Across the whole world, our ancestors observed patterns in nature, such as the sun rising and setting, the ebb and flow of the tides, and the waters in rivers and streams changing as winter snows fell and then melted.
They observed that not only nature but also the individual are changing all the time and that these changes are occurring in a certain order and in cycles. It never occurred to them that humans were somehow separate from these rhythms. For them the microcosm of the body was linked to the universe and is affected by the daily and seasonal cycles of nature. Therefore in most ancient cultures it was believed that we should live in harmony with the seasons to secure health and well-being.
Especially the Chinese tradition had a deep understanding of nature’s predictable cycle and observed that nature’s cycle could be applied to many things: not just the seasons or the growth of plants, but also, for example, relationships, one’s work, the development of a child, emotions, the progress of a disease, a life in its totality. For them humans were part of a holistic entity and were directly affected physiologically and emotionally by changes in the weather, season and their surroundings. It therefore was considered important to take active measures to keep our health in check during the change in season.
As the ancient Chinese people recognized continuous patterns of transformation and changes in the universe these observations were interpreted using yin yang logic. Through the interaction of yin (earth) and yang (heaven) the 4 seasons were born. As all of the seasons have a yin (yin within yin) as well as a yang (yang within yin) nature the year was divided into 8 cycles. Later these interpretations were expanded using a new theory called the five elements and each season is associated with an element with which it shares energetic qualities.
But also our ancestors in Europe recognized that everything lives, grows and changes according to the cosmic law of an annual cycle and they divided the year into 8 agricultural cycles to honor nature and respect our dependence on it. Each cycle was celebrated with a holiday.
Having a European background I am interested in our old traditions and what meaning they carry. Our ancestors being more dependent on nature than we are, were more aware of the energies and qualities of each season and how this brings gifts and challenges into our life so it is worthwhile looking at their understanding of the seasonal energies.
Being a student of Chinese Medicine I am also interested in comparing how or if the sentiments behind our own traditions have similarities with the traditional Chinese understanding of the different periods of the year.
Shamhain (All Saint’s Day, Halloween)- 31. Oct-01.Nov
Between Autumn Equinox and Summer Solstice
Energy: death & transformation; agricultural new year
Rituals: honoring ancestors, releasing old, foreseeing future
In the celtic tradition Samhain was the division of the year between the lighter half (summer) and the darker half (winter). It marks the beginning of winter and the new agricultural cycle (the last harvest would've been completed and before the crops are born again at summer solstice the seeds of the harvested crops need to spend time in earth).
It is now a time when nature temporarily takes leave of life. When we are in harmony with nature it is good to follow the impulse of nature and to deal with issues of farewell, release, death, but also hope (as every death also mean a new beginning).It is a good opportunity to turn one's gaze inward and to meet yourself, whilst enjoying some silence after a busy and active summer.
At Samhain the division between this world and the otherworld was thought to be at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through. The family's ancestors were honored and invited home whilst harmful spirits were warded off. Honoring the ancestors is also a way of remembering your roots and being thankful to be here.
Chinese philosophy
Shares the understanding of this period as a period of letting go and turning inward A time for taking stock of the past and coming to terms with it, in order to move on and look forward to the future. What can you let go of old and fears before we move into winter? It is a time to gather you energy and go inward to reconnect to the deeper essence of self. It is a time of restoration.
Winter Solstice - 21.12
Related holiday Christmas -25.12
Energy: regeneration & renewal
Rituals: self-reflection
The winter solstice is also referred to as the day of "Yule," marking the birth of the new solar year. It's the shortest day of the year and the longest night. It’s a time to rest, slow down and enjoy the warmth and coziness of home.
However from now on days will start getting longer again and it therefore also signifies rebirth of the sun. For early societies the disappearance of the light/sun meant a very real threat of starvation over the winter months and so there were various solstice celebrations and rites meant to herald the return of the sun and hope for new life. Fires were lit as a symbolic means of welcoming back the light.
Christmas, the birth of Jesus who is the “Light of the World” is also celebrated around this time. It is believed that the Christmas tree is a survival of old traditions. The idea of bringing the evergreen into the house represented fertility and new life in the darkness of winter and the candles represented the sun.
Chinese Philosophy:
The Winter Solstice is one of the most important events in China and East Asia and is celebrated with the Dongzhi Festival. Having its origins in the concept of yin and yang in Chinese philosophy, the winter solstice festival represents balance and harmony in life: the yin qualities of darkness and cold reach their height of influence on the shortest day of the year, but also mark a turning point for the coming of the light and warmth of yang. After this celebration, there will be days with longer daylight hours and therefore an increase in positive energy flowing in. The philosophical significance of this is symbolized by the I Ching hexagram fù (復, "Returning") wishing us all a time of light, rebirth and reawakening, and optimism for the year ahead.
Imbolg (Candlemass)-2 Februar
Midpoint between the Winter Solstice (Yule) and the Spring Equinox (Ostara)
Energy: conception, initiation, inspiration
Rituals: creative projects, purification, initiation
Imbolc was a celebration of the early days of spring. The days are getting longer and the light is gaining more and more strength, first life is stirring after a long winter. As with winter solstice fires were lit as well as candles (and are still done today at candlemass) to represent the increasing power of the sun. It is a time to celebrate renewal and growth and consider carefully what you will do with the year stretching before you.
