Nearest Wiccan Festivals: 1) Samhain: This festival is celebrated on October 31st to November 1st and marks the end of the harvest season. It is a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is believed to be the thinnest, allowing for communication with the deceased. It is also a time to honor ancestors and reflect on the cycle of life and death. 2) Yule: Yule is celebrated on the winter solstice, usually around December 21st. It is a time to celebrate the rebirth of the sun and the returning of light. Yule is traditionally celebrated with feasting, exchanging of gifts and burning the Yule log.
Understanding the History and Significance of ‘Hotty Toddy’
Rapper Snoop Dogg leads the Hotty Toddy cheer on the JumboTron inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at a football game in 2003.
While several Ole Miss traditions have gone the way of the dinosaur, one that continues to thrive from generation to generation is the use of the words “Hotty Toddy.”
Whether it’s the two words often used as a familiar signature to end emails or phone conversations or the chant shouted in response to the question “Are you ready?” at athletic events, one thing is for certain: Hotty Toddy and Ole Miss are inseparable.
The origins of the phrase remain a mystery. There’s no concrete answer that explains what “Hotty Toddy” truly means. Some speculate that it was developed after the Virginia Tech Regimantal Band called The Highty Tighties, derived from a cheer used throughout World War II, associated with the description of a warm alcoholic drink or a term referred to the perceived sentiment of the Ole Miss student body.
Actually as an Ole Miss reference, the first documented evidence of the phrase (then written as “Heighty! Tighty!”) appeared in the Nov. 19, 1926 copy of the Mississippian. That day, the following words appeared:
Heighty! Tighty!
Gosh A Mighty!
Who in the h—l are we?
Rim! Ram! Flim! Flam!
Ole Miss, by D—n!
Ever since, the cheer (with slightly differing spelling in the opening line) has been passed down by Rebel fans. ESPN’s Doug Ward wrote, “’Hotty Toddy’ is the spirit of Ole Miss,” which extends much farther than the Grove and at athletics. It only takes seeing an Ole Miss logo or design on a shirt, hat, etc. for two fellow Rebels to exchange “hotty toddy” to one another.
“Hotty Toddy” has also become synonymous with Ole Miss among the national media. ESPN’s SportsCenter, Erin Anderson, former Miss America Nina Davuluri and former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney have all tweeted it at least once in recent years. Celebrities like Russell Crowe, Snoop Dogg, Betty White, Sandra Bullock, Jack Black and others have lead the cheer via recorded video messages played in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium before Ole Miss football games.
Here’s what Ole Miss students had to say about “Hotty Toddy” a few years ago:
Hotty Toddy, everybody!!
What is a Hotty Toddy, and why do Ole Miss fans get so excited about it? (video)
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - When Alabama and Ole Miss fans gather in Tuscaloosa for tomorrow night's matchup between the Crimson Tide and the Rebels, it's pretty realistic to say that one question will be repeated many times in the stands.
It will be shouted by the Ole Miss cheerleaders, to and from random fans across the parking lot and in plenty of other spots before and during the game.
It's a simple one: "Are you ready?"
And the response?
It's something that Bama fans might be tired of hearing after the tenth. or hundredth time.
When Ole Miss fans get the question asked of them, they respond with a cheer that is one of the most unique in college football traditions. (It also has more curse words per sentence than most, so it has been edited here for "safe at work and with your children" viewing.)
Hotty Toddy, Gosh Almighty,
Who The H*** Are We? Hey!
Flim Flam, Bim Bam
One of the best traditions in the SEC comes at home games in Oxford, when a random celebrity will appear on the jumbotron and ask the fans, "Are you ready?"
Like James Franco did so before the Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State game last year:
But, what does it all mean? What is a "Hotty Toddy"?
There are a lot of different theories and stories, of course, as there are with most college football mascots, nicknames, cheers and traditions. The official Ole Miss athletic website doesn't even give an explanation for the origin of the cheer, so you have to search a little bit for any clues.
The first documented appearance of the cheer came in a November 19, 1925 edition of The Mississippian student newspaper. The phrase was written as "Heighty! Tighty!" and the cheer was worded a bit differently from today: "Heighty! Tighty! Gosh a Mighty! Who the h*** are we? Rim! Ram! Flim! Flam! Ole Miss, by D***"
After appearing in the paper, the phrase and cheer began creeping into conversation and eventually onto the football field.
