Beltane
S.H. - 31st October
N.H. - 1st May
This Sabbat celebrates life above all else. It is a festival of fertility to bring on the bountiful crops planted at the beginning of Spring.
Beltane marks the emergence of the young God into manhood. The Goddess becomes pregnant of the God.
Beltane, also known as May Day, has long been marked with feasts and rituals. May poles were the focal point of Old English village rituals. Many persons rose at dawn to gather flowers and green branches from the fields and gardens, using them to decorate the May pole, their homes and themselves. The flowers and greenery symbolize the Goddess, the May pole the God.
Beltane marks the return of vitality, of passions and hopes consummated. Pagans at this time used to 'ride' broomsticks by putting them between their legs and running, they would then jump into the air to show the crops how high to grow (hence the myth of Witches flying on broomsticks).
Beltane is the ancient Celtic celebration of the return of life and fertility to the world following the Winter season. The word "Beltane" literally means "bright fire" and refers to the bonfires lit during this season.
Beltane Lore:
Weaving and plaiting are traditional arts at this time of year, for the joining together of two substances to form a third is in the spirit of Beltane.
Foods traditionally come from the dairy, and dishes such as marigold custard and vanilla ice cream are fine. Oatmeal cakes are also appropriate.
