Sabbats are the Eight Major Holidays many Wiccans celebrate each year. Many of these fall on or very near the recognized holidays in the United States. This is not surprising as the Christians usurped many of the Pagan holidays and practices. This made it easier to convert people to the new religion. The Eight Major Holidays are as follow the Wheel of the Year:
Samhain – October 31st/November 1st. The night the veil is lifted. Many people celebrate this as Halloween while others call it El Dia de Los Muertos. Whatever you want to call it, this has always been my favorite holiday of the year. All Saint’s Day can be found on November 1st.
Yule – about December 21st. This is also known as Winter Solstice. There are various accounts of this holiday from all over the world. In Ireland this was the night fires were lit and watched until morning in order to help usher in the sun’s return as the days got longer.
Imbolc – February 2nd. Also known as Candlemas and sometimes Brigid’s Day. This is a time of fertility and love. The Goddess Brigid was so popular that the Christian church decided to assimilate her and created Saint Brigit. The date was then moved and combined with the story of Saint Valentine.
Ostara – about March 21st. This is a time of growth. One of the most colorful holidays, this day is often celebrated with bright eggs and planting gardens. This date is also the Spring Equinox, when night and day are equal.
Beltane – May 1st. Also known as May Day. I remember dancing around the pole in school on this holiday. What I didn’t know is that that act is actually an ancient fertility rite. The pole itself is a phallic symbol, and this is the holiday when the Goddess conceives. Yeah, think about that next time at your school gathering.
Summer Solstice – about June 21st. Also known as Litha, this is the longest day of the year. Celebrated with flowers and honey cakes, this holiday is about light’s triumph over darkness. It is often celebrated with a spiral dance.
Lughnassadh – August 1st. Also known as Lammas, this celebration is about the gifts of the Harvest. I generally think of it as the Pagan Thanksgiving, but that’s my own take on it. This is when the Fall Festivals generally start, and the darkness is getting ready to overtake the light.
Mabon – about September 21st. This is the Fall Equinox, when day and night are once again equal. This holiday is not celebrated by everyone, and is considered a “lesser” holiday by some. Some traditions use this holiday for inner reflection, and it can be quite somber.
Each month many Pagans also celebrate the Full Moon. There are 13 each year, known as esbats. During the Full Moon festivals, many Pagans hold rituals and celebrate around bonfires, either in groups or solitary. It is a great time to do magical work. Incidentally, many cultures and religions celebrate the Full Moon each month. It is quite popular among Buddhists, for example.
What is your favorite holiday? Have you ever wondered what other stories are behind it besides the ones you grew up with? How do you celebrate your favorite holidays? I’d love to hear about it.