Sabbats
The origin of the word Sabbat has been disputed for many years. Some believe it came from the Jewish Sabbath. This is unlikely because the Jewish Sabbath is a weekly feast and Wicca pre-dates Jedaism. Others believe that it came from the words 'Sabaziuas' or 'Sabadius. These were the followers of Dionysus. Today Sabbats are the Wiccan holidays. These holidays follow an agricultural cycle. To celebrate a Sabbat, dancing, music, drinking and rituals take place. There are four major Sabbats: Samhain, Candlemas, Beltane and Lammas. The four minor Sabbats are Yule, Ostara, Midsummer and Maban. The Wheel of Sabbats is below. Wiccans also celebrate esbats. This is a minor celebrationsat every full moon.
Samhain
October 31
Samhain is considered to be a magickal night. It's considered to be the Wiccan new year. It's the end of the old year and the end of summer. Its considered the death of the God. Witches use it as a memorial day for their passed loved ones.
Yule
December 21 - 31
Yule is the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Days grow longer from this day. It's considered a time for feasting and celebration for the fire festival. God is born of Isis on this day.
Candlemas
Feburary 2
Candlemas is also known as Imbolc which means 'in the belly.' This is a warm and hopeful time as the earth prepares for spring. Life is stirring once more. This day honors Brigid, an Irish Goddess.
Ostara
March 21
Ostara is also known as Spring orVernal Equinox. Days and nighs are equal in length. Days grow longer from here, inspiring new growth. Ostara is considered to be the fertility festival.
Beltane
April 30
Beltane means bright fire. This is considered fertile time because new growth is all around. In the olden days this was considered the love making festival. Today the only thing left of that practice is dancing around the Maypole (the phallic remains of those times). Children made because of the old ritual of Beltane were considered children of the God. They were called Robinson. The God and Goddess are joined at Beltane. This is usually when handfasting (wiccan wedding) takes place
Midsummer
June 21
Midsummer is the longest day and shortest night of the year. The Goddess and God rule together in this peak time. Time for maturity is at hand. Darkness creeps forward and the sun's height begins to decline.
Lammas
August 1
Lammas is Saxon for Loaf Mass. This is celebrated by baking the first loaf of bread from the first harvest of wheat. Lammas is also known as Lughasadh which is Irish for August Eve festival. It honors the games of the God Lugh.
Maban
September 21
Maban means great son in Welsh. This is the time of Autumn Equinox. It is the second harvest in a group of three. Maban is the season of apples and grapes.
