{"id":641,"date":"2025-09-10T15:03:48","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T13:03:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iibn.es\/?p=641"},"modified":"2026-07-03T10:14:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T08:14:00","slug":"seasonal-celebration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/umanagea.com\/en\/celebracion-estacional\/","title":{"rendered":"CELTIC CELEBRATION"},"content":{"rendered":"

Activities or celebrations inspired by Celtic tradition seek to connect with nature through rituals, meditation, bodywork and various workshops, in harmony with the cycles of the year. They consist of 8 Celebrations or Festivals<\/strong> known as SABBATS<\/strong> which mark the solstices, equinoxes and the points in between. It is usually depicted in the form of a circle known as the The Celtic Wheel or the Wheel of the Year<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HISTORY<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before we delve into its \u201csymbolism\u201d, let\u2019s find out a little more about its history. In fact, the Wheel of the Year, as we know it today, is a modern reconstruction based on Celtic and Norse traditions, as well as other pagan practices from Europe, which became popular in the 20th century thanks to the neo-pagan movements (Wicca) and modern Druidism. Some historians (Ronald Hutton<\/em> o Miranda Green<\/em>) have offered a critical perspective on their authenticity, as the Celtic cultures (5th century BC \u2013 5th century AD) left no written records of their own, and what we know of them comes from Roman and Christian sources, as well as later folklore. Based on medieval Irish texts, written by Christian monks between the 6th and 12th centuries AD, we know that four of the celebrations (Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh<\/em>) have clear Celtic roots and were adopted and adapted by monks as Christian festivals. The other four stem from Germanic traditions or have been invented by neo-paganism, as in the case of Mabon<\/em>, a term coined in 1970 by Aidan Kelly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It would appear that the Wheel of the Year as we know it today was a \u201ccreation\u201d of Gerald Gardner<\/em>, founder of Wicca and Ross Nichols<\/em>, a druidic leader, combining Celtic, Germanic and other elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, we know that the Celtic people were a very diverse and widespread group, which is why historians suspect that traditions and celebrations varied from place to place. In other words, there was no \u201cstandardised\u201d calendar. It is known that most celebrations involved some form of ritual, such as bonfires, dances, meditation, feasts, etc., but we cannot ignore the fact that there were also sacrifices and less \u201ceco-centred\u201d aspects that we would not wish to experience today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having said all that, we might be tempted to say, \u201cWell, if it\u2019s a modern invention, I\u2019m not interested, as I honour tradition\u201d. I think that would be a mistake. After all, everything we do must be adapted to our modern lives. Our yoga is not the ascetic yoga practised 2,000 years ago in the Himalayas. So let\u2019s apply a bit of common sense to all this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BENEFITS OF THE CELTIC WHEEL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can understanding and applying the Wheel of the Year help me?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I invite you to view this circle not as a historical representation of pagan festivals, but as a powerful framework that allows us to remember and reconnect with the cycles of the seasons, as well as to foster a sense of community. Each of the 8 moments of transition<\/strong> (which last several days) allow us to pause and take the time to reflect on how we feel at this time of year and adapt to the changes. In other words, the Celtic festivals allow us to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n