Giamolitus

In mainstream culture, there are many holidays this time of year. So regardless of how big it was in regards to the Gaulish world of the past, it may hold more meaning today. Warmth, feasting, and gift giving are good motifs for this time of year. In our custom, this is also the time of the Wild Hunt, led by Eponâ.

Associated Deity: Eponâ. As leader of the Rêdâ Sebracâ (Spectral Ride), and in recent lore, a new myth, mother of Maponos.

Activities: As observances related to this middle of winter are very popular in many places, it isn’t hard to see some shared themes amongst Indo-European cultures that were near the Gauls. They are common both in Europe, and in places that were settled (sadly, usually colonised) by folks from Western (and Northern) Europe.

We don’t know how the ancient Gauls observed this time of year, but through over-culture influence and looking at neighbors it isn’t hard to get some ideas.

Decorating the home to make it more festive is a great idea. With lights and green decor representing the hope of life returning to the land, and gold and red for Sonnos (the sun). Don’t forget horse motifs as Eponâ is at the centre of this îuos (holiday).

To keep Her going as She looks for Her son, Maponos, we may offer Her sweet cakes. Gift giving, a great feast, and spending time with loved ones carries on the theme of togetherness in the face of the winter ahead. And of course, be wary of Redos Eponiâs (Eponâ’s Ride). Stay inside if you can.