Short Stuff: Mabon

Mabon, a modern neo-pagan harvest festival, marks the autumnal equinox by emphasizing the balance between day and night. While often associated with ancient Celtic traditions, the term and its specific placement on the "Wheel of the Year" are relatively recent developments popularized in the 1960s and 70s. The celebration aligns with the equinox, a phenomenon observed globally, such as the serpent-like shadow cast on the pyramid of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza. Beyond its pagan roots, Mabon serves as a time for personal reflection, releasing past burdens, and appreciating the harvest season. Practical observances include displaying a cornucopia, spending time in nature, or simply acknowledging the shift in seasons. This festival provides a framework for finding equilibrium during the transition into the darker, colder months of the year.