beltane
Beltane has long been celebrated with feasts and rituals. [1]
Depending on your particular tradition, there are many different ways you can celebrate Beltane, but the focus is nearly always on fertility. [2]
Beltane may be translated as “fires of Bel” or “brilliant fire” and is name after the god Belenus. [3]
This holiday incorporates traditions from the Gaelic Bealtaine, such as the bonfire,but it bears more relation to the Germanic May Day festival, both in its significance (focusing on fertility) and its rituals (such as May pole dancing). [1]
April’s showers have given way to rich and fertile earth, and as the land greens, there are few celebrations as representative of fertility as Beltane. [2]
Fertility in this sense is extended beyond reproduction and includes fertility of imagination and other similar concepts. [3]
In Brythonic culture, i.e. in Wales, Brittany, and Cornwall, there are festivals similar to it at the same time of year such as the Padstow ‘obby ‘oss. [4]
Ancient Beltane festivals customarily included sexuality, dancing around the maypole, and singing. [3]
In medieval Ireland, the main Bealtaine fire was held on the central hill of Uisneach ‘the navel of Ireland’, one of the ritual centres of the country, which is located in what is now County Westmeath. [4]
Beltane is a season of fertility and fire, and we often find this reflected in the magic of the season. [2]
Many people would rise at the first light of dawn to go outdoors and gather flowers and branches to decorate their homes. [1]
The practice of decorating the May Bush or Dos Bhealtaine with flowers, ribbons, garlands and coloured egg shells has survived to some extent among the Gaelic diaspora, most notably in Newfoundland, and in some Easter traditions observed on the East Coast of the United States. [4]
Beltane translated means “fire of Bel” or “bright fire” - the “bale-fire”. [5]
The name means fire of Bel; Belinos being one name for the Sun God, whose coronation feast we now celebrate. [1]
Domestic animals and people pass between the bonfires to eliminate disease and misfortune. [3]
Sources:
[1] Wiccan, Pagan and Witchcraft Holidays., April 30th, Beltane
[2] All About Beltane - What is Beltane
[3] Diversity Calendar: Beltane (Celtic)
[4] Beltane - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[5] Beltane — Holiday Details and History