Through the holidays of the pagan year we celebrate the cycle of life,
death, and rebirth, apparent in nature as well as human life. The holidays and festivals we commonly recognize are for the most part judeo-christian.
However, the early christians who devised them did so to a large extent through expediency, for there was already a long list of observances which were popularly celebrated, and a lot of old gods and goddesses to dedicate the days of the year to. I have listed the more common known pagan holidays which are based on the cycle of the sun (sabbath) and the cycle of the moon (esbat), therefore all dates are approximite and totally dependant on the solar or lunar equinox for that part of the year.
Imbolic,
Ostara,
Beltaine,
Midsummer's Eve,
Lugnasad,
Mabon,
Samhain,
Yule
February 1
Imbolic, Imbolgc Brigantia, Candlemas Eve, Oimelc, Feast of Torches, Lupercus
This is the day that the Mother returns to the forest. Spring begins to overtake Winter and new life begins to form. This is a day of cleansing and rebirth. Here we plant the "seeds" of our hopes and dreams for the coming summer months.
Faerie Gifts- leave gifts of dairy origin, like cheese, butter or fresh cream. |
March 21
Ostara,Spring Equinox, Vernal Equinox, Alban Eiler, Esther
This is the day that the Sun and the Moon are in equilibrium. Fields begin to grow again and new life is
abundant. This is the end of Winter and the first day of Spring. Energy is building as the days become warmer with promise. The return of the spring goddess from her long season of dormant sleep.
Faerie Gifts- leave something sweet (honey, or mead, or candy). |
May 1
Beltaine, May Eve, May Day, Walburga, Bealtinne
This is the fertility festival. It is a time of great magick and abundance. This is the day where life renews itself. This holiday falls exactly opposite of Samhain and is a day of celebration. Honor the sexual union of the god and goddess amid the flowers and fruits that have begun to cover the land. |
June 21
Midsummer's Eve, Summer Solstice, Litha, Feill-Sheathain, Alban Hefin
This is the longest day of the year. This is a high point for the Father before he fades into darkness. This is a day of growth and forgiveness. The days of the first harvesting of herbs as the Earth now begins to share her bounty. |
August 1
Lugnasad, Lughnasadh, Lammas
This day signifies the beginning of the harvest. A day for thanks to the Mother and Father alike. This day celebrates success in labor and hard work. It also signifies the preparation for the coming Winter. Plants are 'setting their seed" already for the next year as the cycle of Nature continues.
Faerie Gifts-leave fresh grains or newly-baked bread. |
September 21
Mabon, Autumnal Equinox, Harvest Home, Alban Elfed, Winter Finding
This is a day for balance between the Mother and the Father before the Mother begins to take over. This it the day when we celebrate for the bounty of the harvest and begin to save for the winter months. The days and nights are equal once again, gardens are in full bloom and heavy with nature's bounty. |
October 31
Samhain, Hallowe'en, Feast of the Dead, All Hallows Eve,
ShadowFest, Martinmas, Old Hallowmas
This is the Pagan New Year. This is the night to give honor to our ancestors and teachers. By honoring them, we can rejoice in life and find inner peace. This is also a day of renewal and rebirth for the Mother. This is the time of reflection, the time to honor the Ancients who have gone on before us and the time of 'Seeing"(divination). As we contemplate the Wheel of the Year, we come to recognize our own part in the eternal cycle of Life. Some also see this for when the doors to the Lands of the Sidhe or Faery Realm open, and the dead returning to visit their kin.
Faerie Gifts-leave nuts and fruit. |
December 21
Yule, Winter Solstice, Yuletide, Alban Arthan
This day signifies the rebirth of the Sun as it passes through its shortest day of the year. This is the day of affirmation to the heavens and the Father and Mother. Since the Sun is considered to represent the Male Divinity in many Pagan Traditions, this time is celebrated as the "return of the Sun God" where He is reborn of the Goddess. The days again become longer, and light returns to the land. |
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