Pagan holidays are traditional festivals that are celebrated by practitioners of pagan or earth-based religions. These holidays are often linked to nature and the changing seasons, and are marked by rituals, feasts, and gatherings. There are eight major pagan holidays, also known as Sabbats, that are spread throughout the year, following the wheel of the year. The first pagan holiday is Yule, which takes place around December 21st and marks the winter solstice. It is a celebration of the return of the sun and the increasing daylight after the longest night of the year. Yule is often associated with the symbol of the Yule log and the decorating of evergreen trees.
Pagan Sabbats
As for many pagans, the Crow Women’s ceremonial life revolves around the eight sabbats of the pagan year. Four of those holidays are solar holidays: the summer and winter solstices and the spring and fall equinoxes. These four holidays create a solar cross dividing the year into 4 quarters. Halfway through each quarter is a cross-quarter day. Between winter solstice (Yule) and spring equinox (Ostara) is Imbolc, then between spring equinox and and summer solstice (Litha) is Beltane. After summer solstice and before fall equinox (Mabon) is Lammas (also called Lughnassad). Finally, after fall equinox but before winter solstice is Samhain (also known as Halloween). In our own Crow Women circle tradition, we begin our Wheel of the Year with Imbolc. Other pagans might start their Wheel at Samhain or at Winter Solstice.
Our third album, Seasons: A Pagan Journey Around the Wheel of the Year, is all about the eight Sabbats. This blog post about the song that leads off the album is a creative tour of the pagan year. When we were choosing the theme for this album, we found that we had many songs that we had created for these important holidays. You’ll find many posts on our blog about particular songs, as well as some ritual ideas and recipes, too. Click on a Sabbat to jump to the page devoted to that Sabbat, where you can find more information as well as all our blog posts related to the holiday.
The 8 Sabbats
- Imbolc / Candlemas
- Spring Equinox / Ostara
- Beltane / May Eve
- Summer Solstice / Litha
- Lughnassad / Lammas
- Fall Equinox / Mabon
- Samhain / Halloween
- Winter Solstice / Yule
Yule is often associated with the symbol of the Yule log and the decorating of evergreen trees. Next is Imbolc, which occurs on February 2nd, also known as Candlemas. It is a festival that symbolizes the coming of spring and the awakening of nature.
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8 pagan holidays
This is the festival of the dead, Hallow-eve, when the Goddess gives the reins of government to the God. Here He presides, and the gates between the worlds are very thin. Now is the time to remember those we love who have died in the past year; for now they can join us in our celebration. The year is dying. We look forward to it's rebirth. Colors for Samhain are black, red and orange. Plants associated with it are Indian corn, pumpkins, gourds, apples and corn stalks.
Yule
December 20 - 23 (winter solstice)
This is the festival of the return of Sun, when the Great Mother brings him forth new-born. The colors associated with Yule are red and green; plants are the Yule Log, mistletoe, holly, pine and pine cones, and all sorts of nuts.
Traditionally, a candle (or other flame) is left burning all night on this longest of nights, to teach the new Sun how to shine.
Imbolc or Candlemas
This is the feast of the torches, also known as Bridget's Day. We bid our Lady return from the darkness, and light the flames so She may see the way. The colors of Candlemas are red and white; plants are roses, cherries, and apples. Read more about Imbolc.
Eostar
March 20-23 (spring equinox)
This is the festival of spring, when we welcome the Goddess back from her place of rest and ask Her blessings for new growth in the coming year. The colors of Eostar are green, white and silver; plants are all spring flowers and seeds. Colored eggs are exchanged now. Read a sample Eostar Celebration.
Beltane
This is the May Eve, the festival of fertility, when invocations and dances are performed to ensure bountiful crops and the continued fertility of all nature (including humans!). This is the time when the God and the Goddess meet as lovers, and He gives the governing of the year to Her until Samhain. The entire rainbow is associated with Beltane, as are all flowers, garlands, trees, and fresh leaves.
Litha
June 20-23 (summer solstice)
This is the festival of summer, when we dance and make merry magic in thanks for the crops growing, and the abundance of nature. This is when light is at it's peak, when the day is longest. The color of Litha is green, and plants associated with this day are roses, vines, and leaves.
Lughnassad
This is the festival of the corn, sometimes called Lammas, when the first fruits of the harvest are brought in, and in the fields the grain is ripe but not yet harvested. We rejoice in the gifts of the Great Mother. Colors for Lammas are green, yellow, and red. Plants are corn, grains, tomatoes, berries, and flowers.
