What is Beltane and How to Celebrate?
Beltane is a pagan festival, celebrated on May 1st or the night before, marking the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. This festival honors the fertility and abundance of the Earth, and is a time of joy and celebration.
The origins of Beltane can be traced back to the Celtic festival of Beltane, which was celebrated in ancient Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. The festival was associated with the god Belenus and the goddess Beltane, and marked the beginning of the summer season. Today Beltane is one of the eight sabbats celebrated in the Wiccan ‘Wheel of the Year” festivals.
Beltane is a time to dance, sing, and make merry, and to enjoy the beauty of nature in full bloom. Some common rituals and traditions associated with Beltane include:
Lighting bonfires: Beltane is a fire festival, and bonfires are traditionally lit to honor the sun and purify the land. People would jump over the flames for good luck and protection.
Maypole dancing: A tall pole is erected, often decorated with ribbons and flowers, and people dance around it, weaving the ribbons into intricate patterns.
Flower crowns: People wear flower crowns as a symbol of the abundance of the season.
Feasting: Beltane is a time to gather with loved ones and share food and drink. Traditional foods include dairy, honey, and oats.
Overall, Beltane is a joyous celebration of the abundance and fertility of the Earth, and a time to connect with nature.