Wicca Holidays

[NiceBlue]

Pagan was an ancient term referring to people of the countryside who continued to practice pre-Christian religions when the cities of the Roman Empire were becoming more Christian. Wicca is a form of modern paganism, especially a tradition founded in England in the mid-20th century and claiming its origins in pre-Christian religions.

A Yule log is a large tree trunk that is made to burn for 12 days by moving it into a fireplace as one end is consumed by the flames. The holiday is to welcome the sun as it rises higher in the sky and as the daytime lengthens. Some people feel that the bringing of evergreens and holly plants indoors stems from Yule traditions.

See here: History of Christmas Trees: Symbolism, Traditions & Trivia. Also, lower down is an image of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with children around a Christmas Tree.

One of my favorite scenes from ballet is the very wintery Dance of the Snowflakes.

See here:

Here is a Wiccan list of Holidays, noting the Holiday, what the holiday is associated with and more recognizable holidays or occasions near it in the year:

Yule: December 20-23 Winter Solstice (Hanukkah, Christmas)

Imbolc: February 1-2 (Mid-Winter)

Ostara: March 19-21 Spring Equinox (Passover, Easter)

Beltane: April 30 – May 1 (May Day, Walpurgisnacht)

Litha: June 20-22 Summer Solstice (Midsummer Night)

Lughnasadh: August 1-2 (High Summer)

Mabon: September 21-24 Fall Equinox (Yom Kippur, Michaelmas)

Samhain: October 31 – November 1 (Halloween)

Tom,

 

[NiceBlue]

It is said that Imbolc means “In the Belly” referring to a female sheep being pregnant at that time of year. Wiccan holiday of Imbolc, February 1-2 marks approximately the mid-point between the Winter Solstice, Yule and the Spring Equinox, Ostara, so it can be seen as Mid-Winter. It can be noted that the modern Wiccan calendar dates from the 1950 although it appears to be based on older folklore. One difficulty in determining the historical origins of these holidays is the lack of written information.

Associated with the holiday of Imbolc, is the goddess Brigid, said to be the daughter of the Dagda chief of the Tuatha Dé Danann (see here: https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/tuatha-de-danann-celthic-mythology) and is considered to be the goddess of Healers, Poets, Smiths, Childbirth and Inspiration (see here: https://mythicalireland.com/blogs/myths-legends/bridget-bright-goddess-of-the-gael). Also, associated with Imbolc is Saint Brigid.

Generally, winter is not my favorite season, except I like the new fallen snow – nice and smooth, and clean maybe with the tracks of a forest animal across it. When the snow is falling, the white fluffy flakes gently descending from the clouds, are like snow fairies. This snow will cover the branches of the trees, some evergreens and some not, as if to provide ornamentation. I do feel sorry for the outside animals being cold, but then I think, unlike humans who evolved in a tropical climate, these animals evolved in colder areas and so adapted to it.

Here is a short, 2-minute-long video, from Hedge Mystic entitled “What is Imbolc.”

So, Happy Imbolc everyone.

Tom,

 

[NiceBlue]

Ostara falling on March 20 of this year, is the Wiccan name for the Vernal (Spring) Equinox, that is the time when the daylight portion of the day is the same length as the nighttime portion. The Jewish holiday of Passover, is determined by the Hebrew calendar, beginning on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, which occurs in March or April. It is a lunar-based holiday that falls on the first full moon following the vernal equinox, ensuring it always occurs in the spring, as required by biblical tradition. And the Christian holiday of Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon (the "Paschal full moon") that occurs on or after the vernal equinox (fixed on March 21). So, both Passover and Easter are determined by the Vernal Equinox.



Also celebrated about the same time is the Hindu holiday of “Holi, often referred to as the ‘Festival of Colours,’ is a vibrant and joyous celebration that marks the arrival of spring in India and various parts of the world. Holi, the festival of colours, is one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in India. Marking the arrival of spring, this festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, unity, and the spirit of togetherness. People across the country and beyond come together to play with colours, enjoy festive sweets, and revel in music and dance. Rooted in ancient traditions and mythology, Holi is not just a festival but a cultural phenomenon that transcends boundaries, bringing people closer in a riot of hues and happiness.” See here: When is Holi 2026? Date, Story, History, Significance and all you need to know - The Times of India.



Some, believe that the name Easter was derived from Ostara, or Eostre or Eastre, the Germanic Goddess of spring and dawn. These is little to support that, but on the other hand I know of any other certain origin of the name of the Holiday. Possibly is related to that of Eos, the Greek goddess of dawn, and both can be traced back to a Proto-Indo-European goddess of dawn. See here Ostara: Who is Ostara?.



Here is a little ballet entitled Voices of Spring in honor of Ostara:

Happy Ostara.

Tom,

 

[MamaMermaid]

I'm always fascinated by the Wheel of the Year and pagan holidays.