Today is May 1st. May Day. Beltane.
In Irish the name for this festival day is Lá Bealtaine (la bel-te-nah) and represents the peak of Spring and the beginning of Summer. Rituals to ensure prosperity, health, fertility, and the well-being of one’s livestock and other assets were performed, as this was a time to tune in to Nature’s tides of strength, growth, and abundance.
Beltane (“Bright Fire”) is a FIRE festival so it was customary to build a huge bonfire and then dance around it; however, if one doesn’t have the luxury to build a bonfire (Safety first!), substitute a red candle in a firesafe bowl. Light the candle and let it burn down completely. Dancing around it is purely optional – but fun!
White and yellow flowers are used traditionally. In 19th century Ireland flowers such as primrose, rowan, hawthorn, gorse, hazel, and marsh marigold were placed at doorways and windows in the form of bouquets and/or garlands.
May Day has a long history and tradition in England, some of which eventually came to America. Children would dance around the maypole, holding onto colorful ribbons. People would ”bring in the May” by gathering wildflowers and green branches, weaving floral hoops and hair garlands, and crowning a May king and queen.
The Maypole
Originally, the maypole was a living tree chosen from the woods with much merrymaking. Ancient Celts danced around the tree, praying for the fertility of their crops and all living things! For younger people, there was the possibility of courtship. If a young woman and man paired by sundown, their courtship continued so that the couple could get to know each other and, possibly, marry 6 weeks later on June’s Midsummer’s Day. This is how the “June wedding” became a tradition.
In the Middle Ages, all villages had maypoles. Towns would compete to see who had the tallest or best maypole. Over time, this Old English festival incorporated dance performances, plays, and literature. People would crown a “May Queen” for the day’s festivities.
Ever heard of the May baskets? People would leave a paper basket or cone containing spring flowers and sweets on each other’s doorsteps, usually anonymously. This tradition was popular through the 19th and 20th centuries, especially with children or sweethearts. The custom was to knock on the door, yell “May basket!” and then run. If the recipient caught the giver, he or she was entitled to a kiss.
In parts of Ireland, people would make a May bush; typically, this was a thorn bush or branch decorated with flowers and ribbons. Create your own May bush or tree! Just decorate with colored ribbons!
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I’ve got May Wine steeping in the fridge filled with fresh, organic strawberries and infused with Sweet Woodruff from the garden – magickally blessed, of course. All I need is a flower wreath for my hair…or maybe I could get Ramses to wear one around his neck…hmm… Anyway, celebrate Lá Bealtaine by spending some time outside (perhaps pick some dandelions for YOUR hair), build a bonfire (or if that’s too impractical light a candle or sparkler), enjoy a glass of wine, and welcome in the month of May!
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House M - 