Mabon
September 20-23 (fall equinox)
This is harvest-home, when the crops have been gathered. We give thanks for the Lady's abundance, and feast on the plentiful food. The colors of Mabon are orange, brown, yellow and red. All crops are associated with this festival, as are the brilliant fall leaves.
With these festivals, we celebrate the turning of the wheel, the continuance of life and the dance of the Earth around the Sun.
Traditionally, the colors and plants attributed to the holiday are used in the decorations; legends that mark the turning are told, and seasonal foods are eaten. This is also the time to do magic that helps the Wheel to turn, and to take advantage of the turning to plant or harvest things in our own lives, and thank the Gods for the things that they have done for us.
As the Gods share with us, so we share with the Gods. Blessed Be.
Ancient Calendar & Pagan Holidays: January 8
There is a TON going on today in Ancient times. Who knew January 8th could be such a busy day in history.
Ok, let’s get down to it, one culture at a time, shall we?
*The Norse will be honoring their Goddess Freya. Now Freya is well loved among the Norse because not only is she the Goddess of love, and the Queen of the Valkeyries, but she also represents something even more important those those Warriors giving their lives in battle—endless rebirth.
*Now here’s something of interest and something you don’t here quite often in Pagan circles—a GERMAN goddess. Today would be the observance for Germany’s Goddess named Holda. Holda is a patron for children, household, fertility, women, domestic matters, spinning of cloth but ALSO goddess of the hunt. Detailed legends of Holda described her as riding a large black horse with long hair flowing behind her as she would sound off her horn to begin the hunt. There used to be an expression saying, “To be taken by Holda.” which was used in medieval Germany when describing a girl or woman with long black hair.
Now what’s even more interesting is, today is called Distaff Day, an observance that sprang from Holda and spread to many parts of Europe. Distaff’ stood for the spinning wheel and more importantly, the part which held the fleece that would be spun and spun and spun into yarn.
*The Romans made this day sacred to their Goddess Justitia who stood for Justice.
*The Greeks will honor midwives on this day. Women who were of childbearing age would give gifts to those younger and of maidens.
* Last but certainly not least, today marks the Old Druidic New Year…..so happy new year to them and to those of you who walk that path.
Imbolc is often marked by rituals involving fire and the lighting of candles. Ostara, also known as the Spring Equinox, takes place around March 21st. It is a celebration of fertility and new beginnings as the earth begins to awaken from its winter slumber. Eggs and rabbits are common symbols associated with Ostara. Beltane is the next holiday, occurring on May 1st. It is a festival of fire and fertility that welcomes the arrival of summer. Beltane is often celebrated with bonfires, maypole dancing, and the exchange of flowers. Midsummer, also known as Litha, takes place around June 21st. It is a celebration of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Midsummer is often marked with rituals honoring the sun and the abundance of nature. Lughnasadh, or Lammas, is the next holiday on August 1st. It is a harvest festival that celebrates the first fruits of the season and marks the beginning of the harvest season. Lughnasadh often involves feasting, games, and competitions. Mabon, also known as the Autumn Equinox, occurs around September 21st. It is a festival of thanksgiving and the second harvest, as well as a time of balance between light and dark. Mabon is often celebrated with rituals involving harvest foods and the giving of thanks. Finally, Samhain, on October 31st, is the last pagan holiday of the year. It is a festival that honors the ancestors and the thinning of the veil between the living and the dead. Samhain is often observed with rituals involving divination, ancestor altars, and the lighting of bonfires. These eight pagan holidays are an integral part of pagan traditions and provide opportunities for practitioners to connect with nature, honor their ancestors, and celebrate the cycles of life..
Reviews for "Celebrating the Harvest Season: An In-Depth Look at the Eight Pagan Holidays"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "8 pagan holidays." The book promised to provide detailed information about these ancient celebrations, but it fell short. The content was superficial and lacked depth. Additionally, there were numerous grammatical errors and typos throughout, which made it difficult to read. I expected more from a book that claims to be a comprehensive guide to pagan holidays.
2. Mark - 1 star - I found "8 pagan holidays" to be incredibly unengaging and lackluster. The writing style was dry and uninspiring, making it difficult to stay interested in the subject matter. The book also seemed to lack organization, jumping from one topic to another without a clear flow or structure. Overall, I was thoroughly disappointed and would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of pagan holidays.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - As someone who is genuinely interested in pagan holidays, I had high hopes for this book. Unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The information provided was basic and didn't delve deep into the history, symbolism, or rituals associated with each holiday. I also found the writing style to be repetitive and lacking in creativity. This book may be suitable for beginners, but for someone seeking a more comprehensive and in-depth exploration of pagan holidays, I would recommend looking elsewhere.