A summary describing the eight
major pagan sabbats, celebrated on the solstices, equinoxes and
quarter days
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 beginning 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
rationally 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
eight 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.
Stephanie Davies is a 27
year old Missourian with a loving husband and an eight 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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