Organized at Waterfront Park along the Ohio River, this year’s celebration of Pagan Pride Day in Louisville attracted over 650 people, said the organizer of the event, Cu Chulainn. Fearing persecution for their beliefs, many people refrain from publicly identifying as pagans even though the neo-pagan community in America is comprised of several polytheistic earthly religions, including Wicca, Asatru and Druidism.

Founded during the 1990s, Pagan Pride Project aims to educate the public about the ideologies and practices of various neo-pagan traditions and foster pride within the pagan community. The project’s logo depicts various pagan symbols, including the Celtic cross, yin-yang, Mjollnir, Eye of Horus, triple goddess, ankh, Venus of Willendorf, triskelion, pentagram, stone megalith, enneagram, green man and tree of life, circling the earth.

One such event organized by Pagan Pride Project is Pagan Pride Day that neo-pagans in cities across the world observe every autumn, at the time of the equinox. Adherents of different pagan religions meet for an entire day of public rituals, workshops, entertainment and charity while the general public is invited to interact with members of various neo-pagan denominations and read information brochures provided at the venue. Charitable work on Pagan Pride Day revolves around issues such as environmental conservation, food pantries, animal rescue and domestic violence. 

 

Events related to Pagan Pride Day are usually welcoming of families and underage participants, as they have set rules concerning what can and cannot take place at the venue. Often, such festivals feature local neo-pagan merchants, artisans and performers who take turns at the open mike session to chant, share jokes, spin tales, play music or read poetry.

Photo Credits: The Blaze