It might also not be a coincidence that a "hot toddy" is an alcoholic drink (a warm drink of whiskey or brandy), and that the student body and fans enjoy quite a party atmosphere on The Grove in Oxford for home games.
Wherever it comes from, the phrase is something that Alabama fans can surely appreciate.
Similar to the all-purpose "Roll Tide" greeting, "Hotty Toddy" is a phrase that works for Ole Miss fans in all incarnations--a welcome, a "hey, y'all," a sign of excitement, a "how's it going?" and a sign of school pride. And all Ole Miss fans know what it means (although they might not really know what it "means").
ESPN's Doug Ward described it this way: "'Hotty Toddy' has no real meaning, but it means everything in Oxford. For students, fans and alumni, it is a greeting, cheer and secret handshake all rolled into one. 'Hotty Toddy' is the spirit of Ole Miss."
So, when you hear it in Tuscaloosa Saturday night for the hundredth time, don't groan. Stop and appreciate the tradition of it all.
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Yule is traditionally celebrated with feasting, exchanging of gifts and burning the Yule log. It is seen as a time of hope and renewal. 3) Imbolc: Imbolc is celebrated on February 2nd and marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
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It is a time to honor the goddess Brighid and celebrate the return of light and the growing power of the sun. It is also a time to prepare for the upcoming spring and the renewal of life. 4) Ostara: Ostara is celebrated on the spring equinox, usually around March 21st. It is a time to celebrate the arrival of spring, the balance between light and dark, and the awakening of nature. It is a time of fertility and new beginnings. 5) Beltane: Beltane is celebrated on May 1st and marks the beginning of summer. It is a time to celebrate fertility and the union of the god and the goddess. Bonfires are traditionally lit to cleanse and purify, and maypole dances are performed to symbolize the intertwining of the masculine and feminine energies. 6) Litha: Litha is celebrated on the summer solstice, usually around June 21st. It is a time to celebrate the peak of the sun's power and the abundance of nature. It is a time of joy and celebration, with feasting, bonfires, and outdoor activities. 7) Lughnasadh: Lughnasadh is celebrated on August 1st and marks the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time to give thanks for the bounty of the earth and to honor the god Lugh, who represents the harvest and the skills of craftsmanship. It is a time for community gatherings, feasting, and games. These are just a few examples of the Wiccan festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. Each festival holds its own significance and offers an opportunity for Wiccans to connect with nature, honor the cycles of life, and celebrate their spiritual beliefs..
Reviews for "Dance of the Moon: Nearest Wiccan Festivals for Lunar Magick"
1. John Smith - 2 stars
I attended the Nearest Wiccan Festival last year and was thoroughly disappointed. The organization and planning of the event left much to be desired. There were long queues for registration and it took us ages to get in. Once inside, I found the atmosphere to be chaotic and disorganized. The schedule was poorly managed, with events starting late and overlapping with each other. Additionally, the facilities were less than satisfactory, with dirty porta-potties and limited food options. Overall, I had high hopes for this festival, but it completely let me down.
2. Emma Johnson - 1 star
I regret attending the Nearest Wiccan Festival as it was a complete waste of time and money. The advertised workshops and presentations were far from informative or engaging. The speakers seemed unprepared and lacked knowledge in their respective fields. Furthermore, the vendors at the festival were disappointing, offering low-quality products at exorbitant prices. The festival grounds were overcrowded, making it difficult to enjoy any of the activities. I expected so much more from this event, but it fell short in every aspect. I would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Sarah Thompson - 3 stars
My experience at the Nearest Wiccan Festival was mediocre at best. While I appreciate the effort put into organizing the event, it lacked a sense of authenticity. It felt more like a commercialized gathering rather than a genuine celebration of Wiccan beliefs and traditions. The workshops offered little depth and seemed more focused on selling products rather than providing meaningful knowledge. Additionally, the atmosphere was lacking in spiritual energy, and I didn't feel a true connection to the Wiccan community. Overall, it was an average event that didn't live up to my expectations.
4. Michael Davis - 2 stars
The Nearest Wiccan Festival had potential, but it fell short in execution. The scheduling was poorly managed, with overlapping events and little guidance on where to go. The lack of clear signage and directions made navigating the festival grounds a frustrating experience. The workshops were underwhelming, with many speakers lacking passion and knowledge. Furthermore, the food options were limited and overpriced, leaving attendees hungry and unsatisfied. I had hoped for a vibrant and enriching experience, but sadly, this festival didn't deliver.