Beltane

This past Saturday was May Day, also known as Beltane. The origins of this day go far back into Celtic history and the celebration of this day is growing in popularity as we are seeing a larger number of people following an Earth based spirituality.

The festivities begin the night before on the Eve of Beltane. It was once very common to see bonfires lit on this night and young men would leap through the flames for good luck in the months ahead. Sometimes two bonfires would be lit and the people would drive their cattle between them to ensure health and fertility for their livestock.

Another popular symbol of this day is the Maypole. This consists of a tall pole decked with ribbons. The dancers each take a ribbon, males and females each holding an alternate color, and the dance begins as the revelers weave in and out until the pole is wrapped from top to bottom in the colorful ribbons. This practice was outlawed at one time by the church. The leaders disapproved of the obvious sexual symbolism of this dance. It was the custom for young couples to sneak off into the woods to enjoy a night of romance. Consequently, many young women would give birth to bouncy babies nine months later. These babies were considered to be blessed by the people who followed these traditions.



Nevertheless, the celebration of Beltane continues to live on in the hearts of those who follow the Old Ways. This is said to be a magical time and the gates of the Otherworld are believed to be wide open, allowing glimpses of the Faerie Realm as well as loved ones who have passed on. In this regard, Beltane Eve is quite similar to Halloween, which sits across on the opposite side in the wheel of the year.

The Mother Goddess, also called the Queen of May, is said to be joined in union with her lover as all of creation awakens for the coming summer. He is usually depicted as a young, athletic man with the horns of a deer. In Celtic mythology he was known as Cernunnos and was Lord of the Animals. He was worshipped by the Druids and many carvings and pottery pieces with his image have been preserved. The early church, in an attempt to convert the Pagan people to Christianity, created the false idea that the horned god was Satan. Up to this point, Satan had never been depicted with horns or a tail. Very much the opposite of the Christian Devil, Cernunnos was known as the All Father and was protector and provider for the people.



Beltane is one of my favorite times of the year. Spring is in full force, the sun is shining, and Nature is in full bloom. I usually seem to have extra energy and am ready to spend more time outdoors after being cooped up inside during the cold winter months.

Another popular custom for the Beltane season is Mummery which is still practiced in some parts of the Celtic World as is portrayed in Loreena McKennitt's song "The Mummer's Dance", a song remembering Beltane and the Old Ways. This wonderful song also mentions the old practice of tying ribbons in the branches of trees, an act that was believed to bring good fortune from the Nature Spirits.



Spring is in full bloom! Go outdoors and enjoy the wonders of Nature!