Pagan Celebrations

(I don't know why a christian would be reading this, but if you are, you may want to skip this section, because it may become offensive - chances are I've already offended you though.)
Another area of paganism are the celebrations. This part really gets to me, because Christians converted them to their own. (See if you can spot the similarities - keep in mind, paganism came first, they stole from us, not the other way around)
We call them the sabbats. It depends on what hemisphere you're in on when during the year they fall, so I will put the dates for both. (South = southern hemisphere. North = northern hemisphere)

The sabbats are:

1> Yule - North: December 21. South: June 21 (Christmas) [Winter Solstice]
This is the Winter Solstice. It is the longest night of the year, in the middle of winter. It is when the seasons start to change and spring approaches. Pagan activities at this time included gift giving, tree decoration, wreath making, and feasting (sound familiar?).
Main Tradition(s): lighting the yule log.

2> Imbolc - North: February 2. South: August 1 (Saint Brigit's day/Groundhog Day)
The first glimpses of spring are begining to show. It is neither winter, nor spring; the season is on the brink of change. This is generally the time you go about 'spring cleaning'.
Main Tradition(s): candlemas.

3> Ostara/Eastre - North: March 21. South: September 21 (Easter) [Spring Equinox]
The Spring Equinox, the middle of spring. This is a time of planting, whether it be seeds in the garden, or goals in the mind. People go about bread making (*cough* hot cross buns *cough) and seeing family.
Main Tradition(s): egg colouring/hunting.

4> Beltane - North: May 1. South: November 1 (Christians refused this celebration)
Beltane is a celebration of fertility, growth, love and passion. Celebrate this day with joy and happiness. It is a time of handfastings (marriage). It is between spring and summer.
Main Tradition(s): May Pole

5> Litha - North: June 21. South: December 21 (no christian corrospondence) [Summer Solstice]
Litha is in midsummer. Longest day of the year. On this day you wear many flowers and bright colors.
Main Tradition(s): collecting herbs

6> Lammas/Lughnasadh - North: August 1. South: Feb 1
It's the end of summer and the begining of autumn. Some people bury a bottle by their front door for good luck, it is also common to have family picnics.
Main Tradition(s): Harvesting/baking

7> Mabon - North: Sept 21. South: March 21 (Thanks Giving) [Autumn Equinox]
Some celebrate this day with arts, crafts, and games; also, a meal made with fresh vegetables (from the garden if possible). It is the middle of autumn.
Main Tradition(s): drinking of wine

8> Samhain - North: Oct 31. South: April 30 (Hallowe'en)
Many confuse the pronounciation of this one; it's pronounced 'sow-en' rather than 'sam-hay-in'. It is believed that at this time, the veil between the spirit real and the physical is thinnest. It is common to say a prayer to be heard by loved ones past, and to put candles in the windows to guide guest spirits. An activity you might try is apple bobbing. It is the turning from Autumn to winter.
Main Tradition(s): carving Jack o' Lanterns, Divination, honouring the dead.

And I know that if you know your stuff, you're probably thinking I forgot essbats - but i didn't.
Essabats is a monthly celebration of the full moon. Some also celebrate the new moon, but it's not as common.

D.R.