Feast of the Einherjar – Asatru celebration honoring the fallen heroes in Valhalla, and in the halls of the other Gods and Goddesses. The ancient pagan peoples of Europe differed in the festivals they celebrated. In the British Isles, the Anglo-Saxons primarily celebrated the four solstices and equinoxes, while Insular Celtic peoples primarily celebrated the four midpoints between these. [4] [ need quotation to verify] The four Celtic festivals were known to the Gaels as Beltane (1 May), Lughnasadh (1 August), Samhain (1 November) and Imbolc (1 February).

Diwali – One the most important holidays of Hindu, Jainism, and Sikhism, commonly known as the festival of lights. The festival generally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Yule, Ostara, Litha, and Mabon are known as the lesser sabbats. These are the pagan seasonal holidays, more commonly known as solstices and equinoxes. Asatru Holidays | The Troth | Inclusive Asatru and Heathenry". thetroth.org . Retrieved 30 January 2023.

Beltane is May 1. It is the Gaelic start of Summer. There is little doubt that this is why Christians adopted Easter to be around this time (to be in sync with Pagan “rebirth” rites). a b Gagarin, Michael (2010). "S". The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece and Rome: Volume 1. Oxford University Press. p.231. ISBN 978-0-19517-072-6. The days are getting shorter and colder, and we begin to turn inwards. Animals begin to hoard resources as well, to prepare for leaner months ahead. It is a busy time, preceding rest and hibernation. Pagans celebrate Yule as a time of hope with family and friends. Christmas customs, as well as Yule tradition, are rooted in ancient pagan Midwinter celebrations. Thus, today’s Pagans also enjoy caroling, Yule logs, the exchange of gifts, and many other traditions, old and new.

Zell-Ravenheart, Oberon; Zell-Ravenheart, Morning Glory (2006). "Book III: Wheel of the Year". In Kirsten Dalley and Artemisia (ed.). Creating Circles & Ceremonies: Rituals for All Seasons And Reasons. Book-Mart Press. pp.203–206. ISBN 1-56414-864-5. Mabon gets its name from a prominent figure from Welsh literature and mythology, Mabon ap Modron, although the sabbat itself has little to do with the myth. Mabon is a festival of thanksgiving to the Earth for providing us with such a bounty. You can incorporate it into many aspects of your life. Depending on your preference, you can make your observances informal or festive. Kupala Night – This day is also known by the name Ivan Kupala. It is a pagan fertility rite celebrated in Russia and Slavic countries where young couples participate in several rituals related to the day. HowevBecause the yearly solstices and equinoxes are tied to astronomical events, some of the sabbats shift slightly from year-to-year. In Wicca, the narrative of the Wheel of the Year traditionally centers on the sacred marriage of the God and the Goddess and the god/ goddess duality. In this cycle, the God is perpetually born from the Goddess at Yule, grows in power at the vernal equinox (as does the Goddess, now in her maiden aspect), courts and impregnates the Goddess at Beltane, reaches his peak at the summer solstice, wanes in power at Lammas, passes into the underworld at Samhain (taking with him the fertility of the Goddess/Earth, who is now in her crone aspect) until he is once again born from Her mother/crone aspect at Yule. The Goddess, in turn, ages and rejuvenates endlessly with the seasons, being courted by and giving birth to the Horned God. [13] [55] [56] Rather than representing a work ethic that plugs along no matter what, as we have come to know it today, Capricorn energy is meant to represent the practices that keep us warm throughout Winter – chopping wood, gathering water. Saturnalia was a wild and riotous Roman festival honoring thegod of agriculture, Saturn. However, it expanded over time from very humble beginnings.

This occurs on August 1 and is the beginning of the harvest season. It is mostly centered around harvest foods. Also known as Lammas, the festival of Lughnasadh marks the year’s first harvest. This is a time for both hope in the harvest and to face the fact that the summer will soon end. The harshness of winter will imminently begin. Many Wiccans use this point of the year to reflect, face their own inner fears, accept sacrifices that must be made, and move forward with love in their hearts. Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas, and Samhain are known as the greater sabbats. These pagan holidays mark the midpoint of each season. Pagan holidays consist of celebrating and honoring the seasons of Nature wherever we live. It can be as easy or complicated as you choose to make it, just like any other holiday.Saturnalia – The most popular of all ancient Roman holiday’s. The Agriculture God Saturn is honored from the 17th through the 23rd. Many of the traditions of this holiday are considered the source of modern-day traditions of Christmas, including wreaths, candles, feasting and exchanging of gifts. This festival can be celebrated in many ways. No matter how informal or festive you wish your celebrations to be, it is up to you. There are many ways to celebrate. You can celebrate it with family and friends, or you can be more introspective and observe it on your own.