#Beltane celebrations

[kaspurrcat]

Chapter Four of Moon Breaks Knight is up! Here is some artwork I did of Eddie and Gareth celebrating Beltane.

This piece is part of @alchemist's fic for @steddiebang

[maryhale1]

Happy Beltane Witches 😍

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Beltane is a Gaelic festival traditionally celebrated on May 1st.

It marks the beginning of summer and is associated with fertility, fire, and new beginnings.

It's a time to celebrate growth, abundance, and the coming together of communities.

Rituals often include lighting bonfires, dancing around maypoles, and feasting.

It's also considered a time for rituals to encourage fertility in crops, livestock, and people.

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[archerinventive]

Happy Beltane!

A huge thank you to our friends Anthony and Ila for having us out for their annual Beltane celebration this past weekend.

Getting to meet so many wonderful people and sharing in the magic was truly an unforgettable experience I feel so blessed to have been a part of.

I hope to all of you who celebrate that your gatherings were just as enchanting, and the new season greats you with much warmth. :)

Best!

With: Brittany Lowe, Cait Stewart, Ash Steele, Rae, and more. ^^

[paintpaintpaintman]

I'm feeling a little bit under the weather these days so

I wanted to make something that I didn't spend HOURS on. Just about one hour for this one. Something melancholy because I'm sad and so I'm using narilamb as a coping mechanism (ø×ø)

[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

[miss-what-a-d0ll]

𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙮𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩!

-ˋˏ ༻𓆰♕𓆪༺ ˎˊ-

[iridescent-witch-life]

Peaflowertea

[thesorceresstemple]

Mists of Avalon

[broomsick]

The steps to my May Day celebrations!

Cleansing shower! Since I’m a big fan of body care products, this year I’ve bought all natural flower-scented soap and cream for the occasion. Although I don’t always have the time to perform such a cleansing ritual before every festival, it’s a tradition I’ve come up with for myself and which I enjoy very much. Feeling refreshed before blót or other such rituals helps me to get into a positive mindset.

Go out! Even just go take a walk around the block if that’s all the time I’ve got. Spending time in the forest is ideal, and I think May Day is such a wonderful time to observe the snow melting and other such changes.

Open the windows and light candles and incense. It’s a cleansing of the house that I enjoy performing around the spring equinox. If I have the time, I generally choose this moment to do some cleaning: out with the old and the useless stuff that’s been lying around for way too long!

Flowers are my favorite spring time decoration by far, and they’re absolutely indispensable when it comes to celebrating May Day in my home. I generally take a walk to my local flower shop and buy a bouquet! It’ll serve to decorate the table for the night’s dinner.

I usually take the time to bake a little something, as a devotional act to Lord Freyr. As I’ve mentioned in this previous post, I also love to cook using boar meat in His honor. This type of meat isn’t always easy to find however, but any local game meat does the trick as well.

The movie fanatic that I am has become a little obsessed with the film The Wicker Man (1973), and I’ve turned it into my classic May Day movie. I generally rewatch it at this time of year, although it’s nothing spiritual at all. However, if you’re interested in watching it, make sure to look up all the warnings related to it beforehand. It is considered a horror movie after all!

My blót for May Day usually happens around sunset, around a bonfire. I generally perform it in honor of the Vanir and/or the landvættir, depending on the year. I make the offerings out in the garden, to ask for a plentiful summer!

Afterwards is the feast, a dinner that I (try to!) prepare from scratch. One plate is left out on the windowsill for the hidden folk.

[iwanttobepersephone]

I really wanna draw Halt wearing a ton of jewelry rn idk why

But I gotta go outside and do thingsss

[ninety-two-bees]

remembering that it’s may 1st which means i have to witness a bunch of non-celts refer to bealtaine as “beltane”

[raffaellopalandri]

Let's celebrate Beltane!

Today, May 1st, is Beltane. Beltane roughly means ‘bright fire’ and it represents the start of Gaelic summer in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. It represents one of the most important Celtic rituals, celebrated around a bonfire. Beltane is one of four Gaelic festivals: Samhain (1 November), Imbolc (1 February), Beltane (1 May), and Lughnasadh (1 August). Fire, with its cleansing,…

[sappy-witch]

🔥🌜 Celebrating Walpurgis Night 🌛🔥

Hello darlings 🥰

As the long, dark winter months come to an end, we welcome the coming of spring and the promise of renewal. One of the most magical nights of the year is Walpurgis Night, a celebration that occurs on the night of April 30th.

Walpurgis Night, also known as Hexennacht or May Eve, is a pagan festival that dates back to ancient times. It was originally a night to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of the planting season. Today, it is a time to embrace the return of light and warmth, and to honor the spirits of nature 🌷✨

To celebrate Walpurgis Night, you can light bonfires, dance around Maypoles, and create beautiful floral wreaths to wear in your hair. It's a night to let go of the old and welcome the new, and to connect with the earth and its cycles.

Some popular ways to celebrate Walpurgis Night include:

🔥 Lighting bonfires or candles to honor the return of the sun.

🌸 Creating floral wreaths and garlands to wear or hang in your home. 

🕯️ Holding a ritual to honor the spirits of nature and ask for their blessings. 

💃 Dancing around a Maypole to celebrate the fertility of the earth.

🌿 Planting seeds or starting a garden to welcome the spring.

Remember, the energy of Walpurgis Night is all about renewal, growth, and new beginnings. Embrace the energy of the season and allow yourself to let go of the old and welcome the new.

If you're celebrating Walpurgis Night this year, be sure to share with the Sappy Witch Coven by submitting your post to connect with other witches and pagans around the world 🥰

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With love, from a Sappy Witch 🔮💕

Blessed be. 🕊️✨

[stars-on-the-water]

For all of those celebrating this May 1st!

[wicked-witch-dude]

Blessed Samhain to all my amazing witches. 🍄🕷🦇💀🧙🏻‍♂️🎃

And a blessed Beltane to my witches in the southern hemisphere.

[madamesmoke]

Recently, an American expat who works in the same company as me joined us for lunch in the break room.

My friend and I were talking about our plans for Beltane (which was three days ago) and the upcoming Walpurgis Night (dunno if you call it differently in English)

Our American colleague did as Americans often do over here, and inserted herself into our conversation.

Which is a big No No, by the way.

She said, and I quote, : "You can't celebrate the holidays of the people you stole this country from. That's cultural appropriation "

...

My friend is Norwegian and I'm so german it's concerning...

My whole family comes from the same region I've been born in, with a tiny Irish and Scandinavian offshoot and a slightly bigger Slavic one...

We've been here for millenia, I'm unsure who we apparently stole our home from.

What do y'all learn in the US, I'm concerned

Outside of the whole new age stuff, the holidays of the wandering moon and the changing Sun have been celebrated all over Europe in one fashion or another. Under many gods and many faces, but the same idea and often the same traditions.