I'm planning a camping trip. When are the pagan celebrations where you all run around naked?

Answer 1

I'm probably going to get reported because this is not an answer, but I'm so thankful you asked this question. I don't care at all about the nudity - skyclad or fully clothed, it's about the Path you choose, not what you wear while you practice. But I had no idea there were such large Pagan festivals. You, andn the answerers above me, have inspired me to make it a goal to go to one or more of these festivals alone, and to take my children to some as well. Thank you for the questions, and for the answers! Blessed Be!

Answer 2

Conchobor2 is right. Actually, my friends have been trying to get me to go to Starwood for years, and I've stubbornly refused, because of the "playgans." (I love that word, thanks, Conchobor2! BTW have we met?) I go to Brushwood all the time, it's just that one week out of the year I avoid the place like it's a Baptist Revival.

It is true that some Pagans attempt to get past the stuffy and prudish attitudes of their upbringing. For them, ritual nudity (skyclad) is about personal liberation and union with Nature. It has nothing to do with sex or licentiousness. But some Pagans can be just as prudish or stuffy as some Christians. And some just aren't into the skyclad thing.

And then there are the Muggles who just go to Pagan festivals to see naked people, and to chase the cute Pagan girls around the bonfire. And even some young Pagan males find themselves going through this phase in their early 20's, but I grew out of it (eh-hem, did I just confess?)

But a Pagan festival is not a Swinger's Club, and it's not an orgy. There are those who go to party. But there are also rituals, workshops, and venders. You can buy a drum, and shop for that rare book you were looking for. You can meet and hang out with your favorite Pagan author (I've met several). You can make new friends. You can learn something about any and every Neopagan tradition or alternative religion. It can be a very spiritually moving experience. There are the hippie types that just go to party, too. But there are also Pagans who take it seriously and who bring their families to these events.

I have been going to festivals for about ten years. (every one but Starwood ;-) ) I have participated in Sweat Lodges. I have met Druids, Wiccans, Thelemites, Santeros, and Voudoun priestesses. I have met some of the most interesting and well-known figures in the Pagan community; Isaac Bonewits, Janet Farrar, Chris Penczak, Gavin and Yvonne Frost, Skip Ellison, etc. I have danced all night around a bonfire invoking Pan until I felt like I had horns on my head and hooves on my feet. I have grown, and been transformed by my experiences at Pagan festivals. These events are very sacred to me.

A Pagan festival is a beautiful thing. So, maybe you will go just to party, but when you get there you'll discover something deeper and it will move you. Or, maybe not.

Answer 3

I have no idea and I've been Pagan for a very long time.

It's not a requirement. In fact, I'm under the impression that some Pagan religions *never* have any kind of ritual nudity.

Answer 4

Being the time of year it is, won't your private parts freeze?

Probably easier to go to a nudist camp to run around naked.

Answer 5

We tend to call the folks that go JUST to see naked pagans and party "playgans" ;)

Starwood in upstate NY is the one you are looking for.

There are wonderful pagan family events that are NOT 'clothing optional' as well.

Answer 6

why do you need an excuse to get naked; just go camping get naked and have a f'ing good time!!

Answer 7

I've got to think your face-paint might scare some folks off. I may be wrong. No offense.

Answer 8

You know 'skyclad' means the same thing as 'topless beach' - you think it's gonna be all supermodels. It ain't.

Answer 9

sorry...you have to have an invitation for those things...lol

bb