#beltane

[hearthandheathenry]

All About Beltane

Beltane, also known as Bealtaine in Irish, is a Gaelic holiday traditionally held on May 1st or the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. It is believed to be named after the Celtic sun god Belenus. It was widely observed in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle Of Man, and is one of the 4 major Celtic fire festivals. It is mentioned in even the earliest Irish literature and marked the beginning of summer and used as the marker to drive cattle into their summer pastures. Although public celebrations have mostly fallen out after the 20th century and many traditions have been mixed with other cultural holidays (such as the Roman holiday May Day), many Celtic Neopagans and Wiccans still celebrate, and many local traditions still continue, causing it to now get a cultural revival.

Traditionally, rituals were held to protect the livestock that moved pastures, along with crops, dairy products, and people, and to encourage growth. It was also important to appease the Aos Sí, or nature spirits/fairies, which were believed to be more active then.

According to early medieval texts in 908, druids would make two bonfires and drive cattle between them to protect them from disease. In the 18th and 19th centuries, bonfires continued to be an important part of the celebrations. Before the bonfires were lit, all hearth fires were put out, and then relit using the fire from the Beltane bonfires after the celebration.

Continuing into the 19th century, cattle were still driven over or between flames, or sometimes around the fires or made to leap over. The people themselves did as well for good luck and protection. Once the fires died down, people would dab themselves with the ashes and sprinkle them over their crops and livestock. Torches from the bonfires would also be brought home and carried around the home or boundaries, and also used to relight the hearth.

Food was also an important part of the Beltane festival, and usually included a feast of lamb, which, historically, was sacrificed. In 1769, it was written that a hot drink, called a caudle, made of eggs, butter, oatmeal, and milk was served, along with tossing a bit on the ground as an offering. A Beltane Bannock, a type of oatmeal cake, was also written to be important and had a few traditions around it.

In one tradition, the Beltane Bannock had nine knobs on it and each person would take the bannock and face the fire, proceeding to break off the knobs of bannock one at a time and tossing them behind their shoulder as an offering to the spirits for protection over their livestock and from predators (one for the cow, one for the sheep, one for the fox, etc). Afterwards, they would drink the caudle.

According to other 18th century writers, there was another Beltane Bannock tradition where the bannock would be cut into slices and one was marked with charcoal. The slices were then thrown into a bonnet and everyone would take one out while blindfolded. According to one writer, whoever pulled the marked bannock slice had to leap through the fire 3 times. According to another, the person would instead be pretend-thrown into the fire and for some time afterward people would talk about the person as if they were dead. This may have always been symbolic, or it may have been a tradition from a time where actual human sacrifice was used. This tradition was also near identical to May Day traditions that occurred in Wales and other parts of Europe, however.

Other traditions including flowers and plants were also observed, especially ones that evoked fire. Documents from the 19th century cite that yellow and white flowers, such as primrose, rowan, hawthorn, gorse, hazel, and marsh marigold was used and placed at doorways and windows. Sometimes they were strewn into garland, and other times they were made into bouquets, made into crosses, or fastened to them. They were also fastened to cows and milking/butter equipment.

Decorating a May Bush or May Bough was also a widespread tradition, and it usually consisted of a small tree or branch (typically hawthorn, rowan, holly, or sycamore) decorated with bright flowers, ribbons, candles, painted shells or egg shells from Easter, and more. In some traditions they also decorated it with gold and silver May Balls, which were hurling balls, that were then either given out to children or gifted to winners of a hurling match. It was also known as the only acceptable time to cut a thorn tree, as they were associated with fairies and may have also been a relic of worshipping tree spirits. It would either be decorated where it grew, or branches hung over windows, doors, roofs, and barns either inside or outside. Traditionally, it was the responsibility of the eldest of the house to decorate it.

The tree was usually left up until May 31st, but in some traditions it would be burned in the festival bonfire after singing and dancing around it. In Dublin and Belfast, May Bushes were brought into town and decorated by the whole neighborhood, with each neighborhood competing for the most beautiful bush. These competitions could also lead to neighborhoods attempting to steal others May Bushes, which eventually led to the May Bush being outlawed in Victorian times.

