Pagan holiday dates and timings vary depending on the specific tradition or culture being observed. Paganism is an umbrella term that encompasses various nature-based spiritual beliefs and practices, and therefore there is no universal calendar for pagan holidays. However, many pagans follow a wheel of the year, which consists of eight major festivals or sabbats. These sabbats are often celebrated on or near specific dates that mark significant moments in the cycles of nature. The Wheel of the Year begins with Samhain, which is observed on October 31st or November 1st in the Northern Hemisphere. Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year.
Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year. It is a time to honor and connect with ancestors and to acknowledge the thinning of the veil between the physical and spiritual realms. The next sabbat is Yule, celebrated on the winter solstice, which falls around December 21st.
The Truth About Black Cats
“Who comes to disturb me at night?!” says the black cat from the roof of the house. How ominous. But in the mixed media drawings above, we discover later in the series the black cat is a refuge, not a threat. The cat is a healer, who extracts the bad tooth of a canine patient, and who offers sound advice, “de bons soinsauraient évité cette pénible opération (good care would have avoided this painful operation).”
And this is the paradox of the black cat; an evil doer associated with Satanic rituals, or a majestic, healing totem to be revered and worshiped?
Superstitions about black cats are common even today and are reinforced especially during Halloween. For instance, folklore tells us that if a black cat crosses your path, bad luck is sure to follow. In 16th-century Italy, people believed that if someone was sick, he or she would die if a black cat lay on their bed. The Normans and Germanic people believed that, like the black raven, a black cat was a sign that a death would soon occur.
The superstitions surrounding black cats have affected them so negatively that these cats have some of the lowest adoption rates and the highest euthanasia rates out of all cats in American shelters. According to the Smithsonian , some adoption agencies and shelters won’t even consider finding a “forever home” for a black cat until after Halloween for fear that they will be tortured or sacrificed . This fear arises more from the existence of cruel people than statistical evidence that such events are taking place, but it is enough to keep black cat adoptions on hold until after the holiday.
So, why are black cats considered bad luck? The connection began during the Middle Ages when people became sick and died without understanding the scientific truths of their illnesses. These occurrences often had people looking for something or someone (maybe witches?) to blame for their sicknesses. The mysterious nature of the black cat made them a target, more so than other cats because they blend with shadows and appear “spooky”. They were quickly associated with the devil, witches, witchcraft, and evil, other sources of ill health and misery. Some believed that the devil sent black cats to assist witches with their evil deeds and practice of magic, and that witches could shape-shift into cat-form so they could slink around in the shadows casting spells on unsuspecting people.
One of the illnesses that brought so much fear to those living in the Middle Ages was the Bubonic Plague, also referred to as the Black Death. The plague was caused by a bacteria spread by rats. Many cats were likely infected as their prey spread the disease, and in fact, the cats could also spread the plague to humans, adding fuel to the animosity against them. T he rat population likely surged as their predator, the cat, was eliminated by the disease and by superstition.
The fear of black cats traveled to the United States with the Puritans, who were on guard against all things of the devil, including witches and their counterparts—black cats. Over time, superstitions about black cats became embedded in American folklore. The myths traveled the world and spread fear, literally leading to the demise of thousands of black cats who suffered during unconscionable mass killings.
Perhaps it’s time we learn, or remember, that in ancient Egypt, no animal was held in as high esteem as the cat. Yes…including black cats. A symbiotic relationship grew between cats and Egyptians; Egyptians used the cats to eradicate infestations of rats and mice, and cats needed food and the protection from larger predators. Eventually, cats were welcomed indoors and moved in with their human companions, and bred in the safety of a person’s home. Cats became esteemed by Egyptians for being playful and affectionate companions, and also skillful predators.
The Egyptian goddess Bastet personified the playfulness, grace, affection, and cunning of a cat as well as the power of a lioness. She was commonly depicted as a black cat or having the head of a black cat with a woman’s body. During the height her popularity, killing a cat, even accidentally, was punishable by death. After death, cats were sometimes mummified in the same manner as humans were, and even buried with them.
There are good black cat superstitions scattered throughout the world. For example, in England a black cat on a ship could be considered lucky, if a black cat walked on and stayed on the ship, it meant good luck, but if a black cat walked on and then off again, this was a bad sign that the ship would sink. In Japan it is believed that black cats can bring prosperity, bless a marriage, ensure good harvests, and even help bring success to a theater production.
Some artists are particularly fond of incorporating black cats in their exhibitions because of their cultural appeal and the intense emotional reactions they are capable of bringing forth.
Black cats do not cause bad luck, they are not signs of the devil and they most certainly do not deserve to be greeted with derision by humans. In reality, the more you love your black cat, or any cat, the greater the health benefits are to you. According to the Centers for Disease Control, research has shown that cats provide emotional support, improve moods, and contribute to the overall morale of their owners. They can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and eliminate feelings of loneliness.
