New Beginnings Part 2

Five days after Yom Kippur, the day after the Full Moon, is the Jewish celebration of Sukkot. In ancient Israel, this was the holiest of holidays. This is the holiday of the harvest. A time when we connect to the land and to the fruits of our labors. Traditionally, a community will build a Sukkah - an impermanent shelter reminiscent to those used by the nomadic early Hebrew people of Exodus and those used by agricultural workers during the harvest season.

Just before this, on the night of the Full Moon, Heathens celebrate WinterNights. In the Anglo-Saxon calendar, followed by many Heathens, there are only two seasons - Summer and Winter. The first Full Moon of Winterfylleth marks the beginning of Winter. A time to come inside, to be with the family, to celebrate the ancestors, and to reflect.

Sound familiar?

At WinterNights we celebrate the harvest and look to the coming Winter. At Sukkot we celebrate the harvest and commemorate the nomadic life of the ancient Hebrew people.

I find it interesting that these two holidays, from such dramatically different parts of the world have so much in common. This is not to say that they are the same, they very much are not. Jews do no generally practice ancestor worship. Many pagans and polytheists from Jewish heritage have found that their ancestors do not appreciate being worshiped. Heathens, on the other hand, have a deep spiritual bond to their ancestors which is notable practiced at Winter Nights.

Both do, however have an intrinsic connection to history. Both holidays ask us to remember hardships: the ancient hardships of a nomadic desert people, and the future hardships of a long cold winter. We give thanks for the year we have just completed, and begin to prepare for the year ahead. But both ask us o celebrate, to feast, to be with our loved ones. We are in a time of rejoicing!

Hail the Turning of the Year!