Beltane marks the peak of Spring and the beginning of Summer. Once upon a time, it was widely celebrated in farming communities under the name May Day.
The term Beltane is derived from the name of the Celtic god ‘Belanus’ and the word for fire, ‘Tene’. In other words the fires of Bel, or possibly Bright fires or lucky fire.
Beltane is a fire festival celebrated to honor the fertility Gods and Goddesses. It celebrates the fertility of the land as well as the growth of food and animals. This Fire Festival also represents the Sacred Marriage of the God and the Goddess and as such has been lightheartedly dubbed Pagan Sex Day.
Traditionally, Beltane is celebrated with a maypole dance, bonfire and mummer’s dance. It’s a time when the community comes together to celebrate the Growing Season.
The Maypole
The maypole is a really tall pole. A wreath decorated with really long ribbons is attached to the pole. Celebrators dance around the maypole, weaving the ribbons around the pole. The pole is most definitely a phalic symbol, the wreath represents the womb. The ribbons connect and intertwine the two. And Voila, Pagan Sex Day!
The Bonfire
Fire has always been representative of energy and passion. It is also a great way to purify things energetically. Herds of grazing animals such as cows and sheep were corralled through two bonfires on their way to pasture. This was how the ancients purified and blessed them for the upcoming seasons.
What is a mummer’s dance?
Traditionally. Mummering was done at Christmas time. It was an informal affair where a group of friends would show up unannounced to a house dressed in disguises and masks. If they were invited in, they would perform impromptu acts, such as one act plays, recite poems, sing, dance, etc. The host would have to guess who they were before offering them refreshments.
It was a silly form of entertainment.
A mummer’s dance is similar in that the participants disguise themselves before dancing around the bonfire.
Beltane is like Samhain because it is considered a magical time. The veil is thinner and the Spirits can interact with us on this realm. It is also a time to honor the fairies.
Beltane at our House
I like to decorate the yard at this time. By the end of April, the weather is cooperative enough that I can bring out the windchimes, whirly-gigs and gazing balls. We also hang bells and ribbons from the low hanging branches. The solar lights illuminate the paths even though the days are getting longer.
My inside altars are decorated with cut flowers from the gardens as well as gemstones and wish paper. The flowers are an offering to our ancestors. The gemstones and wish paper have been charged in ritual. They will sit there until we’re ready to use them.
Our own celebrations include a bonfire to burn our wishes and any yard debris that might be too big to compost. I like to write down all those things that I want to grow in our life in the coming season. I keep handmade wish paper for these types of rituals but any paper works. Sometimes, I encourage the villagers to write their own wishes. Once the bonfire is good and roaring, we take turns adding our wishes and watching the paper turn to ash, encouraging the ancestors to bless our intentions.
Mythology behind Beltane
The Celtic God, Bel or Belenus, is referred to as a Sun God. Belenus is also known as the Shining One. Subsequently, He embodies the personification of the the Sun’s heat and regenerative powers. The Celts didn’t actually worship the sun, however, they did celebrate it and acknowledged its part in the growing season.
Belenus was often depicted riding across the sky in a chariot. He is the God of health, fountains and the pastoral lifestyle. In many ways he was akin to Apollo of the Greek Pantheon.
The Gods aren’t really my thing, I tend to gravitate to the stories of the Goddesses. In this case, I would be honoring Blodeuwedd, Goddess of Spring. She is also known as the May Queen. As such, a Queen deserves her own post so I added one here.
Celebrations & Decorations
Activities: Plant a magical garden, build a bonfire, make flower crowns, hang tiny bells to trees to attract fairies, perform family abundance rituals, hand-fasting and weddings.
Altar Decorations: Flowers, seeds, acorns, phallic symbols, antlers, sticks, maypoles, cauldron, cups, basket, rings or wreaths. Woven ribbons, bells,
Offerings: honey, oats, milk, seasonal flowers
Beltane Prayer ~author unknown
Blessed be this day of Beltane,
Wedding Day of the Goddess and God.
Holy day of sacred Union.
The Fertile Goddess of Summer walks through the land
With the Great horned God of the Forest
And the dark time of winter is behind me.
Journal Questions
The Sabbats are an excellent time for reflection as we travel through the Wheel of the Year, I like to spend a few minutes considering my questions before our Village celebration. It allows me to focus on what I really like to add to the Bonfire.
1) What area of your life needs a boost of fertility to grow and thrive? What will that look like when it’s manifested?
2) Which part of your being is clouded with negativity. What part needs to be purified?
3) Belenus is the Fire God of Summer; fire represents passion and excitement. What part of your life needs a little fire lit under it? What part of your life would benefit from a healthy dose of passion?
Blessings to you and yours this Beltane and I wish you a fruitful and abundant season.
If you’re curious about how we celebrate the other Sabbats you can check them out here:
Imbolc – Change & Transformation
Lughnasadh -TBD
Mabon- Second Harvest Festival
Yule -TBD
