what does mabon celebrate

Mabon is a pagan holiday that celebrates the Autumn Equinox, which usually occurs between September 21st and 24th in the Northern Hemisphere. It is also known as the pagan Thanksgiving and marks a time of balance, equality, and harmony. In ancient times, Mabon was a celebration of the second harvest, when farmers gathered hearty foods like gourds, pumpkins, grapes, and apples. Modern Mabon celebrations are a time to give thanks for the abundance of Mother Earth, both literally and spiritually, and to reflect on the Wheel of the Year, recognizing your successes and letting go of the things that did not serve you during the past twelve months. Pagans might pick apples, which are a common symbol of the second harvest, and use them in an apple harvest ritual that thanks the gods. Mabon is also a time for gratitude, not just for the bounty of the harvest, but for all the sacrifices made for survival along the way.