Paganism is a broad term that encompasses a diverse range of spiritual beliefs and practices that predate the major world religions. Some of the holidays and celebrations that are associated with paganism include:
- Yule: Celebrated on December 21st, Yule is a winter solstice festival that marks the shortest day of the year and the beginning of the return of the sun.
- Imbolc: Celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, Imbolc marks the beginning of spring and is associated with the goddess Brigid.
- Ostara: Celebrated on the spring equinox, Ostara is a festival of renewal and new beginnings that celebrates the return of life to the earth after the winter.
- Beltane: Celebrated on May 1st, Beltane is a spring festival that honors fertility, growth, and new beginnings.
- Litha: Celebrated on the summer solstice, Litha is a celebration of the longest day of the year and the sun’s power and strength.
- Lammas: Celebrated on August 1st, Lammas is a harvest festival that honors the first harvest of the year.
- Mabon: Celebrated on the autumn equinox, Mabon is a festival of balance and thanksgiving that honors the end of the harvest season.
These holidays are typically marked by rituals, feasts, and celebrations that honor the cycles of nature, the changing seasons, and the gods and goddesses associated with them. Some pagans also celebrate personal milestones, such as birthdays and handfastings, as spiritual events.
It is important to note that the beliefs and practices associated with paganism are diverse and can vary widely from one tradition to another. Additionally, paganism is not a single, organized religion, and there is no central authority that dictates the beliefs and practices of pagans.