Food & The Wheel of the Year
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Food has always been an important part of human culture and traditions. Different foods have different associations and meanings in different cultures. Some foods are associated with health and wellness, while others are associated with abundance and prosperity. Some are even believed to have magical properties and are used in traditional remedies to treat a variety of ailments. In this list, we will explore the associations and meanings of various foods in mythology and culture.
Food and the Wheel of the Year
Food plays an important role in Wheel of the Year celebrations and and different foods are associated with different seasons and holidays. For example, pumpkins are often associated with autumn and Samhain, while eggs are associated with Ostara. Each season brings with it an abundance of different fruits and vegetables, which can be used to create traditional dishes that are enjoyed during the corresponding holiday. Foods that are in season are often fresher and more flavorful, and incorporating them into meals can be a great way to celebrate the changing of the seasons.
Apple - In many myths and legends, apples are associated with knowledge and wisdom. In Greek mythology, the fruit of the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden was an apple. Apples are also associated with protection, strength, and perseverance.
Banana - Bananas are often associated with energy and nourishment. In many cultures, they are considered a symbol of abundance and prosperity.
Carrot - Carrots are associated with good eyesight and healthy skin. In some myths and legends, carrots are believed to have magical properties that can improve vision and restore youth.
Celery - Celery is associated with weight loss and hydration. It is also believed to have medicinal properties and is often used in traditional remedies to treat a variety of ailments.
Cherries - Cherries are often associated with relaxation and sleep. In some myths and legends, they are believed to have healing properties and are used to treat a variety of ailments.
Grapes - Grapes are associated with abundance and prosperity. In many myths and legends, they are also associated with wine and are considered a symbol of celebration and joy.
Lemon - Lemons are associated with cleansing and detoxification. In some myths and legends, they are believed to have medicinal properties and are used to treat a variety of ailments.
Orange - Oranges are associated with immunity and vitality. They are also a symbol of good fortune and prosperity in many cultures.
Peach - Peaches are associated with longevity and happiness. In Chinese mythology, peaches are the fruit of the gods and are believed to have magical properties that can grant eternal life.
Pineapple - Pineapples are associated with hospitality and welcoming. In many cultures, they are considered a symbol of prosperity and abundance.
Pomegranate - Pomegranates are associated with fertility and abundance. In many myths and legends, they are also a symbol of regeneration and renewal.
Pumpkin - Pumpkins are associated with autumn, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. They are also a symbol of abundance and prosperity. In some myths and legends, pumpkins are believed to have medicinal properties and are used to treat a variety of ailments.
Strawberry - Strawberries are associated with love and romance. In some myths and legends, they are also a symbol of purity and innocence.
Tomato - Tomatoes are associated with heart health and lycopene. In some myths and legends, they are believed to have medicinal properties and are used to treat a variety of ailments.
Food plays a significant role in many cultures and traditions around the world. Different foods have different associations and meanings, and they can be used to symbolize a variety of concepts and ideas. From apples associated with knowledge and wisdom, to pumpkins associated with autumn and abundance, the symbolism of food is rich and varied. Whether for their taste, their cultural or mythical associations, or their nutritional value, foods continue to be an important part of our lives and celebrations.
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A History of Mabon and The Wheel of the Year
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Mabon is the last sabbat in the Wheel of the Year, marking the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. Celebrated during the autumnal equinox, Mabon occurs around September 21st in the northern hemisphere and March 21st in the southern hemisphere.
The history of Mabon stretches back to ancient Celtic times, though Mabon as a sabbat holiday really took root in the 1970s. One of the lesser known sabbats, Mabon is gaining popularity as more people turn toward nature as a guide for their spiritual path.
The Early History of Mabon
The name Mabon comes from a medieval Welsh myth, the Mabinogion. This oral narrative, which is along the lines of Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey, tells four different stories featuring a cast of recurring characters. Mabon, who is often portrayed as a young man or warrior, is the cultural hero of one of these myths. He is born a Divine Child and his birth is associated with some kind of miracle, like immaculate conception, similar to the stories of Jesus, Buddha and the Aztec man-god Quetzalcoatl.
As a baby Mabon is kidnapped and taken to the otherworld (AKA underworld) and is eventually rescued, echoing the story of Demeter and Persephone, who are two figures from Greek mythology closely associated with the autumn and spring equinoxes.
Mabon as the name of a specific holiday did not take hold until the 1970s (more on that below). But the celebration of the autumn equinox is as old as humanity. So while ancient Celts may not have celebrated Mabon, per se, they most certainly celebrated the autumn equinox, rejoicing in the near end of the busy harvest season.
Mabon Printable - 1 PDF Download If you like this printable, be sure to sign up for the Free Member’s Library , where you’ll have access to more Wheel of the Year Printables, Planners and Calendars.
Mabon and The Wheel of The Year
So, if Mabon wasn’t an ancient holiday like Yule or Samhain, when did it start? Good question!
Despite hundreds of years of Christianity in Europe, there remained a keen interest in ancient pagan rituals and celebrations. The fear that surrounded paganism in the 17th and 18th centuries (think Salem Witch Trials) gave way to a more academic interest during the Age of Enlightenment. Ancient paganism was further mythologized by writers of the Romantic period of the late 18th century (think classic fairy tales). Throughout the 19th and 20th century a neopagan movement gained traction with many different sects popping up throughout Europe and North America.
The White Goddess by Robert Graves was one of many 20th century writings that helped popularize the concept of eight holidays based on the agrarian and seasonal cycles of the British Isles, blending the ancient Celtic fire festivals and the solstices and equinoxes.
