by baking bread or other "grain" foods. We also
celebrate by holding great feasts to celebrate the bountiful
harvest, and decorating our houses with autumn decorations.
Mabon
(September 21) - The second harvest festival for pagans. It is held
on the Autumn equinox to celebrate the last fruits and harvest of
the year. Feasts are also held in celebration, but to a more solemn
extent. Cornucopias are a popular decoration, as are ears of corn,
gourds, pumpkins, and other late season vegetables.
In addition to
the above 8 major sabbats, most Pagans also celebrate "Esbats" which
are held once a month to celebrate the moon. While the sabbats
celebrate the "God" aspect, the Esbats celebrate the "Goddess"
aspect. Esbats are generally held on the full moon.
About the
author: Stephanie Davies is a 27 year old Missourian with a loving
husband and an 8 year old son. She currently owns her own business,
Mystickal
Incense & More, and sells handmade candles, incense, bath & body
products and more at
http://www.mystickalincense.com
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