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Imbolc or Imbolc-based festivals are observed by some Neopagans, though practices vary widely. While some attempt to closely emulate the historic accounts of Imbolc, others rely on many sources to inspire their celebrations. [55] [56] Festivals typically fall near 1 February in the Northern Hemisphere and 1 August in the Southern Hemisphere.
Imbolc is the traditional Gaelic name for 1 February and traditionally marks the first stirrings of spring. In Christianity it is Saint Brigid's Day, while 2 February is Candlemas. It aligns with the contemporary observance of Groundhog Day. It is time for purification and spring cleaning in anticipation of the year's new life.
Lughnasadh, Lughnasa or Lúnasa (/ ˈ l uː n ə s ə / LOO-nə-sə, Irish: [ˈl̪ˠuːnˠəsˠə]) is a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season. Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man.
New beginnings and the approach of spring feature in Imbolc, a traditional Gaelic festival. Marking the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox, the annual celebration falls ...
Unlike Celtic Reconstructionism, Wicca is syncretic and melds practices from many different cultures. In general, the Wiccan Beltane is more akin to the Germanic/English May Day festival, both in its significance (focusing on fertility) and its rituals (such as maypole dancing). Some Wiccans enact a ritual union of the May Lord and May Lady. [74]
An esbat / ˈ ɛ s b æ t / is a coven meeting or ritual at a time other than one of the Sabbats [1] within Wicca and other Wiccan-influenced forms of contemporary Paganism.. Esbats can span a wide range of purposes from coven business meetings and initiation ceremonies [2] to social gatherings, times of merriment, and opportunities to commune with the divine. [3]
The Gaulish Coligny calendar is the oldest known Celtic solar-lunar ritual calendar. It was discovered in Coligny , France, and is now on display in the Palais des Arts Gallo-Roman museum, Lyon. It dates from the end of the second century AD, [ 2 ] when the Roman Empire imposed the use of the Julian Calendar in Roman Gaul .
A vigil may be held on the eve of a major religious festival , observed by remaining awake—"watchful"—as a devotional exercise or ritual observance on the eve of a holy day. [4] Such liturgical vigils usually consist of psalms, prayers and hymns, possibly a sermon or readings from the Holy Fathers, and sometimes periods of silent meditation