Carthage in the fall.
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Within Pagan and Wiccan traditions, the changing of the season is a special time. The Autumn Equinox holiday is called Mabon (pronounced MAH-bon) and is usually celebrated around Sept. 21. It is a time to seek balance and tranquility, as the day and night are as close to equal time as possible. It is also the celebration of the second harvest of the fall, of being thankful for the abundance of the harvest and all the other blessings in our lives.

Mabon is the final holiday of the year, and there are many ways to celebrate. You can create a Mabon altar and take time to reflect on what you are thankful for as summer comes to a close. Apples are an important part of the celebration and you can make them a part of your altar or bake something to share with friends and family. These are great ways to end a year, and the new year will be celebrated with Samhaim, which is the end of October.

Fall celebrations are a part of many cultures. On campus, the Chinese Club helps us celebrate and learn about the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. In Korea, there is a fall festival called Chuseok. The celebration of Oktoberfest started in Bavaria in the 1700’s. Sukkot in Judaism also celebrates the fall harvest on Oct. 10 and 11.

Showing gratitude for the gift of creation is part of the human experience around the world. Take time to give thanks for the blessings of what the earth has provided for us all.

Thanks to Cristina Cavallo ’19 for their help in putting together this information!

Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:

Center for Faith and Spirituality

For more information, contact:

Kara Baylor: kbaylor@carthage.edu