What is pagan holidays?

Pagan holidays, also known as Sabbats, are a series of festivals celebrated by various modern pagan traditions. These holidays are based on the cycles of the sun and moon, and often have roots in ancient agricultural and Celtic traditions. There are typically eight primary Sabbats, which are divided into two groups: the Greater Sabbats, known as the cross-quarter days, and the Lesser Sabbats, which are based on the solstices and equinoxes.

The eight Sabbats are as follows:

1. Imbolc (February 1-2): Also known as Candlemas, this holiday marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is a time to celebrate new beginnings and the returning light.

2. Ostara (March 20-23): This holiday celebrates the spring equinox and the balance of light and darkness. It is a time of fertility, renewal, and growth.

3. Beltane (April 30-May 1): Also known as May Day, Beltane celebrates the peak of spring and the fertility of the earth. It is a time of feasting, dancing, and celebrating the coming summer.

4. Litha (June 20-23): Also known as Midsummer or the summer solstice, Litha is a time to celebrate the longest day of the year and the power of the sun. It is a time of abundance, joy, and gratitude.

5. Lammas (August 1): Also known as Lughnasadh, this holiday marks the first harvest of the year. It is a time to give thanks for the abundance of the earth and to begin preparing for the coming winter.

6. Mabon (September 20-23): Also known as the autumn equinox, Mabon is a time to celebrate the second harvest and the balance of light and darkness. It is a time of giving thanks and reflection.

7. Samhain (October 31-November 1): Also known as Halloween, Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is a time to honor the ancestors and connect with the spirit world.

8. Yule (December 20-23): Also known as the winter solstice, Yule celebrates the rebirth of the sun and the coming of longer days. It is a time of renewal, hope, and light.

These holidays are typically celebrated with rituals, feasts, and gatherings with friends and family. They are a way for modern pagans to connect with the cycles of nature and honor the changing seasons.