in ancient times Beltane celebrations not only
affected fertility of the animals and crops,
but of people as well. Many women who went "A-Maying"
in the woods on Beltane Night delivered a child nine months
later! Since this time of year also represents
the Sacred Marriage of Goddess and God, such
children were considered especially lucky and blessed.

Bonfires were, and still are, lit on Beltane.
Herds of animals were driven between them for
purification and blessing; couples "jumped the
fire" to announce betrothal, and ashes were spread
over the fields to encourage a hearty crop come Harvest.
Another tradition that is still observed
in many places today is the Maypole Dance.
The pole itself was a phallic symbol, and the
interlacing of ribbons to create a unique weaving
were symbols of fertility. The choosing of a May
Queen and King, crowned with flowers, also
mimicked the Sacred Marriage.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pictures from the APA's First Annual May Day Celebration, in 2000.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Herbs of Beltane

Herbs of fertility, protection, and purification are
used at Beltane, as well as fresh flowers and
budding branches: Cypress, Myrrh, Violet, Daffodil,
Hazel, Pine, Rosemary, Rue, Patchouli are a few
of these.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Herbal Ideas to Celebrate Beltane

Decorate your altar, shrine, or home with
fresh flowers, pussy willow branches, wreaths of
flowers & ribbons, candles in "spring" colors
such as pink, yellow, and lavender.

Create a ribbon weaving: get a dried grapevine
wreath, at least 3(or multiples of 3) multicolored
ribbons, and several beads large enough to slide onto
the ribbons. Attach ribbons to bottom of wreath,
weave or braid them, adding beads as desired so
that woven ribbons & beads trail down from
wreath. this is a great ritual activity for adults
and/or children. Hang on your door, wall, above
your altar/shrine (or bedpost!) until next year.

Make streamers for the four corners of your garden,
using ribbons in elemental colors; add bits of
glass, beads, or tin for an effective scarecrow!

Try dyeing your own ribbons/yarn; use it to
make wreaths, streamers, small mats for your altar,
charm bags.........etc.! Some herbs to use:
Walnut Hulls, Clove, Mullein(browns, grays, blacks,
silvery-grays); Carrot, Mustard, Turmeric, Marigold(oranges
to yellows); Grape, Blueberry(pale blues to purples);
Pomegranate, Raspberry(pinks to pale reds); Basil,
Pine Needles, Sage, Hyssop, Basil(greens); and
Yarrow(yellow). Color intensity varies according
to the concentration and length of soaking time;
I use Alum as a fixative to help keep dyes from fading.>
in a non-aluminum pot with a few pinches of Alum.
Simmer until the color is 4+ shades darker than
you desire(keep adding herbal material if needed);
cool slightly and strain, squeezing as much
dye as possible from herbs. Add neutral colored
ribbons or yarn; cover and soak at least 24 hours, or
until most color is gone from water. Rinse, then
air dry for several days. Well worth the effort,
if you want more natural colors!

Use the herbs of Beltane in your meal!
Some ideas------Cucumber salad with Mustard seeds;
Carrot Cake; Fruit salad(include grapes, banana,
apples, oranges, and mint); Raspberries
or Strawberries with cream; Violets candied as an
edible garnish(organically grown, of course!).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


We hope these ideas help make
your Beltane happy, creative, and fruitful!

---

Back to APA Main Page | Contact the APA | Calendar | PaganKids Page