Appeasing the fairies was also a big part in Beltane celebrations, with many traditions revolving around offerings to the fairies and also warding them off, as there were many fears around them stealing dairy. One protection tradition was to leave 3 black coals under the butter churn. Another was to hang May Boughs on the milk pails. And yet another was to hang cattle tails in the barns. Flowers were also used to decorate the cattle's horns for good luck.

Farmers would also lead a procession around the boundaries of the farm and would "carry with them seeds of grain, implements of husbandry, the first well water, and the herb vervain (or rowan)", stopping at the four cardinal points of direction starting at the east, and performing rituals towards each direction at each stop. These processions were said to bring protection of their farm produce and encourage fertility. Some people also made the sign of the cross using milk on the backside of cattle for good luck.

As for fairy offerings, one tradition was to pour milk or leave food at places associated with the fairies such as "fairy trees". In Ireland, cattle were brought to "fairy forts" where a small amount of their blood was poured into the earth with prayers of the herd's safety. Sometimes, the blood would be left to dry and then be burnt.

Visiting holy wells was also a popular way to celebrate Beltane. Visitors would walk sunwise, moving from east to west, around the well while praying for health. They would then leave offerings of coins or cloth. The first water drawn from the well on Beltane was thought to be especially potent, and would bring good luck to the person who drew it.

Morning dew on Beltane was also thought to bring goodluck and health, and maidens would wash their face with it or roll in it at dawn or before sunrise on Beltane. It was also collected in a jar, left in sunlight, and then filtered. The dew was said to increase sexual attractiveness, maintain youthfulness, protect from sun damage, and ensure skin health during the ensuing year.

Modern day celebrations may vary from these more traditional festival activities, but many choose to incorporate or take inspiration from the traditions at least. Popular traditions still revolve around bonfires, feasts, decorating a May Bush, and focusing on protection and growth.

Beltane Associations

Colors - yellow, white, red, green

Food - lamb, milk and dairy, beef, bannocks, caudle, cakes

Animals - cattle, sheep, other herd animals

Items - primrose, rowan, hawthorn, gorse, hazel, marsh marigold, holly, sycamore, yellow and white flowers, flower garland, greenery, morning dew, dairy products

Crystals - citrine, fire agate, fire opal, carnelian, red and yellow jasper

Other - protection, fertility, good luck, fire, smoke, ash, sun, bonfires, farming

Ways To Celebrate

light a bonfire

jump over or dance around a bonfire

decorate a May Bush or May Bough

craft and hang flower garland

bake Beltane Bannocks

collect morning dew

create some caudle

ward and protect your home or property

leave offerings for the fairies

focus on protection, growth, and luck magic

enjoy time in the sun

have a feast

create a bouquet out of yellow and white flowers

visit a farm or petting zoo

#beltane #beltaine #bealtaine #celtic #gaelic #irish #scottish #pagan #witch #witchy #wicca #may day #magick #magic #magickal #grimoire #tradition #celebrate #bonfire #fire festival #witchcraft #spiritual #witchblr #witch community #paganism #pagan witch #celtic paganism #paganblr #about #dairy

[tragicc]

Source

#wheel of the year #etsy #print #yule #imbolc #ostara #beltane #midsommar #midsummer #lammas #mabon #samhain #pagan witch #pagan #paganism #paganblr #witch

[emmbrr]

happy beltane & may day! 🌿

#my art #artists on tumblr #illustration #art #beltane #bealtaine #folk art #procreate #cottagecore #maypole #may day #quilt borders #goat

[theroundbartable]

Arthur is send to the druids to spy on their leader.

Arthur: But father! You said the druids are "free spirits". What if they demand "favors"?

Uther: you will do whatever is necessary for Camelots safety

Arthur: *bows awkwardly* yes, father.

