Modern manifestations

Festivals

Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Midsummer, Lughnasadh, Mabon, Samhain, Yule

The main pagan festivals mark the unfolding seasons of the year. They are divided into eight segments, four of which are believed to be Celtic in origin, while the other four relate to the solar calendar.

Imbolc

Celebrated at the beginning of February, the Imbolc festival celebrates the coming of spring after the winter. Candles are regularly used as part of the Celtic-based festivities.

Ostara

Ostara occurs at the spring equinox, when the day and night are the same length, marking the start of summer, A celebration of spring, this is probably the pagan festival from which Easter originates.

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Beltane

This festival usually falls around May Day. Its name comes from the Celtic god Bel, who is a god of fire. Beltane is a colourful festival which celebrates fertility and the coming of the summer.

Midsummer

Midsummer in late June, also known as Litha, falls on the longest day of the year – the solstice – when the sun appears to stop. A powerful festival, which includes fertility rituals to ensure a good harvest in the autumn.

Lughnasadh

Also known as Lammas to the Saxons, Lughnasadh is a Celtic festival which celebrates the first harvest of the crops in early August. Very important for early farming communities.

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Mabon

Mabon is the autumn equinox in late September. This time the length of the day and night are the same as we head out of summer and into the darker winter. This is a time for reflection.

Samhain

Samhain is another Celtic festival, usually celebrated at the end of October, from which the modern Hallowe’en is derived. For many pagans this point marks the beginning of the year, and is a time for reflection and honouring the dead.

Yule

Celebrated around 20 December, Yule marks the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year. pagans celebrate in hope of the coming longer days and also include a Yule log in the proceedings, to provide light, which is an artefact adopted by Christianity.

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