The Autumn Equinox, also known as Mabon, is celebrated by many different Pagan traditions. It is the time when gardens are in full bloom and we prepare for the cold months of winter that will soon be on their way. It is also a time of giving thanks and reaping the fruits of one’s labor. It is a time to reflect on what has passed and to look ahead to the brightness of the future. Autumn Equinox is celebrated by the Druids as Mea'n Fo'mhair which honors The Green Man or God of the Forest by giving offerings of herbs, cider or fruit to the trees. For Wiccans it is a lesser Sabbat that celebrates the second harvest in the Wheel of the Year. No matter which Pagan tradition you follow, Autumn Equinox is a time for family and friends to gather together with celebrations of food, singing and crafts and there are many wonderful ways for you and your family to enjoy this special time of year.
Decorating
Get into the mood and celebrate the Autumn Equinox by decorating your home. The traditional symbols of Autumn Equinox are the plants, fruits and vegetables that are traditionally harvested at this time of year which include pumpkins, corn, apples, nuts, autumn leaves, acorns and pinecones. Use your imagination to create a centerpiece for your table with any of these traditional items. Mini pumpkins that have been hollowed out and carved make excellent holders for tea light candles. Apples that have been sliced in half crosswise and hollowed out slightly, make excellent floatable tea light holders. Place them in a large glass bowl that’s been half-filled with water for a festive party decoration, or you can place them in an outdoor birdbath or fountain if you’re having an outdoor party.
Craft Ideas and Activities
Corn is one of the most popular decorative accessories and dried, ornamental corn is sold in many stores at this time of year. You can make a wreath by fastening miniature dried corn stalks to a circular wire frame, or you can tie together a trio of regular size corn stalks. Add some gold, orange or yellow ribbon for some added flair. Hang your wreath on your front door, the front porch or, if you have a fireplace, it can be hung over the mantle.
Autumn leaves are very abundant in many locations at this time of year and you can gather them to display in a basket, or arrange them in a grouping with dried corn, gourds or small pumpkins. Children can easily assist with this activity by helping to gather the leaves and to help the adults with the arrangements. Younger children can also have a lot of fun making leaf rubbings by covering a leaf with a piece of white paper and rubbing over the surface with a crayon. Another fun idea for younger children is making vegetable prints. An adult can cut in half a potato or turnip and carve out a simple design such as a star. Set out different colors of tempera paint in individual pie tins, cover a table with newspaper (for easy clean up) and set out big sheets of white paper. Then let your child or children dip the carved vegetables in paint and create their own works of art.
Some other ideas for crafts and activities for the family are candle making, soap making, visiting an apple orchard, gathering leaves, twigs and acorns, having a family sing along, apple bobbing, making apple pies or cider and bread baking. Have fun, use your imagination and have a very blessed Autumn Equinox.
