The pagan new year is known by various names and celebrated in different ways by different cultures and communities around the world. It typically marks the end of one calendar year and the beginning of another, symbolizing a fresh start and new beginnings. One of the most well-known pagan new year celebrations is called Samhain, which originated in ancient Celtic traditions. Observed on October 31st, it is considered a time when the veil between the living and the spirit world is thin, allowing for communication with ancestors and departed loved ones. Samhain is also associated with the harvest season and the honoring of nature and its cycles. Another pagan new year celebration is Imbolc, which is celebrated on February 1st or 2nd.
"They're going to have to eventually own up to the 'Switch Witch' not being real," she says. "What I would say to parents is, 'You're an expert in your kids. If you think your kid might feel betrayed or hurt, I'd caution against it."
The story has some variations, but this is the one I know The Switch Witch is a good witch whose castle is made of candy, but every year she needs to replenish her candy supply to keep her castle looking nice. For me, this tradition saves the hassle of trying to regulate how much Halloween candy they will eat every day, and the best part is that they love the tradition.
Another pagan new year celebration is Imbolc, which is celebrated on February 1st or 2nd. It marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Imbolc is primarily dedicated to the goddess Brigid and is a time of purification, renewal, and the awakening of the earth as it prepares for the arrival of spring.
The Switch Witch
The Switch Witch (some call her the Candy Fairy) is a witch that arrives on Halloween night, after your children have gone to sleep, and takes all the candy your children choose to leave out for her.
In exchange for the candy she will leave inspiring toys and dress-ups for your children to be surprised and delighted by them in the morning!
You may make up the story of the Switch Witch any way you like, but make sure you tell your children about the Switch Witch before you go trick-or-treating. Ideally, begin by telling your children the story a few weeks in advance, so they get used to the new tradition. Be creative – come up with a fun, elaborate story for your children. Make it your tradition!
In the weeks prior to Halloween, you may ask your children what they would like from the Switch Witch. This will give you an idea of what they're wishing for! After all, you want to give them something they will love more than candy.
Once your children are finished trick-or-treating, have them pick out their favorite candy and leave the rest out for the Switch Witch. Remind them that the more candy they give away, the better the gift they will get.
Leave the candy in a special place at home, near a window or make a witchy nook. In our family, we would leave our candy in the Halloween baskets, on the front porch, so the Switch Witch can see the candy.
When your children go to sleep, switch the candy for the toys or dress-ups!Make sure you hide the candy so your children don’t find it or even better, give it away!
Beltane is another significant pagan new year celebration that takes place on May 1st. It marks the beginning of summer and is associated with fertility, growth, and abundance. Beltane is often celebrated with bonfires, dancing, and the honoring of the union between the goddess and god. Litha, also known as the summer solstice, is celebrated on June 21st. It is a time to honor the sun and its power, as well as the abundance of nature during the peak of summer. Litha is often marked by bonfires, outdoor gatherings, and rituals focused on embracing the energy of the sun. The pagan new year known as Mabon, or the autumnal equinox, occurs around September 21st or 22nd. It is a time to give thanks for the harvest and to prepare for the upcoming winter season. Mabon is often celebrated with feasts, gratitude rituals, and gatherings to honor the changing seasons. These pagan new year celebrations are deeply rooted in nature, spirituality, and the belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings. While the specific practices and traditions may vary, they all share a common theme of honoring the cycles of life, death, and rebirth..
Reviews for "The Wheel of Life: Understanding Pagan New Year Traditions"
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