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Beltane, also known as Beltaine, Beltain,May Day, Rood Day, Rudemas, and Walpurgisnacht, is the celebration of the marriage of the God and the Goddess. Their union signifies the last of the spring festivals. The festival of fertility, the day has some very interesting associations.
The maypole, the symbol of the day, is also the symbol of fertily. Usually an ash or birch tree decorated in bright colored ribbons and a wreath of flowers and surounded by dancing couples. The ribbons are woven around the pole to show the energy from the sun being drawn down to the earth.
Another symbol of the day, the bonfire, or bel, is used as a way of cleansing. People jump over the fire and leave within it all of the things they wish, whether it be bad habits or a bad relationship. Couples who are having problems with their relationship should jump over it together to leave the problems behind.
Traditional Colors: Dark green, all the colors of the rainbow.
Traditional Herbs: almond, angelica, ash tree, bluebells, cinquefoil, daisy, frankincense, hawthorn, ivy, lilac, marigold, medowsweet, primrose, roses, satyrion root, woodruff, yellow cowslips
Traditional Incense: frankincense, lilac, rose
Traditional Gemstones: emerald, orange carnelian, sapphire, rose quartz
Traditonal Foods: all red fruits (strawberries, cherries, etc.), green herbal salads, red or pink wine punch, large, round oatmeal or barley cakes known as "Beltane Cakes"
