Pagan holidays have a long history and continue to be celebrated in various ways around the world. In 2022, individuals who follow pagan traditions will observe a number of significant holidays throughout the year. These celebrations, rooted in ancient beliefs and practices, provide a meaningful way for pagans to connect with nature, honor their ancestors, and celebrate the changing of the seasons. One of the most well-known pagan holidays is Imbolc, which typically takes place on February 1st or 2nd. Imbolc marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox and is associated with the beginning of spring. Pagans may celebrate this holiday by lighting candles, making offerings to Brigid (a Celtic goddess), and participating in rituals focused on new beginnings and purification.
Pagans may celebrate this holiday by lighting candles, making offerings to Brigid (a Celtic goddess), and participating in rituals focused on new beginnings and purification. Another important pagan holiday in 2022 is the spring equinox, often referred to as Ostara. Taking place around March 20th, this holiday celebrates the arrival of spring and the renewal of life.
2022 Historical Holiday Dates for Old Ways Heathens
Historical Germanic Heathenry had three major blots, which lasted for three days. Historical Heathens also had a minor celebration which was not a public blot: Disting. At the bottom of this article, I will give the 2022 dates for these historical Heathen holidays for modern practice for Old Ways Heathens. First, some brief background: The Ynglinga Saga (chapter 8), from the year 1225, lists the three great blots of the year: “Odin established the same law in his land that had been in force in Asaland… On winter day (first day of winter) there should be blot for a good year, and in the middle of winter for a good crop; and the third blot should be on summer day, a Victory-blot.” In Old Norse, “Sigurblot” means “Victory-Blot.” Therefore, we have three major Norse blots a year, that appear in the context of Ynglinga Saga (and other references) that were done publicly at Uppsala. In Heimskringla, the saga of Hakon the Good, section 15 (circa 1230 AD) it says the following: “The first night of Yule was hǫkunótt, that is midwinter night, and Yule was held for three nights.” Heimskringla Saga, Magnus the Blind, Chapter 6: “ Yule was kept holy for only three days, when no work was done.”
The Poettic Edda states Yule was three nights. HELGAKVITHA HJORVARTHSSONAR The Lay of Helgi the Son of Hjorvarth, Chapter 4. This passage is too long for this blog, but I encourage you all to look it up. Hethin came home alone on the evening of Yule, and after a stay of three days, a battle commenced. Like the Heimskringla Saga above written by Snorri, the Poettic Edda agrees that battles were not fought during the three days of Yule. Therefore, Yule was too holy to desecrate with bloodshed.
Bede states in De Temporum Ratione, Ch 15 (725 AD): "Thus, the moon by which they began their winter season was called “Winterfylleth”, a name compounded of the terms for winter and full moon, because from the full moon of that moon winter was thought to begin." Andreas Nordberg, the world’s foremost scholar on Norse Holidays, makes clear in his book on the dating of Yule that “The pre-Christian Yule feast occurs at the first full moon after the first new moon following the winter solstice, while the disting took place at the third full moon according to the same method of calculation.” (Jul, disting och förkyrklig tideräkning Kalendrar och kalendariska riter i det förkristna Norden Uppsala 2006, P.4) At Yule it was determined if a thirteenth moon would be added to the year. To keep the following year’s Yule as the first full moon after the first new moon after the solstice, it would be determined if a 13th moon would be needed or not. You can see Nordberg's book, in PDF form, with a one page English Abstract (Introduction) and twenty page summary in English (the rest is in Swedish) here: https://www.academia.edu/1366945/Jul_disting_och_f%C3%B6rkyrklig_tider%C3%A4kning While many "pagans" argue that the church holidays were the Heathen Holidays, Dr. Nordberg states otherwise, that Heathen holy days were replaced by those of the church, just like Heathenry was replaced by Chrsitianity: Nordberg states, “Icelandic sources from the 13th century mention two months called Ylir or Jólmánuthr.” (p.147). This matches Bede in De Temporum Ratione, who mentions two moons of Giuli (Yule) in the Anglish Calendar. Nordberg also states that the Norse (like the Anglish) divided the year into quarters. “This division into quarters is not recorded in Nordic ecclesiastical calendars, but is evident in folktales, sagas, provincial laws, on rune-staffs and calendar rods and in other everyday contexts. The sources also hint at a process, during which this older system of dividing up the year was gradually replaced by a division based on important dates in the Church’s liturgical year."