Chinese philosophy:
The Chinese New Year/Spring Festival is celebrated around this time of the year (The first day of the New Year falls on the new moon between January 21 and February 20).It is a celebration of yin giving over to the yang part of the year and is the grandest festival in China, with a 7-day long holiday. The Spring Festival was originally a ceremonial day to pray to gods for a good planting and harvest season.
Spring Equinox Ostara -21 März
Easter (first fullmoon after the spring equinox)
Energy: birthing, sprouting, greening
Rituals: breakthrough, new growth, new projects
The spring equinox has always been a significant date for humans, for at this time of year, nature is beginning its new cycle. What was previously mere hope is now becoming reality. The first stirrings of life at Imbolc now become evident and the sun is gaining in strength.
Having equal hours of day and night, the March Equinox also represents balance and oneness and we are reminded about the importance of finding balance and oneness in our own lives.
As the March Equinox brings about the start of a new season we can also ask ourselves if there is something hidden within us which we would like to manifest. It is a good time to start new projects.
The resurrection of Christ which is celebrated on Easter can be seen as a return of the light and life’s triumph over death.
Chinese philosophy:
Spring is the season of yin within yang. At the Spring Equinox, seasonal energies switch from the yin of winter towards the yang of summer. Sprouts begin to burst through the dirt. Trees blossom animals emerge from hibernation and birthing season begins.
Beltane- 1st May
between Spring Equinox and Summer Soltice
Energy: expanding, sensual, moving forward, creative
Rituals: romance, creative endeavors, integration of male and female aspect of the self
Beltane occurs 6 months after Samhain and in the Celtic way of looking at the seasons marks the end of winter, the ‘dark’ half of the year, and the beginning of summer the ‘light’ half.
Beltane honors life. It represents the peak of spring and the beginning of summer. Earth energies are at their strongest and most active bringing forth life in preparation for an abundant harvest. It is an opportunity to connect to our sensuality in a positive creative way and integrating the feminine and masculine sides of our nature.
One of the traditional symbols of Beltane is the Maypole. For the Celts the maypole, usually a birch, was a symbol of fertility and a representative of the world tree. The roots stood for the underworld and the dead, the tribe for the world of men and the crown for the world of the gods.
Chinese Philosophy
A period of growth which generates vitality. As the yang energy rises and accumulates in one’s body, it is traveling from the inside to the outside of the body and it is a good idea to go outside, include more outdoor activities and reconnect with nature’s strength.
Litha- Summer Solstice -21. June
Energy: pure life force energy
Rituals: community, giving thanks
It is the longest day of the year and from now on days will get shorter. But for now the power of the sun is at its most potent and the earth is fertile with the bounty of growing life. This day was marked with huge bonfires that celebrated the power of the sun over darkness.
This is about celebrating one's abundance and giving thanks for all that you have, from wealth to good health. As in nature the climax of the sun is now exceeded and it is also an opportunity to ponder what the culmination of our lives was or should be and how we can use our (remaining) life force in a meaningful way.
Chinese Philosophy
This season is filled with abundant energy, long days and sunshine. It is the most yang time of year. Summer is about expansion, growth, activity and creativity .It is the season of yang, a time when the body undergoes vigorous metabolic processes. Several thousand years ago, The Medical Classic of the Yellow Emperor put forth the principle that one should cultivate the yang energy in spring and summer, while protecting the yin energy in autumn and winter.
Lammas- Lughnasad- (between 1. and 15. August depending on the moon)
Between Summer Solstice und Autumn Equinox
Energy: fruitfulness, prosperity
Rituals: going outside, generosity
Now is the time of the first harvest. The grain has ripened plants are bearing fruit, and medicinal herbs now have a very special power. After the harvest, it is also time to plant new seeds/ideas and care for them so that they can ripen later.
At this time of abundance in nature we can use this energy to search for meaning and fulfillment in ourselves. It is an opportunity to express the ideas, plans, and purposes that have matured in us and transform our ideas into actions.
Chinese Philosophy
During the summer months, life is at its most expansive. Summer is associated with the fire element which symbolises the spark from which all of life derives. Summer/Fire has the power to give light, and to illuminate our inner being as well as our external world.
Mabon – 21.09
Autumn Equinox
Energy: appreciation & harvest
Rituals: thanksgiving, harvest, introspection
Mabon is a celebration and also a time of rest after the labor of harvest. In terms of life path it is the moment of reaping what you have sown, time to look at the hopes and aspirations of Imbolc and Ostara and reflect on how they have manifested.
Chinese Philosophy
Autumn is the season of yang within yin. At the fall equinox, energy shifts from summer's yang towards winter's yin nature. We already know that fall is a yin season. But then what makes it yang? Consider fall in comparison to winter. Fall is more yang than winter. The harvest is an active, yang activity. The days are beginning to shorten, but there is still a fair amount of sunlight.