Later

Merlin: so... You want to become a druid

Arthur: yes

Merlin: ... Okay. :) want some food? You're coming right in time for Beltane. Do you want to partake?

Arthur: I... I have a choice?

Merlin: who in their right mind would come here if they thought they didn't? No no. You can spend the time in your tent If you prefer.

Arthur: *looking at Merlin* or yours?

Merlin: *scanning arthur Back* or mine

Later

Arthur, in his mind: yes, I am doing all of this for Camelot. I am learning all their ways and become part of the tribe. I am doing my best performances in every daily task! I will become the perfect bride to their leader....

Uther, upon meeting Arthur: and what have you learned about their plans against camelot?

Arthur, flower crown in hair: their what

#bbc merlin #merlin #merthur #merlin bbc #arthur #concept #beltane

[whimsigothwitch]

Beltane (May 1st) is almost here, we celebrate spring being at its peak and everything around us being in bloom. The sun is shining bright again, and the days are now longer.

Beltane correspondences: Symbols | bonfire, lots of candles, sun, flowers and flower crowns, maypoles, colored ribbons Colors | yellow, white, green, pink, reds Spells | fertility, love, cleansing, spellss for creativity and beauty Crystals | rose quartz, carnelian, jasper Herbs and flowers | tulips, violets, mint, rosemary Foods to make | salad, cake or pie, dishes with honey, breads, nuts How to celebrate | Light a bonfire, go out in nature, make love, dancing, make a maypole

#bealtaine #beltane #mayday #witchy #witchy things #witchyvibes #witches #witch #whimsigoth #whimsigothic #witchythings #moon #whimsical #witchcraft #witch aesthetic #witch community #witchcraft community #witches of tumblr #magick #pagan #spring #wheel of the year #maypole

[thewitchystuff]

Hello witches!

I bring you the 2023 calendar for the remaining months  ☆ﾟ. * ･ ｡ﾟ

How are you holding up mid-mercury retrograde?

This year I just added the Planet Oppositions because there are a few of them in the later months of the year and I wanted to research them.

This is a Northern Hemisphere calendar and specific dates may vary due to different time zones, so always do your research for your specific region.

And if you find any mistakes or anything do add it if you reblog, so I can keep it in mind for future calendars!

See you in the full moon!!

#witches calendar #moon #witch #witchcraft #wheel of the year #pagan #new moon #full moon #zodiac signs #sun #witchystuff #beltane #samhain #calendar 2023 #2020 #planets #potion #spell

[nonalimmen]

© Nona Limmen {via Instagram}

#Nona Limmen #Beltane

[moongazinghare1111]

Artist:

Lavestalu

“Walpurgis Night”

✨🌜🔥🌛✨

#art #witchblr #witchcraft #walpurgisnacht #Walpurgis #walpurgis night #illustration #beltane

[geopsych]

Flowers from the garden on a rainy day.

#flowers #garden #april #beltane #springtime

[ex0skeletal-undead]

Beltane, Walpurgis Night (Walpurgisnacht), and May Day illustrations by Iren Horrors

This artist on Instagram

#art #illustration #digital art #dark art #pagan #witch #beltane #walpurgisnacht #may day #fantasy #mythology #folklore #demon #wings #horns

[snootyfoxfashion]

Wheel of the Year Art Prints by ofcraftsandcurios

Mabon // Lughnasadh // Litha // Beltane // Ostara // Imbolc

#art #art print #wheel of the year #pagan #pagan holidays #mabon #lughnasadh #litha #beltane #ostara #imbolc #samhain #yule #witchy #witchcraft #witchy art #drawing #illustration

[nixieofthenorth]

