Jersey Nate
#JourneyToBetter #THPMC
As a person who pays attention to the cycles of the year I wanted to share the festivals/solstices/equinoxes that are dear to me in little tidbits around said holidays.
Samhain - October 31
Yule/Alban Arthan/Winter Solstice - December 20-23
Imbolc - February 2
Spring Equinox/Alban Elir/Ostara - March 20-23
Beltaine - May 1
Summer Solstice/Alban Hefin/Litha - June 20-23
Lughnasadh/Lammas - August 1
Autumn Equinox/Alban Elfed/Mabon - September 21
all things are considered to be cyclical — including the year. It is understood as a perpetual cycle of growth and retreat tied to the Sun's annual death and rebirth. This cycle is also viewed as a micro and macrocausm of other life cycles in an immeasurable series of cycles composing the Universe. The days that fall on the landmarks of the yearly cycle traditionally mark the beginnings and middles of the four seasons. They are regarded with significance and host to major communal festivals. These eight festivals are the most common times for community celebrations.
While the major festivals are determined by quarter and cross-quarter days, many minor festivals are also celebrated throughout the year amongst various traditions. Additionally, festivals (major or minor) may not enjoy the same level of significance from one tradition to another.
The festivals, being tied to solar movements, have always been steeped in solar mythology and symbolism, centred around the life cycles of the sun.
Of course the most recognizable time of the year for everyone is happening right now. The Winter Solstice/Yule occurs between December 20th-23rd, celebrating the shortest day of the year, and thusly, the return of the sun.
The most universally celebrated festival is that of Midwinter. It has been recognized as a significant turning point in the yearly cycle since the late Stone Age. The ancient megalithic sites of Newgrange and Stonehenge, carefully aligned with the solstice sunrise and sunset, exemplify this. From Germanic to Roman tradition, this is the most important time of celebration.
Practices vary...feasting and gift giving are common elements of Midwinter festivities. Bringing sprigs and wreaths of evergreenery (such as holly, ivy, mistletoe, yew, and pine) into the home and tree decorating are also common during this time.
This liminal festival marks the last month of the old year and the first month of the new year and is followed by eleven days of extended celebration in Germanic tradition. In Roman tradition additional festivities take place during the six days leading up to Midwinter. The celebration of Christmas during approximately the same time is the result of early Christianity's adaptations of popular pre-Christian festivals concerning the winter solstice.
So a happy return of light to the world, and a happy Yule/Winter Solstice to all of my THP family!
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