Beltane

[triedit]

Beltane is the pagan celebration of the coming of summer. It is traditionally celebrated in May--it has Gaelic and Celtic origins and some celebrate May 11, some May 15, and still others on May 1, 5, or 7.

The Beltane celebration begins with a bonfire. When there was less tolerance for pagan celebrations, the fire aspect was often just done in the hearth of the home--a fire lit in the hearth or a bonfire would symbolize purification.

This is from the yearly Beltane Fire celebrated April 30 every year on Calton Hill in Edinborough. Over 10,000 people come to celebrate


It is the opposite of Samhain (near Halloween). At Samhain we celebrate the dead and invite thier spirits to join us for that night's celebrations. At Beltane, there are ceremonies to protect us from unwanted contact with the dead. In some circles rites are also performed to ward of "evil spirits" but that isn't part of my personal belief system.

In addition to fire (for purification) food is also a big part of the Beltane celebration. Often cake is made and shared, or oatmeal cookies. Committed couples should have sex on/during Beltane to ensure conception. Generally it is a happy celebration of all things that are coming in the next 6 months (ending at Samhain).

Some Beltane celebrations closely mimic the German May Day celebrations. focusing on fertility and marriage. There are often baskets of flowers, a maypole dance. There should be singing and dancing at dawn and at some point you should bless your garden to help it produce abundantly. If you are fortunate enough to have rain for Beltane, collect some of it in a glass jar and use it as holy water. Also dance in it, getting completely wet, thereby becoming more pure.

Mexican "Cinco de Mayo" is also often celebrated with dancing and flowers, but it is a celebration specifically of defeating the French when they invaded Mexico. Generally in modern times, it is a time to celebrate Mexican heritage. Cinco de Mayo celebrations are in no way linked to Beltane.

If you choose to celebrate Beltane here are some ideas to try:
Build two fires and walk between them to be purified
Jump over a candle for good luck
Walk around a fire three times (clockwise) for good luck
Have a picnic
Bring cut flowers into your home (flowers represent the victory of summer over winter)
Wear a brightly colored ribbon in your hair.
If you have several guests over, choose one to be the "May Queen" and give her a circlet of yellow flowers to wear as a crown. Choose also a "May King" and give him something green to wear.

Another tradition is to begin trial unions at Beltane. These are pre-marriage commitments (engagement) that should last a year and a day. At the end of this period the couple should know whether or not it is advisable to enter into a legal union.

Weddings shouldnt be held in May--the month is reserved for the honor and celebration of god and goddess, male and female, etc in general terms and is not to be used for personal celebrations of a union.

When you make your Beltane bread/bannocks/brioche (which should have fruit in it) bake it the night before Beltane and at no point should you allow the bread to touch steel. The Irish believe that steel is deadly to fairies :wink:

Remember: Life is not an exercise but rather a joyful dance, rich in all beauty it can afford.

Good article for further reading:
http://www.schooloftheseasons.com/mayday.html

[Frogger]

Even though I don't share your belief system I founde your post very interesting. Thanks for sharing.