Michigan Pagans Celebrate Autumn Equinox, Pride Day

GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ) - Saturday evening will usher in the fall season, while Michigan pagans observe Pagan Pride Day in Grand Rapids.

Organizer, Shell Cimini, says the event will include information booths, vendors and other activities celebrating the Autumn Equinox, a time of thanksgiving in many Pagan traditions

"[It's] a time, pretty much, of giving thanks to the land, to the climate, to all those factors that are bigger than us," Cimini said, "Saying, hey, thanks for the food that we're getting ready to harvest; thank you for preparing us for winter. It's about gratitude right now."

The event takes place Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., at Richmond Hills Park in Grand Rapids.

Cimini tells WWJ that people of all faiths are invited.

"We also give an opportunity for people of non-pagan faith to come into an environment that's safe where they can ask questions." said Cimini, who explained the term Pagan describes a group of religions — some based on ancient beliefs, including polytheism — and a reverence for the divine as both masculine and feminine.

"There's Neopaganism, there's Modern Paganism, there's Wicca ... It comes under a variety of names," she said.

Cimini said they'll be collecting items for Feeding America West Michigan — an area food bank, giving — participants a way to share with those who are less fortunate while making a positive statement about Paganism.

The event is sponsored by local pagan community members, Sanctuary of the Winds, Grand Rapids Pagan Pride and area stores.

Learn more on the event's Facebook page.