*** Please note for Saxon Heathens, this year, we are no longer calling the Old Saxon start of Summer, "Summerblot." The Indiculus superstitionum et paganiarum (written circa 743 CE/AD), a Latin writing by St. Boniface and his henchmen, is in the same historical codex as the Old Saxon Baptismal Vow, also written in the 8th century. The Baptismal Vow forces the Saxons to renounce Thunar (Thor), Uuoden (Odin) and Sahsnoth (Saxnote). However, the Indiculus superstitionum et paganiarum prohibits the Old Saxon celebration of Victory Moon. This is a clear reference to Sigrblot, meaning "Victory Blot." Therefore, we are chaning the name from "Summer Moon" to "Victory Moon" based on a renewed understanding of this text. Dr. Scott T Shell also believes that this is a reference to the Old Saxons celebrating Sigrblot. Dr. Shell is a Saxon Heathen, and please, check out his YouTube channel. Dr. Shell holds his PhD in linguistics as well as bachelor and master degrees in Old Saxon and Germanic languages.
Pagans may engage in activities such as planting seeds, decorating eggs, and performing rituals to honor the balance between light and dark. Beltane, celebrated on May 1st, is another significant pagan holiday in 2022. This festival marks the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice and is associated with fertility and abundance. Pagans may participate in ceremonies that involve dancing around maypoles, lighting bonfires, and celebrating the vitality of nature. Litha, known as the summer solstice, occurs around June 20th and is a time when pagans celebrate the longest day of the year. This holiday is often marked by bonfires, outdoor rituals, and gatherings to honor the sun and the power of light. Lughnasadh, celebrated on August 1st, is a pagan holiday that coincides with the first harvest of the year. Pagans may engage in feasts, games, and ceremonies to honor the agricultural bounty and show gratitude for the abundance of nature. The autumn equinox, or Mabon, takes place around September 22nd and represents the second harvest. Pagans may celebrate this holiday by decorating their altars, performing rituals to honor the changing seasons, and reflecting on the natural cycle of life and death. Finally, Samhain is a pagan holiday observed on October 31st and is considered the most important of all pagan holidays. Traditionally associated with death and the thinning of the veil between the living and the dead, Samhain is a time for pagans to commune with their ancestors, honor those who have passed, and reflect on the cycle of life. In conclusion, pagan holidays in 2022 offer pagans the opportunity to celebrate nature, honor their ancestors, and mark the changing of the seasons. From Imbolc to Samhain, these holidays provide pagans with a rich and meaningful way to connect with the natural world and their spiritual beliefs..
Reviews for "Deepening Your Connection: Rituals for Pagan Holidays in 2022"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Pagan Holidazs 2022". The performances felt lackluster and the production value was low. The costumes looked cheap and the set design was minimalistic. The plot was confusing and hard to follow. Overall, it just felt like a poorly executed production. I wouldn't recommend it.
- Alex - 1 star - I absolutely regretted attending "Pagan Holidazs 2022". The acting was awful and the dialogue was cringe-worthy. It was painful to sit through the entire performance. Additionally, the music selection was unimpressive and didn't add anything to the experience. I would advise anyone considering watching this show to save their time and money.
- Emily - 2 stars - "Pagan Holidazs 2022" was a huge letdown. The storyline lacked coherence and the characters were poorly developed. The humor fell flat and the attempts at incorporating different holiday traditions felt forced. The overall execution seemed lazy and rushed. It's unfortunate, as the concept had potential, but it just didn't come together in a satisfying way. I was disappointed with this performance.
- Matthew - 3 stars - While "Pagan Holidazs 2022" had some interesting moments, the show as a whole left me feeling unsatisfied. The pacing was inconsistent, with some scenes dragging on and others feeling rushed. The humor was hit-and-miss, with only a few jokes landing. The production quality was average at best, and the performances lacked depth. Overall, it was an underwhelming experience.