Though it isn't an ancient holy day, the rituals associated with Mabon have been enacted in one form or another for thousands of years.
The end of the annual harvest is a major event in every agricultural society, bringing with it a sense of abundance and completion. It marks the coming of the dark days of winter and reminds us of the need to show gratitude for bountiful crops.
For those who live in urban areas, the equinox may seem to be no more than a date on the calendar or a sidebar on the televised weather report. Still, we all sense that something magical is happening when the temperature suddenly cools, the shadows change their angles, and the smell of woodsmoke drifts on the air. We instinctively turn inward and become more reflective, just as our ancestors drew physically inward in preparation for the coming of the dark season.
What is the meaning of "Mabon?"
Mabon was the Welsh god of light, the son of Modron whose Greek equivalent is Matrona or “Mother.” Modron is an Earth goddess and corresponds to Demeter, mother of Persephone, in the more familiar Greek pantheon. According to mythology, the infant Mabon was abducted and taken to the Underworld when he was three days old. Eventually Mabon was liberated, and his return to the human world signals spring, the time when days begin to grow longer and warmer and the earth is again fruitful. Both Modron and Demeter mourn while their kidnapped children are absent, and their grief causes the earth to grow dark, cold, and barren.
The autumnal equinox marks that day in September when we experience an equal number of light and dark hours. Afterward, the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, as the mythological mothers grieve and wail for their children. In recent years, those who follow the path of Wicca have developed formal rituals for acknowledging the end of summer and the symbolic death of light. Some choose to call this sabbat "Mabon," in honor of the Welsh god of light.
One need not identify with Wiccans or any other faith to feel the change that marks the turn of seasons. The outward symbols of Mabon are ubiquitous in Western society, even though relatively few people realize that their decorations and activities reflect the traditions of ancient peoples. The colors, the corn wreaths, and the hearty soups are such powerful symbols of the old, nature-based way of life that no one questions their appearance at this time of year; it simply feels right.
For those who wish to experience a deeper connection with the earth and the Old Ways, here are a few suggested activities to incorporate this season.
Rituals of Thanksgiving
- Say thank you to the people who have blessed your life in the past year
- Thank the Earth for providing sustenance by stepping up your efforts to live in harmony with nature
- Celebrate the abundance in your life by sharing with those who are less fortunate. Begin a tradition of annual giving to organizations that feed the hungry.
Rituals in the Home
- Decorate with the colors of the season :
- Make the first soup of the season during Mabon, using potatoes or squash. Serve with whole grain breads, cider, and blackberries, which are also traditional foods of the harvest.
- Decorate with wreaths and garlands made from grapevines, with sheaves of wheat and pumpkins, corn, or acorns
- Have a special thanksgiving feast, and invite elderly neighbors to join you
Rituals for the Entire Family
- Take a nature walk and say "Good night" to the trees that are about to enter their dormant stage
- Plan and carry out ways to honor the Earth; begin a family recycling effort, a family garden, or other environmentally friendly activities
- Bake whole grain bread together
- Visit the graves of your ancestors and share stories of their lives
