Beltain Lore
Beltain Recipes
Beltain Activities
Ravenna's Beltain Log
Beltain is one of the Sabbats traditionally associated with the Greater Sabbats. It is directly across from Samhain, and in ancient times, along with Samhain, was the only Sabbat celebrated. It is associated with the return of Spring and full blown fertility. The name for Beltane is derived from the Irish Gaelic 'Bealtaine' or the Scottish Gaelic 'Bealtuinn', meaning 'Bel-fire', the fire of the Celtic god of light (Bel, Beli or Belinus). Other names for Beltain include: Cetsamhain ('opposite Samhain'), Walpurgisnacht (in Germany), and Roodmas (the medieval Church's name). This last name came from Church Fathers who were hoping to shift the common people's allegiance from the Maypole (Pagan symbol of life) to the Holy Rood (the Cross). There's also the Floriala (Roman feast of flowers from April 29 to May 1), Thrimilce (Anglo-Saxon), and Bloumaand (Old Dutch).
Beltain means fire of Bel, (Irish), Beli (Welsh), Belanos (Pan-Celtic), Belinos, all of which are names for the Sun God. The God is usually seen as the Horned King at this time, and coming into His mature power, begins His rule over the Light half of the year.
This is the second of the four fire festivals, and the great central bonfire was an integral part of Celtic Sabbats, since it represented the gate to the other worlds. Often complex patterns were formed with the layout of the bonfire, special magical symbols being used to help bind the magic to the land and ensure that the Years harvest would be a good one. This is a time of self-discovery, love, union and developing your potential for personal growth. Traditionally it was also considered the one day when all marital restraints were lifted and they could love who they wished for the night. Through this ritual symbolism, the crops would be fertile for another year. May morning is also considered a magical time for wild water (dew, flowing streams, and springs) which is collected and used to bathe in for beauty, or to drink for health. Its is said that any Maiden that bathes in this water will be fair of complexion for the following year.
Beltane, sometimes called Lady Day or May Day, is
a fertility holiday. Crops are blessed for the coming year, and dancing around
the phallic may-pole is a tradition still carried on today by some people. This
holiday represents the sacred union of the Goddess and God. Fertility bursts
forth from the shell that once contained it and the greenery of the Earth is
fast returning in full-force.
Beltane marks the start of summer, and is a time for feasting, merry-making,
celebration, and joy. It is a time to look outward and forward to the future,
and to prepare for the warm summer months ahead. It is also a time for love,
union and the sacred marriage which honors the fertility of the Earth.
Beltane is a time of self-discovery, love, union and developing your potential for personal growth. It is a time to look outward and forward to the future, and to prepare for the warm summer months ahead.
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