Mabon

In Celtic mythology, Mabon ("young man") was the son of Modron. He was a hunter god that was stolen from his mother three days after his birth. He then lived in Annwn until he was rescued by Culhwch. Because of his time in Annwn, Mabon stayed a young adult forever.

He later assisted Culhwch in his search for Olwen. Culhwch had been arranged to marry his own stepsister, but he refused. Angry, his stepomother cursed him to marry no one but Olwen. Olwen's father, Ysbaddaden, was a vicious monster that would die if he was separated from his daughter. After many trials and tribulations, Culwch succeeded and gained Ysbaddaden's powers and life.

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Mabon is one of the eight solar holidays or sabbats of Neopaganism. It is celebrated on the autumn equinox, in the northern hemisphere circa September 21 and in the southern hemisphere circa March 21.

Also called Harvest Home, this holiday is a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth and a recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of the Goddess and God during the winter months.

Among the sabbats, it is the second of the three harvest festivals, preceded by Lammas and followed by Samhain.

See also Wheel of the Year.