Pagans: Is there any pagan celebration for which you run around in the nude?

Question

If so, do you allow guests?

Answer 1

Ya know, I keep hearing about these mass orgies, and, frankly, I feel left out. Maybe someone at Pagan High Command got my address wrong or something, but I never seem to be invited to the good parties. ;)

There are a few groups that do skyclad (nude) rituals, though normally those tend to be private, invite-only situations. A few festivals are "nudity-friendly", but those are somewhat rare.

The biggest issue I can see with running around nude is that, well, clothes are there for protection as well as modesty - so if you are going to run around nude where I live, your nether regions are going to end up alternately frozen, sunburned, or mosquito-bit. I think I'll stick to keeping clothing on.

Answer 2

I'm not Pagan, but I've been to some Pagan celebrations. Those that were at private and remote campgrounds always had one or two participants who felt comfortable enough with themselves to walk around during the day in the nude, but they generally wore clothes at actual events. Several people danced nude around the bonfire at the drum circle each evening. It wasn't a sexual thing at all; in fact, it was exactly the opposite. It seemed to be the kind of thing one would do in a more innocent time.

Answer 3

Um, not all Pagan traditions sanction running around nude.

In fact - for Traditional Witches it is seen as an insult to appear before the gods naked. One is to have some type of adornment on their body.

Wiccans, depending on what tradition they belong to, will have rituals where they are skyclad. But whether this is traditional to Paganism or not is a controversy in itself. Gardner was a naturalist - meaning he belonged to a nudist colony. There have been no real historical documents supporting this.

There are a lot of accounts by outside groups talking about how Pagans engaged in mass sexual orgies, ran around naked, etc. But historical evidence to back up these claims is scant at best.

More then likely there could have been closed rituals that involved some type of nudity - but we will never know.

A lot of times - if there is a ritual being held that is skyclad, then only those of like minds are allowed to attend. You either have to be part of the group or invited to come. It has to do with privacy, safty and respect.

So no, you just can't show up and hope to be able to join.

Answer 4

Depends on the individual or group, but May Day and Midsummer rites (where observed) traditionally involved nudity. Because of indecency laws, this isn't a practical option any more for most people.

Bear in mind that it is considered extremely rude to watch; you're expected to participate in good faith, or go away.

Answer 5

Beltane, on or around the first of May. Not for all. It is a night to get naked and dance by the bonfire and leap through the flames to purify oneself for the coming season of growth.

Answer 6

No. There are skyclad groups that feel energy is restrained by clothing but generally, No there are not any holidays that require nudity.

Answer 7

yeah i just answered a similar question look up burning man festival or even beter search the answer catagory for the guy who asked about burning man fest i gave him a long descriptive answer keep it danglin dude

Answer 8

Not being a Pagan I don't really know but I heard they have one with a human sacrifice - you volunteering?

Answer 9

Only a guy would ask this question.

Answer 10

yea, thats something i do everyday, its called "welcoming the day" i do it first thing when i get out of bed.