Dates to Remember 2025
Spring Equinox: 20th March @ 9:01 AM
Summer Solstice: 21st June @ 2:42 AM
Autumn Equinox: 22nd September @ 6:19 PM
Winter Solstice: 21st December @ 3:03 PM
Paganism is an ancient belief system that has existed for thousands of years. This polytheistic religion is based on the worship of nature and the cycles of the natural world. The term “Paganism” was used in the fourth century by early Christians within the Roman Empire to describe those who practised polytheism.
Pagans believe in living in harmony with the natural world. Today, Paganism is an umbrella term for various spiritual practices, including Wicca, Druidry, Shamanism, and Animism.
Pagans celebrate religious and spiritual beliefs that are not associated with mainstream Abrahamic religions. They honour the gods and goddesses of ancient mythology, the changing seasons, and the cycles of nature. The Sabbats—eight holidays based on the sun—symbolise birth, death, and rebirth. These are celebrated with rituals, ceremonies, feasts, music, dance, art, poetry, and other forms of expression.
Ancient Holidays and Their Origins
Christmas (25th December)
For ancient Romans, 25th December was a time to celebrate Sol Invictus, the Sun God. Emperor Aurelian built a temple for Sol Invictus in Rome, inaugurating it on 25th December 274 AD. The winter solstice (21st December) marked the sun’s triumph over darkness, with daylight gradually increasing. The date also marked the final day of Saturnalia, leading to the Dies Natalis Solis Invicti—the “Birthday of the Sun.”
New Year’s Day (1st January)
Originally, the Roman year began in March, dedicated to Mars, the god of war. However, Julius Caesar reformed the calendar in 46 BC, establishing 1st January as the start of the year, dedicated to Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings and transitions. Romans celebrated with feasts and wore red for good luck, health, and fertility.
Easter
Easter does not fall on a fixed date but follows the lunar cycle. The name comes from Eostre, the Germanic goddess of spring. The tradition of Easter eggs is rooted in Pagan fertility symbols associated with Eostre.
The Roman Version of Halloween (2nd November)
Inspired by the Celtic festival of Samhain, Romans observed multiple celebrations for honouring the dead. From 13th to 22nd February, they visited graves, left food offerings, and placed black beans on tombs to symbolise mourning. Romans believed the dead needed to visit the living periodically, so they occasionally opened the Mundus—a deep pit believed to connect the underworld to the world of the living.
1st May – Labour Day
While Labour Day was officially established in 1894 to honour workers’ rights, 1st May has long been a sacred day. Romans dedicated it to Maia, the goddess of fire and fertility, from whom the month of May takes its name. During the Christianisation of Rome, this festival was transformed into a day honouring the Virgin Mary.
Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day (6th January)
Most Christian churches celebrate Epiphany as the day the Magi visited baby Jesus. In Eastern traditions, it is also the day of Jesus’ baptism.
Saint John’s Eve (24th June)
Saint John the Baptist is the only Christian saint celebrated on his birth date rather than his death. Just as Jesus’ birth on 25th December coincides with the rebirth of the sun, Saint John’s feast on 24th June marks the sun’s decline after the summer solstice.
One of the oldest Christian holidays, Saint John’s Eve dates back to the fourth century. Ancient Romans gathered on this date for bonfires, dancing, feasting, and drinking in honour of Fortuna, the goddess of luck.
