Beltane, also known as May Day, is one of the 8 Pagan Sabbats of the Wheel of the Year that falls about halfway through the spring and summer solstice. For the northern hemisphere, this is typically celebrated on May 1st, or the night before, while the southern hemisphere will celebrate Beltane on November 1st so it better lines up with their seasons accordingly.
Historically, Beltane is one of four Gaelic seasonal celebrations throughout the year and the word itself derives from a Gaelic word meaning “bright fire”. Fire is a very important symbol of Beltane as many customs and traditions involve special kinds of bonfires that were said to harness protective powers. People (and their livestock!) would dance and jump through the fires for protection, purification, and fertility. Couples would often jump through fires together as a pledge of devotion to each other, while some take the opportunity to conduct their weddings or handfastings.
Symbolically, a May Queen and May King are also sometimes crowned as the front face of all the celebrations. The May Queen represents the goddess of spring, the flower bride and some even know her as the lady of the flowers. She embodies nature and is a symbol of rebirth and purity, often bringing blessings of fertility in the soil, crops, animals, and people alike. Because this sabbat is during the peak of spring, fertility is commonly the most important theme during most celebrations. A Maypole is the most familiar image of Beltane and is one of the most popular traditions that embody fertility. The structure itself has a few different elements to it, the ribbons, the flowers, the pole, and the people who dance around. Many people debate on the exact interpretations of each element, most agree that the flowers and ribbons represent the womb, fertility and the may queen, while the pole represents the penis and the May King.
Some traditions for Beltane include crafting one of these maypoles at home with your family, starting a bonfire, decorating your altar, making a flower crown with flowers relating to the sun and spring, and it is even said to eat a bowl of oats on Beltane will bring good luck for your season ahead.
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