Sabbats Masterpost

The History of Samhain

Samhain Facts

Samhain Correspondences

Samhain Crystals

Samhain Colors

Samhain Plants

Samhain Incense & Oils

Samhain Animals

Samhain Foods

Samhain Ritual & Magick

Samhain Deities

Samhain Altar Ideas

Samhain Activities

Last Minute Samhain Ideas

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The History of Mabon

Mabon Facts

Mabon Correspondences

Mabon Crystals

Mabon Colors

Mabon Plants

Mabon Oils & Incense

Mabon Animals

Mabon Foods

Mabon Ritual & Magick

Mabon Deities

Mabon Altar

Mabon Activities

Last Minute Mabon Ideas

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Lughnasadh/Lammas History

Lughnasadh/Lammas Facts

Lughnasadh/Lammas Correspondences

Lughnasadh/Lammas Crystals

Lughnasadh/Lammas Colors

Lughnasadh/Lammas Plants

Lughnasadh/Lammas Incense & Oils

Lughnasadh/Lammas Animals

Lughnasadh/Lammas Food

Lughnasadh/Lammas Ritual & Magick

Lughnasadh & Lammas Deities

Lughnasadh & Lammas Altar Ideas

Lughnasadh & Lammas Activities

Last minute Lammas Ideas

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Litha History

Litha Facts

Litha Correspondences

Litha Crystals

Litha Incense & Oils

Litha Colors

Litha Plants

Litha Animals

Litha Foods

Litha Deities

Litha Altar Ideas

Litha Ritual & Magick

Litha Activities

Last Minute Litha Ideas

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The History of Beltane

Beltane Facts

Beltane Correspondences

Beltane Incense & Oils

Beltane Colors

Beltane Crystals

Beltane Plants

Beltane Animals

Beltane Altar

Beltane Food

Beltane Deities

Beltane Ritual & Magick

Beltane Activities

Last Minute Beltane Ideas

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Ostara History

Ostara Facts

Ostara Correspondences

Ostara Colors

Ostara Crystals

Ostara Incense & Oils

Ostara Plants

Ostara Animals

Ostara Food

Ostara Altar Ideas

Ostara Ritual & Magick

Ostara Deities

Ostara Activities

Last Minute Ostara Ideas

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The History of Imbolc

Imbolc Facts

Imbolc Correspondenses

Imbolc Colors

Imbolc Crystals

Imbolc Incense & Oils

Imbolc Plants

Imbolc Animals

Imbolc Food

Imbolc Altar

Imbolc Ritual & Magick

Imbolc Deities

Imbolc Activities

Last Minute Imbolc Ideas

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The History of Yule

Yule Facts

Yule Correspondences

Yule Crystals

Yule Colors

Yule Plants

Yule Incense & Oils

Yule Animals

Yule Foods

Yule Ritual & Magick

Yule Deities

Yule Altar

Yule Activities

Last Minute Yule Ideas

#sabbat #esbat #samhain #mabon #lammas #lughnasadh #wicca #witch #pagan #heathen #shaman #beginner witch #litha #beltane #yuichiro matsumoto #ostara #imbolc

[elvthron]

✨🌱🌸 Blessed Beltane 🌸🌱✨

#witch #witchcraft #pagan #nature #witchy #magic #traditional witchcraft #magick #wicca #witchblr #witchy woman #witches of tumblr #wiccan #Beltane #walpurgisnacht #walpurgis night #sabba #sabbath

[broomsick]

Witchcraft websites: “Ostara is a great time to plant seeds and prepare the garden!”

My home at this time of year:

#happy spring equinox! #personal #pagan holidays #holidays #spring #spirituality #heathenry #witchcraft #paganism #polytheism #pagan #pagan festivals #ostara #beltane

[spiritusloci]

The Pagan Series 17

#the pagan series #midjourney 5 #beltane

[iridescent-witch-life]

@paperwitchco

#litha #ostara #beltane #yule #imbolc #manbon #lammas #lughnassadh #autumn equinox #spring eqinox #summer solstice #winter solstice #sabbat #wiccan sabbat #witches sabbat #wheel of the year #cakes and ale #witchblr #witches of tumblr #witchcraft #wicca #pagan #witchy #witchy things #baby witch #kitchen witch #kitchen witchcraft #hearth witch #hearth witchcraft