Every season has its special qualities, but I have always loved fall the most. Part of the reason is that I grew up in New England, where fall is a splendid paint box gifted from the divine. I often associate fall with all the brilliant shades of yellows, oranges, and reds. I love the connection to the seasons, to light, to cool days, and even, the long dark nights.
Mabon - the Celtic holiday at the autumnal equinox - and the Feast of the Ingathering or Meán Fómhair (Irish) is a newer Celtic ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth and a recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of holy spirits during the coming winter months. The name Mabon is a reference to Mabon ap Modron, a character from Welsh mythology.
Mabon comes with the change of the seasons from the haze of summer to the cool of fall, at the autumn equinox. Mabon is part of the annual sacred Celtic celebrations, which date back to ancient times. Mabon marked the day when the sun was almost directly over the equator, creating an almost equal amount of day and night.
Mabon has also been known as the Second Harvest Festival, and falls every year between the first harvest festival, called Lunasadh, and the last harvest festival, Samhain (Halloween). Versions of Mabon have been celebrated around the world for centuries by various different cultures. In Celtic tradition, Mabon typically commemorated the celebration of resting after a long and laborious harvest season. It was traditionally seen as a time to finish projects and clear out emotional and physical clutter, so that the winter season would be a restful and peaceful season.
Not surprising, Mabon’s symbol is the cornucopia, signifying a bountiful harvest. The celebration of Mabon usually involved a festive meal with friends and family, the planting of winter bulbs (with the hope of flowers opening up in springtime), and a major clearing out or “letting go” of clutter, in preparation for winter.
As for the “letting go of stuff,” I thank Marie Kondo. Marie Kondo taught all of us to thank the items we are discarding. I generally use, “Thank you for all the joy you brought at another time!” It has really helped me with donating sentimental items a great deal. My sister gave me another tip this month, as she is in the midst of moving. She suggested that I turn all the hangers around in my closet. Whenever I wear an item, she said to turn the hanger back to its original position. After a short amount of time, one can quickly see the items that are not being worn.
More than decluttering or “letting go of stuff”, it is also important at this time of year to prepare for the changes in the seasons...Studies indicate that people feel more isolated in the winter and isolation exacerbates depression, so it is wise to identify, before the cold and darkness begins, activities and strategies that might decrease the feelings of aloneness, such as socializing with others in virtual groups or connecting in an exercise class. Working out or taking fitness classes decreases the fatigue caused by the longer, darker days and many community activities abound, even during this second phase of Covid-19. The San Mateo County Pride Center offers at least one program daily for people 50 , Monday through Friday, as well as some weekend social events. We are co-sponsoring the 2nd Annual Rainbow Collective LGBTQ Conference in October, in partnership with Avenidas. We offer a monthly Gay Men’s Social Group where Peason Chiang has come up with interesting and enjoyable events. We also offer Lesbians Let’s Talk Sharing and Caring Group for women 50 , a weekly group facilitated by Roberta Gonzalez-Gregg. It is vital to make a commitment to participating in activities where you can build community and enjoy connecting with others. Like the ancient peoples, prepare yourself NOW for the coming winter season that is restful and peaceful by planning for the coming winter NOW…Hope to see you soon…