Pagan holidays, also known as Sabbats, are ceremonies and celebrations observed by followers of pagan or nature-based religions. These holidays are deeply rooted in nature and often revolve around the changing seasons and the cycles of the sun and moon. There are eight main pagan holidays, which are divided into two groups: the solar holidays and the lunar holidays. The solar holidays are also referred to as the "quarter days" and mark the solstices and equinoxes. These holidays include Yule (Winter Solstice), Ostara (Spring Equinox), Litha (Summer Solstice), and Mabon (Autumn Equinox). They represent the turning points of the year and are associated with the changing seasons and the balance of light and darkness.
So, with fresh and honest eyes, let’s ask: Is Christmas a pagan holiday?
Many attend religious services in December where they hear and remember popular narratives of the birth of Jesus, which they celebrate on Christmas Day. Many assume that while various activities, celebrations, traditions, and symbols originated in paganism, they have, in a sense, been baptized by Christianity.
They represent the turning points of the year and are associated with the changing seasons and the balance of light and darkness. The lunar holidays, on the other hand, are known as the "cross-quarter days" and are positioned midway between the solstices and equinoxes. These include Imbolc (also known as Candlemas or Brigid's Day), Beltane (May Day), Lammas (Lughnasadh), and Samhain (Halloween).
What Are the Pagan Holidays?
Because “Paganism” is an umbrella term for a wide variety of new religious movements, it is difficult to describe holidays or festivals that each share. Some may build on ancient religious traditions in contemporary ways, and these may use celebrations described in earlier cultures—Celtic, Norse, Greek, or German, among others. Others may identify as Wiccan, recreating a culture of witchcraft based on lore from diverse historical backgrounds. Still, others may fashion their own religious beliefs and expressions based on their personal understanding of the supernatural. Paganism has no uniform doctrine, creeds, dogmas, rituals, or practices. Personal freedom is an imperative of every Pagan expression. Despite the diversity, most Pagans today recognize some form of what is called the “Wheel of the Year,” which is the cycle of holidays that move through the solar and seasonal changes of the earth. For them, each year’s circuit retells the sacred narrative around the divine, in whatever way that is recognized. The waxing and waning of the Sun’s course through the year—and the subsequent light, growth, life, and warmth that come and go—provide the scaffolding for the festivals which make up the Wheel of the Year. The “Wheel” includes the eight major festivals observed by most Pagans. Wiccans call these festivals “Sabbats.” The eight festivals include four that are derived from ancient Celtic or western European traditions and four from transitional times in the seasons of the year. The four seasonal festivals include the two equinoxes (Spring and Fall) and two solstices (Summer and Winter). Among other things, these holidays recognize the shift in time and light and, thus, are considered solar-based holidays. The two equinoxes are points of stability, of equality between darkness and light; the two solstices are times of transition, of shifts from light to growing darkness or darkness to growing light.
The cycle of holidays alternates between one festival dedicated to solar-based events or seasonal holidays, and one festival dedicated to earth-centered events, represented by those festivals that draw on ancient traditions. Each of these is an opportunity to worship gods and goddesses, welcome the changes of nature, draw on spiritual powers, and practice healing magic. Many Pagans gather during these times of the year to practice these rituals communally. These major festivals are opportunities for Pagans to recognize the essential unity between the spiritual and the physical, between the earth with its seasonal transitions and the supernatural. Many Pagans measure the festivals from sunset to sunset, and most of the rituals and their associated magic (or magick) are conducted at night. The Wheel of the Year begins on 1 November, so the first festival of the year is the Winter Solstice, or Yule (on or around December 21st). In Wiccan circles, the other festivals in calendrical order include Imbolc (early February), Ostara (the Spring Equinox), Beltane (early May), Midsummer (the Summer Solstice), Lammas (early August), Mabon (the Fall Equinox), and Samhain (Halloween). Old Norse paganism, or Ásatrú, is sometimes called “heathenism,” and has its own calendar with eight major holidays. Though its calendar overlaps with the Wiccan festivals in places, Heathens may have some different names for their festivals and traditions of celebration.. Read more about Pagan’s diverse beliefs here. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com
3/7/2023 10:48:32 PM About About Kathleen Mulhern, PH.D.
Kathleen Mulhern is a writer, editor, historian, speaker, and professor. She teaches courses in world history, European history, and history of Christianity. She has taught at Colorado School of Mines and Regis University, and is currently an adjunct professor at Denver Seminary in the areas of Church History and Spiritual Formation. Kathleen graduated with a B.A. from Wheaton College, earned an M.A. in French Literature from the University of Denver, an M.A. degree in Church History from Denver Seminary, and a Ph.D. in History from the University of Colorado.
Many have asked the question, but few are sincerely interested in the answer.
These festivals are often associated with specific agricultural or pastoral activities, such as sowing, harvesting, or animal husbandry. Each pagan holiday has its own unique significance and rituals, but they all share a common focus on nature, the cycles of life, and the connection between human beings and the natural world. These holidays are often celebrated with feasts, bonfires, dances, and various rituals that honor the deities or spirits of nature. Pagan holidays serve as important moments for pagans to connect with nature, deepen their spiritual practices, and celebrate the beauty and abundance of the natural world. They provide an opportunity to reflect on the changing seasons, the cycles of life and death, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Through these celebrations, pagans seek to honor and harmonize with the rhythms of nature and align themselves with the natural cycles of the Earth..
Reviews for "Discovering the Ancient Roots of Pagan Festivals"
1. Sarah - 2 stars: I was really disappointed with "What are pagan holidays called". The book lacked depth and provided very little information about the subject. I was hoping for a comprehensive guide that would delve into the origins and significance of pagan holidays. However, the book only scratched the surface and left me with more questions than answers. The writing style was also quite dry and monotonous, which made it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a thorough exploration of pagan holidays.
2. Mike - 1 star: "What are pagan holidays called" was a complete waste of my time. The book was filled with inaccuracies and misinformation. It felt like the author did little to no research on the topic before writing. Additionally, the writing was convoluted and confusing, making it hard to follow along. I was hoping to learn more about pagan holidays, but instead, I was left feeling frustrated and misled. I would strongly advise against reading this book if you're looking for accurate and well-researched information on the subject.
3. Emily - 2 stars: I found "What are pagan holidays called" to be quite underwhelming. The book provided a very basic and superficial overview of pagan holidays without diving into any specific traditions or rituals. The author seemed to assume that the readers already had a solid understanding of pagan holidays, which made it difficult for a beginner like me to grasp the concepts. I was left wanting more in terms of depth and insight. The lack of substance and clarity made it hard for me to fully appreciate the content of the book.
4. Chris - 2 stars: As someone who has a genuine interest in learning about different cultures and religious practices, I was excited to read "What are pagan holidays called". Unfortunately, the book fell short of my expectations. The information provided was incredibly basic and barely scratched the surface of the topic. I found myself craving more in-depth explanations and examples. The writing style was also quite dry and uninspiring, which made it even harder to stay engaged. I would recommend looking for alternative resources if you're genuinely interested in understanding pagan holidays on a deeper level.