…a major reason we love cats is because of an uncanny ability that few humans possess: they register our tactile presence in a deeply felt way… Delighting in our physical presence, they may begin to purr and perhaps roll on their backs, exposing their vulnerability — as if to say, “I trust you. Give me some love and make me feel good.” Their gift to us is that they receive us deeply, without any troubling cognitions or disturbing memories… Cats can also help release oxytocin, which is associated with the feeling of being in love. As we know, love heals, and perhaps an important aspect of this healing is the bonding created by their ability to receive us deeply.
On a final note, if black cats were so bad, Felix the Cat would never have been honored, in 1927, with being the first ever balloon character to appear in a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
Find these and similar prints by artist O. Elkan in NLM Digital Collections.
Ginny A. Roth is the Curator of Prints & Photographs in the History of Medicine Division at the National Library of Medicine.
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…a major reason we love cats is because of an uncanny ability that few humans possess: they register our tactile presence in a deeply felt way… Delighting in our physical presence, they may begin to purr and perhaps roll on their backs, exposing their vulnerability — as if to say, “I trust you. Give me some love and make me feel good.” Their gift to us is that they receive us deeply, without any troubling cognitions or disturbing memories… Cats can also help release oxytocin, which is associated with the feeling of being in love. As we know, love heals, and perhaps an important aspect of this healing is the bonding created by their ability to receive us deeply.
Yule is a celebration of the rebirth of the sun, as days begin to lengthen after the longest night of the year. It is a time of renewal, reflection, and the lighting of Yule logs or candles. Imbolc follows in early February, marking the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is a festival of purification and inspiration, honoring the returning light as the days grow visibly longer. Many pagans dedicate this time to creativity, divination, and rituals of initiation. Ostara, also known as the spring equinox, occurs around March 21st. It represents the balance between light and dark as the days continue to lengthen. Ostara celebrates growth, fertility, and new beginnings. Many pagans mark this time by planting seeds, decorating eggs, and honoring nature's renewal. Beltane is celebrated on May 1st and heralds the arrival of summer. It is a time to honor the Earth's fertility and the union of the masculine and feminine forces. Beltane is often marked by Maypole dancing, bonfires, and rituals of love and passion. Midsummer, or Litha, falls on the summer solstice around June 21st. This sabbat celebrates the height of the sun's power and the abundance of nature. Many pagans gather to witness the sunrise, hold fire rituals, and give thanks for the bountiful harvests to come. Lughnasadh, also known as Lammas, takes place on August 1st. It is a festival of the first harvest, when the first grains are reaped from the fields. Lughnasadh is a time of gratitude and community, as pagans come together to share in the abundance of the earth's gifts. Finally, Mabon, or the autumn equinox, occurs around September 21st. It marks the second harvest and the beginning of the descent into the darkness of winter. Mabon is a time of balance and gratitude, as pagans give thanks for the fruits of the harvest and prepare for the coming season. It is important to note that these dates and timings may vary depending on the specific pagan tradition or personal interpretation. Some pagans may follow a lunar calendar, while others may calculate sabbats based on the solar cycle. Additionally, those in the Southern Hemisphere may celebrate these holidays at opposite times of the year to align with their own seasons. In conclusion, pagan holiday dates and timings are influenced by a variety of factors, including the specific tradition or culture being observed and the geographic location of the practitioner. While there is no universal calendar for pagan holidays, many pagans follow a wheel of the year that includes eight major festivals or sabbats, each with its own significance in the cycles of nature..
Reviews for "How Pagan Holiday Dates Align with the Seasons"
1. John - 2 stars
I was hoping to find accurate information about pagan holiday dates and timings in this book, but I was sorely disappointed. The author seems to have a biased perspective, as they focused mainly on the negative aspects of these holidays and failed to provide a balanced view. In addition, the dates and timings mentioned were not consistent with the information I found elsewhere. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking accurate and unbiased information on pagan holidays.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I found "Pagan holiday dates and timings" to be quite misleading. The author presented outdated and inaccurate information about pagan holidays, which left me feeling frustrated and misinformed. It was clear that the author did not thoroughly research the subject matter or consult reliable sources. Furthermore, the writing style was dry and boring, making it difficult to stay engaged with the content. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about pagan holidays.
3. Michael - 2 stars
As a pagan, I was excited to come across a book specifically addressing holiday dates and timings. However, "Pagan holiday dates and timings" did not live up to my expectations. The information provided was minimal and lacked depth. I was also disappointed by the lack of historical context surrounding these holidays. It felt like the author rushed through the content without truly exploring the significance and meaning behind each holiday. I would suggest looking for other resources if you're seeking more comprehensive information on pagan holidays.