The celebration of equinox and solstice are commonly referred to as pagan holidays. Although the term pagan is used to describe any number of non-Christian belief systems, the actual term means something far different. The term's origins are from the Latin word paganus meaning "country dweller."

During the early centuries of the C.E., Christianity took hold in most of the towns and cities of the old Roman Empire, but it was not embraced outside of those enclaves. Those whose livelihood depended on the natural cycles of the seasons still followed those ancient beliefs. So the term paganus became synonymous with one who not only lived in rural areas (most of ancient Europe and Great Britain), but also one who did not follow the teachings of the Church. In time and through language changes, the old Latin word became shortened to pagan...its original meaning became lost in the passage of time, but the reference to non-Christian beliefs remained.

Festivals of the Lunar Calendar

For those who follow the 'Old Religion,' eight major festivals or sabots mark the year. It should also be pointed out that this is a lunar year rather than a solar one.

Candlemas: (also known as Imbolc or St. Brigits's Day) falls between January 31st and February 2nd. It is the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox and marks the first indication of spring...it probably was an early basis for Groundhog Day.

Vernal Equinox: (also known as Ostara or Eastre) on or around March 21st is the beginning of spring...the hours of daylight and darkness are equal.

Beltane: (also known as May Day) May 1st ...it denotes the union of gods and goddesses...the time when the seeds are planted begin to sprout and grow.

Summer Solstice: (also known as Midsummer) on or around June 22nd...this day has more daylight time than any other.

Lammas: August 1st was the first harvest festival...the time when crops begin to be reaped.

Autumnal Equinox: on or around September 21st is the first day of fall...the hours of daylight and darkness are equal.

Samhain: (also called All Hallows Eve or Halloween) October 31st is often viewed as the New Years' Eve for those who follow the 'Old Religion.' It marks a time of reflection on all that has gone before. The barriers between worlds are flexible this night and those who have gone before can walk among us. The harvest is done and now the gods and goddesses rest until spring again returns.

Winter Solstice: (also known as Yule or Saturnalia) on or around December 22nd is the first day of winter...this day has less daylight time than any other.

The Eves

As with all lunar calendars, the actual celebration of many of these days begins the previous night. For example, Imbolc begins the night of January 31st, Beltane, the night of April 30th and Lammas, the night of July 31st.

Although celebrations of the solstice and equinox come to us from a far more simple time, they are the foundations for our modern way of life. Truly, these celebrations, changed as they may be, are timeless and eternal.