Celtic Holidays and Festivals23:31 Aug 30 2009
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IMBOLC: (February 1st or 2nd) Also known as St. Brigit's Day and in the Catholic holidays as Candlemas. Fire and purification are an important aspect of this festival. Brigid (also known as Brighid, Bríde, Brigit, Brìd) is the goddess of poetry, healing and smithcraft. As both goddess and saint she is also associated with holy wells, sacred flames, and healing. The lighting of candles and fires represents the return of warmth and the increasing power of the Sun over the coming months
Imbolc is one of the four principal festivals of the Irish calendar, celebrated among Gaelic peoples and some other Celtic cultures either at the beginning of February or at the first local signs of Spring. Originally dedicated to the goddess Brigid. In Scotland the festival is also known as Là Fhèill Brìghde, in Ireland as Lá Fhéile Bríde, and in Wales as Gwyl Ffraed.
Imbolc is traditionally a time of weather prognostication.*
ST. PATRICKS'S DAY (March 17th) - a Celebration of St. Patrick's mission to the Ireland
OSTARA: (March 20th) This true first day of Spring is the Vernal Equinox. The days of light begin to grow longer than the nights. A time of renewed life. Tradition activities include planting seeds, tending gardens, and working with herbs for all purposes. Flowers should be placed on the altar and worn as well. Foods made of seeds, nuts, and leafy vegetables are eaten. Interesting dishes made with flowers are also made.
TARTAN DAY: (April 6th) A modern US holiday celebrating Scottish Heritage
BELTANE: (May 1st) The May Day holiday celebrates the merging of the Goddess and the God, and the passing of the Young God into manhood. The symbol of Her fertility is celebrated as well. This is the time of May Poles, representing the phallus of the God, while flowers and greenery represent the Goddess. Beltane is usually celebrated in a forest, or near a living tree. Weaving is popular at this time to join two separate things into one.
GEORGIA CELTIC DAY (May 15th) A holiday to celebrate Celtic heritage. Celtic Heritage Week May 15-21st
MIDSUMMER: (June 21st) Also known as the Summer Solstice. The powers of nature reach their highest point. Bonfires are built and leaped over to promote fertility, health, and love. This is the time of the longest daylight hours, midsummer being the longest day of the year. Herbs for Midsummer are vervain, chamomile, rose, lavender, daisy, carnation, and lily.
LUGHNASADH: (August 1st) This is the time for the first harvest of the year. The Goddess sees the God lose his strength as the days grow shorter, yet she knows she is with Child from the union at Beltane. The holiday was not originally celebrated on this day. It was observed on the day of the first reaping. We are reminded at this time that nothing in nature remains constant. The fruits of the Earth are cut and stored for the long winter months. The altar is adorned with wheat, oats, fruits, and bread. It is also custom to plant the seeds from the fruit eaten during the celebration.
MABON: (September 23rd) This is also the Autumn Equinox. This is the time of the completion of the harvest started at Lughnasadh. Day and night are equal once more as the God prepares to travel toward renewal and rebirth from the Goddess. Nature prepares for winter and the time of rest. It is traditional to walk wild places gathering dried plants to be used for decorating or future herbal magick. The altar holds acorns, pine cones, corn stalks, and various colored leaves.
SAMHAIN: (October 31st) Also know as All Hollows Eve or Halloween or Feast of the Dead.
YULE: (December 21st) Celebrating the rebirth of the Sun. Also known as the Winter Solstice.
footnote:
*info from Azeman
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