Post by WitchBoy on Jun 15, 2002 18:28:29 GMT -5
The sabbats are special times of celebration or holidays that are followed by wiccans and some pagans. The sabbats start of with Samhain, the wiccan "new year", and end with Mabon, or Winter Finding.
The sabbats are all related to the cycle of the seasons, and some view it in terms of the life of the god, who is born at yule, passes over on Samhain and is reborn the next yule. Sabbats may be celebrated on the actual day, or the following weekend.
Samhain - October 31st
Samhain marks the coming of winter, and is the pagan New Year. It is more commonly recognized, by non-Pagans, as Halloween. This is a date that is often recognized as a time where the barriers between different planes of existence are at their thinnest. Pagans generally use this as a time of reflection, in memory of departed loved ones. This Sabbat also marks the symbolic death of the God, who awaits his re-birth with the coming of Yule. It is now that we celebrate the turning of the wheel of the year.
Yule - Winter Solstice (occurs on or near the 21st of December on the Winter Solstice)
Yule is celebrated on the Winter Solstice. It is on this day that the God is symbolically reborn. This is the shortest day of the year, and the days continually get longer, after this day. The sun was often recognized as the symbol of the God, in ancient religions. Most Pagans believe in reincarnation. This cycle of life and death for the God, are symbolic of the belief in life from death.
Imbolic - February 1st or 2nd (depending on tradition)
Imbolic is a celebration of fertility and purification. It symbolizes awakening and inspiration. The God is beginning to grow, and his strength (the Sun) is beginning to be noticeable.
Oestara - Spring Equinox (occurs on or near the 21st of March on the Vernal Equinox)
Oestara is the first day of true spring. The day and night are equal in length. Plants are budding strongly. Some ancient Pagan traditions are still practiced on this day, such as coloring eggs (which are a symbol of fertility).
Beltane - April 30th, May 1, or May 5 depending on tradition
Beltane is commonly recognized as May Day, by non-Pagans. It is a celebration of love and desire. Many flowers and plants are often gathered, as decorations. The flowers are symbolic of the Goddess. "May Poles" were often erected (and sometimes still are), as symbols of the God. Celebrates the union of the goddess and the god.
Midsummer - Summer Solstice (occurs on or near the 21st of June on the Summer Solstice)
Midsummer is the time of year at which nature is at it's peak strength. This is a time when many Pagans feel it is best for rituals and spells. Bonfires are often made, to symbolize and honor the God.
Lunasadh (Lammas) - August 1st
Lunasadh is observed during the beginning of harvest. Pagans are thankful for the food with which they have been blessed. Plants are withering, but they are also leaving seeds, a promise of their eventual re-birth. The God is beginning to weaken and dim with age, as the days grow shorter.
Mabon or Winter Finding - Autumn Equinox (occurs on or near the 21st of September on the Autumnal Equinox)
Mabon, or Winter Finding is observed at the end of harvest. The day and night are once again equal in length. The God is quickly losing strength, and is preparing for his end. Summer is over, and Winter is quickly approaching.
The sabbats are all related to the cycle of the seasons, and some view it in terms of the life of the god, who is born at yule, passes over on Samhain and is reborn the next yule. Sabbats may be celebrated on the actual day, or the following weekend.
Samhain - October 31st
Samhain marks the coming of winter, and is the pagan New Year. It is more commonly recognized, by non-Pagans, as Halloween. This is a date that is often recognized as a time where the barriers between different planes of existence are at their thinnest. Pagans generally use this as a time of reflection, in memory of departed loved ones. This Sabbat also marks the symbolic death of the God, who awaits his re-birth with the coming of Yule. It is now that we celebrate the turning of the wheel of the year.
Yule - Winter Solstice (occurs on or near the 21st of December on the Winter Solstice)
Yule is celebrated on the Winter Solstice. It is on this day that the God is symbolically reborn. This is the shortest day of the year, and the days continually get longer, after this day. The sun was often recognized as the symbol of the God, in ancient religions. Most Pagans believe in reincarnation. This cycle of life and death for the God, are symbolic of the belief in life from death.
Imbolic - February 1st or 2nd (depending on tradition)
Imbolic is a celebration of fertility and purification. It symbolizes awakening and inspiration. The God is beginning to grow, and his strength (the Sun) is beginning to be noticeable.
Oestara - Spring Equinox (occurs on or near the 21st of March on the Vernal Equinox)
Oestara is the first day of true spring. The day and night are equal in length. Plants are budding strongly. Some ancient Pagan traditions are still practiced on this day, such as coloring eggs (which are a symbol of fertility).
Beltane - April 30th, May 1, or May 5 depending on tradition
Beltane is commonly recognized as May Day, by non-Pagans. It is a celebration of love and desire. Many flowers and plants are often gathered, as decorations. The flowers are symbolic of the Goddess. "May Poles" were often erected (and sometimes still are), as symbols of the God. Celebrates the union of the goddess and the god.
Midsummer - Summer Solstice (occurs on or near the 21st of June on the Summer Solstice)
Midsummer is the time of year at which nature is at it's peak strength. This is a time when many Pagans feel it is best for rituals and spells. Bonfires are often made, to symbolize and honor the God.
Lunasadh (Lammas) - August 1st
Lunasadh is observed during the beginning of harvest. Pagans are thankful for the food with which they have been blessed. Plants are withering, but they are also leaving seeds, a promise of their eventual re-birth. The God is beginning to weaken and dim with age, as the days grow shorter.
Mabon or Winter Finding - Autumn Equinox (occurs on or near the 21st of September on the Autumnal Equinox)
Mabon, or Winter Finding is observed at the end of harvest. The day and night are once again equal in length. The God is quickly losing strength, and is preparing for his end. Summer is over, and Winter is quickly approaching.