Descriptions of Wiccan Holidays and Observances

Beltane (Wiccan)
This festival celebrates the land (represented by the Goddess) that has become ripe and the young God expressing his love for her.
It is a joyous time, and the first flowers of summer are gathered in their honor.

Litha (Wiccan)
This festival (also known as Midsummer, Litha and Summer Solstice) describes the one day in the year when the sun reaches its zenith upon Earth. As the flowers of spring herald Beltane, the flowers of the summer bring full appreciation of Midsummer.

Lunasa (Wiccan)
This festival is also known as Lammas, Loaf mass, Lughnassad, Commemoration of Lugh, August Eve and the First-Fruits of the Harvest. It is a day of giving thanks but also one of sacrifice, as the God-King becomes a willing sacrifice to ensure the success of the next planting season.

Mabon (Wiccan)
This is the Festival of Harvestide of the Autumn Equinox, when the days and nights are equal once again. It is the recognition of a balance of light and dark, day and night.

Oimelc (Wiccan)
This festival also known as Brigid, Brigit, Imbolc, Candlemas or February Eve. Oimelc is an initiatory period of the year associated with beginning growth. On this day, the "seeds" for hopes and dreams are planted for the coming year. The Goddess is seen as nurturing her young son as the whisperings of Springtide are heard.

Ostara (Wiccan)
This festival is also known as the Spring Equinox, the first true day of spring. The young God continues to mature and grow. There are shoots of new growth and swelling buds on the trees, and the days become warmer with promise.

Yule (Wiccan)
This celebrates the Wiccan Festival or Winter Solstice, which occurs on the longest, darkest night of the year. The Winter Solstice has been associated with the birth of a "Divine King" long before the rise of Christianity. Since the sun is considered to represent the male divinity in many pagan traditions, this time is celebrated as the "return of the Sun God," where he is reborn as the Goddess.