Giamolitus “Winter Feast” – Giamos (winter), litus (feast). This is a one day holiday. Always falling on either 9 Giamonios or 9 Simiuisonna. This is around the full moon closest to the winter solstice. This is of course, the darkest time of the year, but with the full moon perhaps it shows that light was still sought and could shine through it. Also called Îuos Eponiâs.
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 neighbours 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.
Uediâ Giamolitou
Comberomos Giamolitou
(We gather for Giamolitus)
Riganâ Marâ Eponâ
(Great Queen Eponâ)
Redietsî sinnoxti
(She rides tonight)
Trêgiamonemos
(Through the winter sky)
Rinomos ne mapos iton
(We do not have your son)
Exo rinomos addatus etic bratûn tei
(But we have offering and thanks for you)
[Addatus — Offering]
Suaueloi dami iton
(Good winds for your retinue)
Creddîmos atearenxiesîs
(We have faith you will find Him again)
Esi boudi
(You are victory)
Dugiomos tê
(We honour you)
Noiboriganâ anson
(Our Holy Queen)
Slaniâ te
(Cheers to you)
Dugion te
(Honour to you)
Molâmos Eponan
(We praise Eponâ)
**After which, turn to your fellows and say:
Giamolitun dagon ollon
(A good Giamolitus to all!)
Bessus Nouiogalation 