Sabbats ... The belief that witches convened in sabbats, assemblies characterised by obscene behaviour is a product of the Christian witch-hunts. It appears to have emerged in Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries. The origins of the sabbat seem to be a blend of seasonal pagan rites still in existence - most notably the great Drudic festivals of Beltane and Samhain - and the well established idea that heretics held obscene rites. The sabbat also may be related to the Bacchanalian and Saturnalian rites of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The term sabbat is Old French and is derived in part from the Hebrew Shabbath, "To rest", pertaining to the seventh day of the week designated by the Ten Commandments as the day of rest and worship.
