Mabon is one of the eight sabbats that is celebrated in modern pagan and Wiccan traditions. Also known as the Autumnal Equinox, it typically falls around September 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere. This festival marks the second harvest of the year, following Lammas (Lughnasadh) and preceding Samhain.
Many civilizations throughout history have celebrated harvest festivals around the autumnal equinox. One notable example is Oktoberfest, which originated in the 1700s in Bavaria, Germany. Originally, it commemorated the marriage of the crowned prince of Bavaria and included feasting and celebration. Today, Oktoberfest is still celebrated worldwide with a greater emphasis on beer and revelry!
Mabon holds a special place in the calendar as it occurs when the day and night are approximately equal in length. This balance between light and darkness symbolizes the changing seasons and is a time for people to express gratitude for the abundance of the harvest season and to prepare for the darker and colder months ahead.
Mabon rituals will vary among individuals, traditions, and beliefs. Some common practices include gathering fruits and vegetables from gardens and fields, which may include apples, pumpkins, grains, and other offerings grown in their gardens. These items are often used in rituals and feasts, in some ways, Mabon shares similarities with Western Thanksgiving, earning it the nickname "pagan Thanksgiving"!
This celebration is an opportunity to connect with nature and the shifting seasons, harnessing themes of gratitude, reflection, and inner transformation. Mabon serves as a reminder of our connection to the cycles of nature and the importance of giving thanks for the Earth's bounty.
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