Pagan holidays are days of celebration that Pagans often dedicated to their many gods or to celebrate different walks of life among its followers. Many of these holidays have been adopted by Christianity and are still celebrated today. Here are some examples of pagan holidays:
-
Yule/Winter Solstice: This is a nature-focused festival that observes the shortest day of the year and the continuing life of nature even during the darkest and coldest months of the year. It is celebrated by lighting the Yule log in the family hearth, decorating the home with winter greenery like mistletoe, holly, and Ivy, and gift-giving.
-
Imbolc: This festival is dedicated to the goddess Brigid, daughter of The Dagda and one of the Tuatha Dé Danann. In the Reclaiming tradition, this is the traditional time for pledges and rededications for the coming year and for initiation among Dianic Wiccans.
-
Beltane/May Day: This festival celebrates the beginning of summer and the fertility of the coming year. It is often celebrated with dancing around a maypole, bonfires, and the crowning of a May Queen.
-
Litha/Summer Solstice: This festival celebrates the longest day of the year and the power of the sun. It is often celebrated with bonfires, feasting, and dancing.
-
Lughnasadh/Lammas: This festival celebrates the first harvest of the year and the god Lugh. It is often celebrated with feasting, games, and the making of corn dollies.
-
Mabon/Fall Equinox: This festival celebrates the second harvest of the year and the balance between light and dark. It is often celebrated with feasting, apple picking, and the making of cornucopias.
-
Samhain/Halloween: This festival celebrates the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is often celebrated with bonfires, divination, and the honoring of ancestors.
It is worth noting that not all Pagans celebrate these holidays in the same way, and some may not celebrate them at all. Additionally, some of these holidays have been adopted by Christianity and are celebrated in a different context today.
