Pagan fall holiday is a celebration that takes place during the autumn season and is rooted in Paganism, a nature-centred religious tradition. This holiday is observed by many modern Pagan and Wiccan communities around the world. One of the most prominent fall holidays within Paganism is Samhain, which is traditionally celebrated on October 31st. This holiday marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is believed that during this time, the veil between the physical world and the spiritual realm is at its thinnest, allowing for easier communication with ancestors and spirits. Samhain is typically celebrated with various rituals and customs.
Thanksgiving for pagans
When we think of Thanksgiving the image that pops up is of pilgrims and Native Americans sitting at a table, feasting on turkey and pumpkin. But is this really Thanksgiving’s origins? Weren’t there other harvest and fall festivals before Thanksgiving? Let’s take a look at America’s past and examine the question “How did Thanksgiving originate” a little closer than the history books provide us. And we’ll talk about how to celebrate Thanksgiving as a pagan modern holiday.
Samhain is typically celebrated with various rituals and customs. One common practice is the lighting of bonfires to symbolize the warmth and protection from the approaching winter. It is also a time for divination and honoring the deceased.
How Did Thanksgiving Begin?
In answering the question how did Thanksgiving begin, the main theme of “Thanksgiving” is giving thanks for what we have. The idea of giving thanks for the earth’s bounty, for family, and all the earth’s provided originates with ancient harvest festivals. This type of celebration has been passed down by our ancestors for thousands of years. The pilgrims and Native Americans weren’t the only people to give thanks for the harvest. Many ancient (and modern) cultures around the world celebrate some sort of harvest festival. Here’s a few that may have influenced the modern American Thanksgiving.
2 Celtic Harvest Festivals: Ancient Gaelic Thanksgiving
At least two sabbats on the modern Wheel of the Year are traced back to Celtic harvest festivals. Lughnasadh, which means “Assembly of Lugh”, was the first harvest festival celebrated by the ancient Gaelic Celts. This harvest festival occurred annually around August 1st and marked the beginning of the harvest season. The men worked tirelessly since Beltane, planting and caring for the crops, to begin seeing their yield around the beginning of August. The women came down from the mountains, where they cared for the livestock in the Summer months, to aid in harvesting on Lughnasadh. In addition, feasts were had and celebrations ensued.
The second major harvest festival took place around November 1st annually and was called Samain (Samhain) meaning “Summer’s End”. This was a day when the last harvest was completed and feasts were had. It was also a time when the Celts believed the dead and the faeries could visit the earthly plane easily. These beliefs gave way to our modern Halloween traditions of trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving. But, essentially, the Celts considered this day the last day to harvest before Winter began. Anything left in the fields after Samhain was left for the “good folk” (fairies) and was unlucky to eat or use thereafter.
Dożynki: A Slavic Thanksgiving
Another ancient harvest festival from Europe is Dożynki, which is Slavic in origin. Prior to the conversion of pagan people, Dożynki was celebrated around the Autumn Equinox every year. Just like with the ancient Celtic festivals, the Slavs would gather together to harvest the crop then have a procession through the villages carrying a sheaf or the last bit of plant to be harvested. The women made wreaths from the harvest and gifted the wreaths to the procession’s leader. Following the procession, the people would feast and perform traditional dances.
Some Pagans may set up an ancestor altar and leave offerings for their departed loved ones. In addition to Samhain, there are other fall holidays within Paganism that focus on different aspects of the season. For example, Mabon is observed around the autumnal equinox, usually around September 21st. This holiday celebrates the balance between light and dark, as well as the abundance of the harvest. It is a time for gratitude and giving thanks for the blessings of the season. Another notable fall holiday is Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, which is celebrated on August 1st. Lammas is a harvest festival that honors the first fruits of the season. It is a time for gathering and sharing in the bountiful harvest, as well as reflecting on the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Overall, Pagan fall holidays provide an opportunity for individuals to connect with nature, honor their ancestors, and celebrate the changing seasons. These celebrations often involve rituals, feasting, and communal gatherings, reinforcing a sense of community and spiritual connection within Pagan and Wiccan traditions..
Reviews for "The Meaning of Pagan Fall Holidays in Today's Society"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I found the Pagan fall holiday to be quite confusing and unappealing. The whole concept seemed outdated and irrelevant. The activities and rituals were boring, and I didn't understand the purpose behind them. It lacked the excitement and enjoyment that I was expecting from a holiday celebration. Overall, I didn't feel any connection to the traditions and it left me feeling disappointed.
2. Mike - 2 stars
As someone who isn't familiar with Pagan beliefs, I found the fall holiday to be puzzling. The rituals and customs were unfamiliar and didn't resonate with me. The event felt disorganized and lacked a clear explanation of the significance behind each activity. I appreciate the attempt to preserve ancient traditions, but without a deeper understanding of their meaning, I felt disconnected from the celebration.
3. Emily - 1 star
The Pagan fall holiday was a complete letdown. The whole event felt chaotic and unstructured. The activities and rituals were confusing, and there was no effort made to explain their purpose. It seemed like a random assortment of activities that had no real cohesion. I left feeling frustrated and disinterested. I don't think I'll be attending another Pagan holiday celebration in the future.
4. Jason - 2 stars
I attended the Pagan fall holiday out of curiosity, but it didn't leave a positive impression. The event seemed disorganized and lacked clear instructions. It was difficult to follow along with the rituals and understand their significance. I think more effort should have been put into explaining the traditions to newcomers like myself. Overall, I was left feeling confused and unengaged.
5. Jessica - 1 star
Attending the Pagan fall holiday was a waste of time for me. The rituals and activities were bizarre and didn't make sense to me. I felt out of place and uncomfortable throughout the event. It seemed like a niche celebration that only appeals to a certain group of people. I won't be recommending it to others who are unfamiliar with Pagan customs.