By the mid-20th century, the Wiccan religion had been established in North America. In the late 1960s, Aiden Kelly, a neopagan writer who helped establish Wicca, is credited with shaping the eight pagan festivals into what would become known as the Wheel of the Year. He is also credited with coining the name Mabon for the autumn equinox celebration, marking the last sabbat holiday in the Wheel of the Year.
Mabon and Witchcraft
For modern witches, since Mabon marks the end of the Witch’s Year, it is a good time to let go of things that no longer serve you. Cast spells for decreasing or ending old habits, meditate on what you would like to let go, and give thanks for the good things you have in life.
Mabon and Astrology
In her book The Modern Witchcraft Guide to the Wheel of the Year, author Judy Ann Nock likens the season of Mabon with the transition from Virgo to Libra. She explains that this is a time from moving outward during the season of Virgo and the fullness of summer to a time of introspection. The Libra, with its focus on balance and harmony, is a turning point in the Wheel of the Year.
Modern Mabon Celebrations
The second of the three harvests, Mabon is often equated with Thanksgiving and seen as a time by Wiccan and Witches (as well as those who don’t identify with any spiritual label) to reflect and thank the earth for its bounty. While our modern Thanksgiving holiday in the United States often focuses on excessive amounts of food, football and getting a jump on the holiday shopping, historical thanksgiving celebrations were rooted in celebrating the efforts of one’s labor and the connection between people and the earth.
In his book Wicca Demystified, author Bryan Lankford explains “To understand this sabbat, picture Thanksgiving and add to it the fact all food was grown yourself…you would not starve over the winter. Then you will understand how important this celebration was.”
How will you be celebrating Mabon this year? Share in the comments!
References & Recommended Reading
https://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/history/sites/themes/society/myths_mabinogion.shtml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aidan_A._Kelly
https://www.learnreligions.com/intro-to-paganism-step-by-step-study-guide-4006913 (Step 7)
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Seven Thrift Ideas for Your Wheel of Year Celebration
The Wheel of the Year sabbats are opportunities to pause and celebrate the changing of the seasons, both within and around you. When you are just starting out, it can feel like you have to buy all.the.things in order to celebrate each sabbat properly.
The Wheel of the Year sabbats are opportunities to pause and celebrate the changing of the seasons, both within and around you. When you are just starting out, it can feel like you have to buy all.the.things in order to celebrate each sabbat properly. You may need certain items like candles or vessels, or fabric in a specific color that corresponds with that sabbat. Or maybe you are throwing a dinner party and need additional place settings and serving dishes. Thrift stores, charity shops and even yard sales are all great places to stock up on items for your Wheel of the Year celebrations.
Anyone who’s been following along on my Instagram knows that I love thrift store finds. Most of my home decor is thrifted or second hand finds. I love thrifting because it's affordable and more sustainable than buying new. I can often find higher quality items than what is available in local box stores.
Here are seven things that you can usually find for pennies on the dollar at your local thrift store:
Candles
I often find nice quality candles, new in the original packaging at my local thrift store. Candles are useful for altars, centerpieces or add a specialness to an ordinary day. Imbolc especially embodies candles as part of its celebration.
Dishes
A beautiful table doesn’t have to cost a lot of money (looking at you Pottery Barn). I love (and I mean LOVE) picking up vintage dishes whenever I’m thrifting. I am especially partial to Blue Willow china because it’s easy to find and adds an instant charm to any meal. Plus it reminds me of Jessica Fletcher’s kitchen from Murder She Wrote.
Along with place settings, I have scored most of my nice serving dishes from my local thrift store, including mixing bowls, various size platters, small serving vessels and pitchers.
Table Linens
Along the same lines of thrifted dishes, thrifted table linens are an easy and inexpensive way to dress up your dinner table. Along with vintage tablecloths and napkins, I often pick up handmade doilies and dresser scarves to use throughout my house or on my altar, if I am setting one up.
Picture Frames
I love adding framed printable art and quotes to my seasonal decor. It’s usually free or very low cost and easy to swap out as the seasons change. To make my thrifted frames look more cohesive, I’ll often give a mismatched collection a coat of spray paint. And whenever I find an oversized frame (bigger than 8x10) I’ll grab it, because they are harder to find and surprisingly pricy to buy new.
Baskets
Woven baskets offer beauty and function for your entire house. I use them for holding bread on the dinner table, to store magazines or craft projects and corral clutter in my office. In the autumn, to celebrate Mabon, I like filling small baskets with dried flower bouquets from the garden and placing a larger basket of fresh red apples on our kitchen counter.
Faux Greenery
Not everyone has ready access or a budget for fresh flowers and greenery, especially in the winter months. Thrift stores are an excellent place for scoring gently used fake plants, picks and flowers. I use faux greenery to add a little color and texture to places in my house where real plants won’t make it, such as my kitchen which gets little direct sunlight. For my Wheel of the Year celebrations, I will add faux greenery for sabbat decorations.
Now, some might argue that using fake greens goes against the very essence of a nature based spiritual path. I argue that it is the intent that you have when using any item, real or fake. Plus I feel it's a bit elitist to assume that everyone can pick up a fresh bouquet of flowers for their Wheel of the Year celebration. I say do what you can, where you are, with what you have.
Clothes
Easily half of my wardrobe is thrifted. If you are looking for a special outfit for your Wheel of the Year celebration, thrift stores and consignment shops are a great place to look. ThredUp is another resource, if you don’t live near any good quality second hand clothing stores. I wrote a whole post on how to shop online for thrifted clothes. Buying second hand clothes is one of the best ways to avoid fast fashion and reduce the environmental footprint of your wardrobe.
As you plan for your next Wheel of the Year celebration, I hope that these tips have helped inspire you. Be sure to visit the Member’s Library for Free Wheel of the Year Printables, calendars, art and more!
