List the major holy days of your religion. Briefly explain the meaning of each, and some customs or traditions associated with it.

To help get you started, we have listed the eight Wiccan sabbats here; you will need to do some extra reading to find out more details. Also, your family may have some special holiday traditions of its own. Ask your parents to help you think of some.

Participate in an important role in your family's or group's celebration of a holy day. If it is appropriate, make and wear a special costume or mask for the event.

Perhaps you could choose the music, or lead some songs and chants, or a dance. You could call the quarters or read a poem or invocation. You might write a "mystery play" that expresses the meaning of the sabbat (like Persephone's return from the underworld at Ostara), and perform a part in it. You could organize and lead a special activity, like making candles at Imbolc (Brigid/Candlemas) or a corn roast at Lughnassad.

THE MAJOR SABBATS:

YULE (Winter Solstice, Midwinter)

Date varies between December 20-23. The shortest day and longest night of the year. Marks the midpoint of Winter and the rebirth of the sun god/dess. Customs: decorating the Tree of Life, burning the Yule log, gift-giving.

IMBOLC (Oimelc, Brigid, Candlemas)

February 2, the approximate midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Themes: the waxing sunlight, purification, initiation. Sacred to the fire goddess Brigid. Customs: cleansing home, tools, and self; making and blessing candles.

OSTARA (Spring Equinox)

Date varies between March 20-23. Days and nights of equal length. Marks the midpoint of Spring. Themes: fertility, rebirth. Customs: decorating eggs, celebrating the sacred Moon Hare.

BELTANE (May Eve)

April 30, the approximate midpoint between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. Themes: celebrating the female and the male, sensuality, sexuality. Customs: weaving flower garlands, making May gads, dancing around the Maypole, sabbat bonfires, enjoying one's body.

LITHA (Summer Solstice, Midsummer)

Date varies between June 20-23. The longest day and shortest night of the year. Marks the midpoint of Summer. Theme: the zenith of the sun's power. Customs: "Drawing Down the Sun" ritual, Catherine wheels.

LUGHNASSAD (Lunasa, Lammas)

August 1, the approximate midpoint between the Summer Solstice and the Fall Equinox. The sacrifice of the sun-god Lugh. Themes: first harvest, sunlight transformed into nourishment (corn and grain), sacrifice and transformation. Customs: "sacrifice" of a corn dolly in the bonfire, corn roast.

MABON (Fall Equinox)

Date varies between September 20-23. Days and nights of equal length. Marks the midpoint of Fall. Themes: second harvest, abundance, thanksgiving. Custom: feasting.

SAMHAIN (November Eve, All Hallows, Hallowe'en)

October 31, the approximate midpoint between the Fall Equinox and the Winter Solstice. The great festival commemorating the dead. Themes: third and final harvest, death, remembering those departed. Customs: divination, past-life recall, communicating with family who have passed on.

Of course, these aren't the only holidays Pagans celebrate. Don't forget anniversaries, birthdays, and the occasional holiday somebody makes up just because we need it!

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