by Diana Washer

Created on: July 11, 2009

Every religion has certain days of the year when celebrations occur, for example Christmas is a Christian holiday, Eid is a Muslim holiday, and the Wiccan religion is no different. There are eight Wiccan holidays, or Sabbats if you will, celebrated each year, each with their own purpose or celebrating ritual.

Samhain (pronounced sow-in) occurs on a day which is known to most as Halloween, or All Hallow's Eve on October 31st. This special day actually celebrates the Wiccan and Witch New Year. Samhain is one of the most important Wiccan Sabbats as it's a time to remember those who have passed from the world of the living to the world of the dead, and also a time when the separation between the two worlds is at its thinnest. Celebrations of this sacred day include preparation of a feast in which an extra plate of food is prepared for those who have passed only to place outside after the living have eaten to be consumed by any creatures that may be interested by such.

Yule is celebrated on December 21st during the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. This is a time to celebrate by sharing stories of knowledge with one another while tending to a Yule log which burns throughout the night. A piece of the Yule log is kept during the course of the upcoming year to protect the home and is used to light the Yule log next year. New goals are set during this time, while leaving old regrets behind. Yule trees are also decorated as a symbol of the fertile land that will return with the melting of the snow during the coming of spring.

On February 2nd, Imbolc is celebrated to signify that spring is just around the corner. Celebrations that occur are the blessing of the ritual tools and the building of a fire to symbolize the warmth of the Sun soon upon us.

Ostara falls on the Spring Equinox on March 21st. It is obvious at this point that winter will soon be over, and is a great time to start the preparation for the planting of gardens. This is a time to celebrate fertility and let go of anything that may be holding one back. It is custom to paint brightly colored eggs to represent the child within.

Beltane is celebrated on April 30th or May 1st and is another very important Sabbat. Handfasting celebrations, similar to weddings, are held representing the union of the Lord and Lady. Self discovery, love and union are themes of this Sabbat.

Midsummer is the longest day of the year on June 21st, which is also Summer Solstice. This is a joyous time for all when the days are warm and life is fulfilling. For many centuries it has been tradition for people to gather in the middle of Stonehenge during the rise of the Sun in honor of the God.

Lammas on August 1st is a time of plentiful giving. The fruits and vegetables of the Earth are now ready to be shared with everyone during a feast in celebration of what the Earth has to give us.

Mabon is the last Sabbat of the Wiccan year, celebrated on September 21st, also known as the Autumnal Equinox. This is one of the last feasts of the year, as winter is soon to approach. A feast is prepared including such foods as grains, apples, and other various fruits and vegetables.

Sabbats are every bit as important to a Wiccan as is Easter to a Christian. Sabbats are a way of life to Wiccans and a time for celebration with family and friends.

Learn more about this author, Diana Washer.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.