Beltane, the Gaelic May Day Festival

The Gaelic Festival of Beltane 💮     By Lisa

Historically, Beltane was a Gaelic festival which is celebrated annually on May 1st by the ancient people living in Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It occurs on the half-way point between the Spring Equinox and the Summer solstice. It was a time when the ancient people anxiously waited for summer. Moreover, Beltane marks the transition from the cool, rainy spring days to the warm, long, sunny summer days. In the past, Gaelic peoples would decorate houses and farm animals with the beautiful, yellow flowers. Ancient people would visit natural wells, small pools of underground water, to cleanse away the tiredness of the industrious spring days. Additionally, ancient Celts would light large, bright bonfires which drew neighbours to the local church yard. They would rejoice in the fresh, fragrant smell of the spring flowers and the fresh, soft ground. At the gatherings, the Celts would dance to the familiar rhythm of traditional music. Moreover, the neighbours would share a meal made from of tasty, hearty stews made form the first vegetables grown in spring.  This is how the Ancient Celts welcomed the long, bright, warm days of the coming summer at Beltane.

Beltane continues to be celebrated today with in small groups of people through out the UK and Ireland with some similarities and some differences. Similarly, modern Beltane celebrates the changing of the seasons. Many people living in northern countries see the first signs of spring on May 1st: the first green, tender leaves and the first fragrant, small, white flowers as the earth thaws from the long winter. Like past Beltane celebrations, fire is a large part. However, where as ancient Celts lit bonfires and bless valued farm animals, modern celebrants light tall, white candles and bless adorable family pets. Like the old celebrations, modern people have small gatherings at their home where they share tasty, home-cooked meals and listen to familiar traditional songs. Unlike the past, modern day celebrants of Beltane dance around stunning May Poles, poles decorated with bright, colourful ribbons. In addition, although modern people are less connected to nature as our ancestors,  modern celebrants recognize the importance of the changing seasons similar to the ancient people. Overall, Beltane celebrations continue and the gatherings are as rejoiceful, respectful and fancy as the celebration in the past.