Wiccan paganism is a nature-based religion that celebrates the changing seasons and cycles of the Earth. One of the central aspects of Wiccan practice is the observance of sacred holidays, also known as Sabbats. These holidays mark significant points in the wheel of the year and are celebrated with rituals and ceremonies. **The eight sacred holidays** of Wiccan paganism are divided into two main groups – the Wheel of the Year and the Lesser Sabbats. The Wheel of the Year consists of the four major Sabbats, also known as the Greater Sabbats, which mark the solstices and equinoxes. These Sabbats include: 1.
These Sabbats include: 1. **Yule**, which is celebrated around December 21st and marks the winter solstice. It is a time to honor the rebirth of the Sun and celebrate the return of light and warmth.
Student Affairs and Academic Support
Through partnership with the Interfaith Partners of South Carolina, this calendar showcases religious and spiritual traditions' holidays and observances and recommended accommodations for students, staff, and faculty. If we have not included a religious or spiritual tradition/holiday of significance to you, please notify the Department of Student Life so that it might be included in future editions of this calendar.
To learn about which days the University is formally closed or class is not in session, please visit the University's holiday schedule as well as the 2023-2024 Academic Calendar.
Religious & Spiritual Holidays & Observances
Below showcases holidays and observances for various traditions within the 2023-2024 academic year.
Click the headers to sort by holiday or observance, date and tradition.
Martyrdom of the Ba̒b: Baha’i Faith
New Year of Islam, Al-Hijra 1445 Muharram 1,1445
Muharram is the first of the 12 months in the Islamic Lunar calendar, or 12 full cycles of the Moon, roughly 354 days, which is ten days less than the solar year.
Islamic New Year, Al-Hijra, is celebrated on the first day of the month of Muharram, and begins at sundown. It marks the first Hijra in 622 CE, when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) moved from Mecca to Medina and set up the first Muslim state.
Baha’i holy day that celebrates the appointment of `Abdu'l-Bahá as the Centre of Baha'u'llah's Covenant.
`Abdu'l-Bahá is the interpreter of the Word of God. He states “My station is the station of servitude—a servitude which is complete, pure and real, firmly established, enduring, obvious, explicitly revealed and subject to no interpretation whatever…”
2. **Imbolc**, celebrated around February 2nd, represents the first signs of spring. It is associated with the goddess Brigid and focuses on purification, healing, and the first stirrings of new life. 3. **Ostara**, observed around March 21st, is the spring equinox. It symbolizes balance, renewal, and the arrival of spring. It is also associated with fertility and growth. 4. **Beltane**, celebrated around May 1st, marks the beginning of summer. It celebrates fertility, abundance, and the union of the divine masculine and feminine. It is a time of joy and merriment. The Lesser Sabbats, or the cross quarter days, fall between the Greater Sabbats and mark the midpoints between the solstices and equinoxes. These Sabbats include: 5. **Litha**, celebrated around June 21st, is the summer solstice. It is a time to celebrate the power of the Sun and harness its energy for personal and spiritual growth. It is associated with abundance, manifestation, and the peak of the year. 6. **Lammas**, observed around August 1st, is the first harvest festival. It is a time to give thanks for the abundance of the Earth and acknowledge the cycle of life and death. It represents the first fruits of the harvest and the beginning of the harvest season. 7. **Mabon**, celebrated around September 21st, is the autumn equinox. It represents the balance between light and dark, and the harvest is in full swing. It is a time to give thanks for the abundance of the Earth and prepare for the coming winter. 8. **Samhain**, observed around October 31st, marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is associated with death and the thinning of the veil between the physical world and the spirit realm. It is a time to honor loved ones who have passed and embrace the cycle of life and death. **Overall**, the sacred holidays of Wiccan paganism are a way to celebrate and connect with the natural cycles of the Earth. They offer opportunities for reflection, gratitude, and spiritual growth. Through rituals and ceremonies, Wiccans honor the changing seasons and their connection to the divine. These holidays hold great significance in Wiccan practice and play a vital role in the spiritual journey of practitioners..
Reviews for "Exploring the Wheel of the Year in Wiccan Paganism"
1. John Doe - 2 stars - I was really excited to learn more about Wiccan paganism and its sacred holidays, but this book left me disappointed. The author provided very little depth and explanation of the holidays, leaving me with more questions than answers. Additionally, the writing style was dry and uninspiring, making it difficult to stay engaged with the content. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to someone interested in learning about Wiccan paganism, as there are much better resources available.
2. Jane Smith - 1 star - I found this book to be misleading and lacking in accurate information. As someone who has studied Wiccan paganism for several years, I was appalled by the inaccuracies presented in this book. The author seems to have a limited understanding of the subject matter and failed to provide any substantial evidence or references. It felt like a superficial overview rather than an in-depth exploration of the sacred holidays. Save your time and money by looking for more reputable sources to learn about Wiccan paganism.
3. Sarah Thompson - 2 stars - While the concept of exploring the sacred holidays of Wiccan paganism was intriguing, this book failed to deliver. The author's writing style was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to follow along. Additionally, the lack of visual aids or clear explanations left me feeling lost and unsure of what I was supposed to be learning. I believe there are better introductory books on Wiccan paganism out there that provide a more comprehensive understanding of the sacred holidays.