Since Wicca is derived from ancient European agrarian
societies, the Sabbats (similar to sabbath) are closely tied to the seasons
and the calendar.
Wiccans claim that the Sabbats have been followed for many thousands of
years by ancient cultures such as Nordic, Celtic, Greek, etc. Following is a list of the eight primary Wiccan
Sabbats. The dates referenced here are
generally accepted by all Wiccans.
Major Sabbats
Imbolc, Feb. 2,
Imbolc (imbolg), which means "in milk", is a celebration of
fertility and designates the middle of winter. Milk was
traditionally poured out upon the ground as a type of offering.
Associated with this are the colors white, pink, and red, the
amethyst, turquoise, dill, Dragon's blood, frankincense,
rosemary, and wildflowers. It is also known as groundhog's
Day, Candlemas, Blessing of the Plow, Disting, Feast of the
Virgin, Festival of Milk,
Beltane, April 30
or May 1
Beltane is the first holiday of summer and signifies the approach of
summer and the death of winter. This is an ancient celebration
of the return of fertility to the world after it passes through
winter. It divided the Celtic year into winter and summer.
It stresses human fertility. Associated with this festival is
Boodstone, sapphire, frankincense, honeysuckle, Jasmine, St. John's
Wort, rosemary, green, yellow, and red. It is also known as Beltaine,
May Day, Roodmass, and Walpurgis.
Lughnasadh, Aug 1
This festival marks the beginning
of the harvest season and the middle of summer. The word
probably derives from the god Lugh, the Celtic lord of light.
Associated with Lughnasadh is Crabapple, ginseng, grapes, potato,
berries, green, orange, yellow, and red. It is also known as
Ceresalia, First Harvest, Lad Day, and Lammas.
Samhain, Oct 31
Samhain means "summer's end" and marks the beginning
of winter. For most Wiccans, this is the new year anytime of
reflection where the oldest let go and the new is anticipated.
From ancient times it designates the end of the harvest season.
Associated with the festival are the colors black and orange,
obsidian, Onyx, apples, catnip, corn, pears, squash, wormwood.
It is also known as Halloween, All Hallows Eve, Blood feast, Celtic
New Year, Day of the Dead, Last Harvest, Winters Eve, etc.
Minor Sabbats
Yule, Dec. 21 (Winter Solstice)
This is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. The
festival associated with it celebrates the birth of the new solar
year. The solstice is linked to the rebirth and renewal of the
sun god, the lord. Associated with Yule is holly, pine,
evergreen, tree (Christmas tree), the gods Odin and Pan, Cedar,
cinnamon, ginger, lemon, orange, sage, rosemary, Gold, green,
yellow, white, red. The Yule is also known as Day of Children,
Midwinter, Mother's Night, Saturnalia, and Christmas.
Ostara (Spring
Equinox), Mar 21
The day and night are of equal length. Ostara is name of the
Scandinavian Goddess of spring and the festival deals with
fertility, mainly of the animal kingdom and plants. it
celebrates the dead of winter and the beginning of the cycle of
rebirth. During this festival that was customary to exchange
colored eggs. Associated with this festival is Moonstone, rose
quartz, daffodils, ginger, frankincense, Jasmine, nutmeg,
sandalwood, rose, blue, pink, and red. is also known as Alban
Eilir, Easter, Lady Day, and Waxing Equinox.
Midsummer Eve
(Summer Solstice), June 21st or 22nd
The longest day of the year and designates a festival of
thankfulness. It celebrates the dissent of the sun because too
much sun can harm crops. Associated with it are the emerald,
Jade, Tiger's eye, Apple, Daisy, turn, frankincense, Lily, oak,
orange, thyme, green, yellow, and white. It is also known as
Litha, Vestalia, and Whitsuntide.
Mabon (Autumn
Equinox), Sept 21
The day and night are of equal length. This is a festival that
designates the beginning of fall. It marks the dissent of the
Goddess into the underworld. Associated with it are amethyst, Topaz,
acorns, corn, frankincense, great, oak, wheat, brown, and orange.
It is also known as Mabon, Alban Elfer, Harcest, Second, Harvest,
and Wine Harvest.
_____________ References:
Cantrell,
Gary., Wiccan Beliefs and Practices. St. Paul, Minn:
Llewellyn Publications, 2004 pp. 137-150.
Drew, A. J., A Wiccan Bible: Exploring the mysteries of the craft
from birth to summerland., Franklin Lakes, NJ; New Page Books, 2003,
pp. 138-139
Grimassi, Raven., Encyclopedia of Wicca & Witchraft.
St. Paul, Minn:
Llewellyn Publications, 2003.