Introduction to Heathen Festivals

Most heathens celebrate the seasons of the year with regular ceremonies.

Although some festivals have particular dates associated with them most heathen groups will celebrate them at the nearest practical time. Often the nearest Saturday or Sunday.

For the purposes of planning employee leave any organised heathen group should be able to provide an approximate list of festivals and dates well in advance.

The names and dates of these festivals vary greatly but typically a festival list similar to one of the following will be used.

Festivals based on ancient heathenry and North European Folklore
These are the most popular festivals celebrated by heathen groups. They include a number known from records of ancient heathenry and others inspired by more recent folk customs. It is rare for any group to celebrate all of these festivals.

Festivals based on the Anglo-Saxon calendar months
Some groups will plan festivals based on the earliest English names for the months of the year. One day in each month will be chosen to celebrate the seasonal changes at that time of year and will often be dedicated to a particular god or goddess.

Festivals based on the Norse calendar months
Very similar to the Anglo-Saxon calendar festivals above but drawing inspiration from the month names of the ancient Norse peoples.

Festivals based solely on the solar year
Solar festivals mark the shortest and longest days (the winter and summer solstice) and the two days when the day and night are of equal length (the spring and autumn equinox). The relevant dates fall approximately as follows: 21st March, 21st June, 21st September and 21st December.

Festivals based on the lunar year
Many pagan groups meet at certain phases of the moon and there are some heathen groups that follow this practice. There are thirteen lunar months in each year. Again it is common for particular gods and goddess to be linked with ceremonies held at certain times of the year.

Festivals based on modern systems
Some heathen groups will create their own festival system. Most commonly these have a festival dedicated to a particular god or goddess in each calendar month.

Festivals based on the Witchcraft / Wiccan year
Some heathens celebrate the eight festivals of modern witchcraft. These are Imbolc (1st February), Eostre (21st March), Beltane (1st May), Summer Solstice (21st June), Lammas (1st August), Mabon (21st September), Samhain (1st November) and Winter Solstice (21st December).