Within the diverse religions that make up the theological category of Paganism, the season of harvest shines brightly. The majority of Pagan religions are agrarian and celebrate the agricultural patterns of the regions we live in. During the harvest season, this manifests in ceremonies that offer gratitude to the spirits of the land and the deities associated with abundant harvests, feasting celebrations that can bear a strong resemblance to Thanksgiving gatherings, and practices involving harvested bounty like the making of ales, wines, and meads, the preservation of fruits and herbs and, of course, the baking of bread. These food-based acts of preservation, transformation, and enjoyment include an element of sacrality for those of us who practice them. In addition to the work of fermentation, canning, drying, or baking, religious customs, songs, charms, and more are often involved.
As a group of religions that focus on building a good, ethical life here on earth, the virtue of generosity takes center stage during this season as well. Pagan religions, on the whole, center community care, empathy, compassion, hospitality, and personal growth. Contrary to some of the mainstream religions in the United States, Pagan religions do not characterize humans as inherently flawed or harmful. We do not have a concept like “sin” in our theologies. As a result, tending a community where all are safe, loved, and supported in becoming their best selves is the priority. These two threads – the season of harvest and mutual support – come together in a powerful way during the contemporary harvest-time celebrations of Pagan Pride.
Pagan Pride Day festivals and gatherings, inspired by the Pride events of our LGBTQIA+ brethren, originate in the 1990’s. They are designed to be both outreach festivals and food or supply drives for the most vulnerable among us. Although more people are familiar with Pagan religions now, some Pagans still experience discrimination and harassment due to misinformation about what we believe, how we practice, and who we are. Sharing our harvest celebrations with our local and regional community is a wonderful way to bridge the gap and counter ignorance and religious bigotry. Pagan Pride Day celebrations are characterized by a gathering or ceremony that is open to the public, press releases that welcome media presence, and a food or supply drive for a local charity.
Pagan Pride Day events occur throughout the harvest season, ranging from gatherings that vary in date from early August to late October. Over the decades, these gatherings raised (and continue to raise) an astounding amount of donations for their respective local communities. The Frederick Pagan Pride Day alone raised over 3 tons of food for the Frederick Food Bank over the last nine years and over 1700 pounds of supplies for the Frederick Animal Shelter over the last five. Continue reading…
