Mabon

History of Mabon

People around the world throughout the years have celebrated the harvest festival. In the 1700s, Oktoberfest was celebrated by the Bavarians, which began in the last week of September, and was filled with grand feasts and celebrations. It is still in existence today.

In China, the autumn festival is celebrated on the night of the Harvest Moon, and people celebrate this festival by baking cakes, made out of harvested rice, for the moon goddess who will bless them with abundance. In Nigeria, the Yoruba people celebrate the yam festivals with dances and merriment for the ancestors and the fertility of crops for the next year. Iroquois people, during fall, come together for the corn dance and give thanks for the ripening of grains. In some English counties, the feast of St.Michael is observed, and a meal of goose is traditionally served on September 29.

Mabon is considered by the pagans as the day to give thanks for the harvest and to share the bounty with the less fortunate. It has been celebrated by the modern pagans as the last of the eight Sabbats in the 1970s. It is named after the ancient Welsh hero ‘Mabon ap Modron’. Mabon is the second of the three harvest festivals that take place in the Wheel of the Year, Lughnasadh and Samhain being the first and the third, respectively.

Mabon timeline

1600 — 1046 B.C.

The Chinese Harvest Festival Celebration

The harvest festival is held during the Shang Dynasty, but it starts to gain popularity from the early Tang dynasty.

1810

Oktoberfest Celebrations Start With Pomp

Oktoberfest celebration originates in Germany during the celebration of the marriage of the crown prince Bavaria.

1843

The Harvest Festival Comes to U.K.

The tradition to celebrate harvest festivals in churches begins after Reverend Robert Hawker invites parishioners to a special thanksgiving service at his church.

1970

The Term Mabon is Coined

Aiden Kelly coins Mabon's name after the Mabon ap Modron's character from Welsh mythology.

Mabon FAQs

When is Mabon?

Mabon 2026 begins on Monday, September 21, and continues through September 29. This period marks the Autumn Equinox, a time of balance and reflection on the year’s harvest.

How is Mabon related to the autumn equinox?

Mabon is celebrated on the Autumn Equinox, which typically falls around September 21. This astronomical event signifies a moment of perfect balance, where day and night are of equal length, mirroring the holiday’s themes of harmony and equilibrium.

How many people celebrate Mabon?

Mabon is primarily celebrated by followers of Pagan, Wiccan, and other Earth-centered spiritual traditions worldwide. While exact numbers are difficult to ascertain, a growing community embraces this festival as a time for gratitude and reflection on nature’s cycles.

What are common Mabon traditions?

Common Mabon traditions include creating harvest altars adorned with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and cornucopias. Feasting on autumn produce like apples, gourds, and root vegetables is also central, often accompanied by apple cider.

Mabon Activities

Decorate your house

The best way to celebrate Mabon is to decorate your house in the most earthly way possible. Let the spirit of nature guide you and fill your house with autumnal colors.

Go out for a picnic

There is no better than being one with nature to celebrate Mabon. Feel the soft grass and enjoy the bountiful nature.

Throw a feast

Invite your friends and family over and enjoy this joyful day with them. Make sure to share the feast with those who need the true spirit of the holiday.

5 Facts About Mabon

It is celebrated at Stonehenge

Every year Mabon celebrations take place at Stonehenge

It acknowledges life and death

Mabon acknowledges the cycle of life and death and that all things must come to an end for the generation of new life.

Apples are the symbol of Mabon

Apples represent wisdom and magic, and they are the symbol of the festival of Mabon.

Mabon is ruled by a Greek god

The Greek god of wine, ‘Dynosus’ is considered to be the one who rules Mabon.

Red and brown are colors of Mabon

Mabon is associated with these vibrant autumn colors.

Why We Love Mabon

It brings our loved ones together

Mabon is celebrated best with friends and family. With music, food, and laughter the festival brings the whole family together.

It tells us the importance of nature

It is a celebration of the bountiful nature that gives substance to mankind. The day is dedicated to the wonderful mother earth and to appreciating her goodness.