It’s nearly Beltane – one of my personal favourite celebrations of the year. Beltane celebrates being halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. It’s traditionally held on start sundown on 30 April through 1 May and it’s both the peak of spring and the beginning of summer. (It’s also the beginning of my birthday month – huzzah!) There are many customs and traditions that have filtered down through time, and others that are being revived as humans increasingly recognise that our connection to nature is vital.
There are some holidays that just resonant more deeply than others and for me that’s Beltane. I find May Day an absolute joy. We are marking the lighter half of the year.
It is a day dedicated to sensuality, passion, vitality and joy. A time to bring ideas and dreams to action. Just as on Samhain or Halloween the veil between the worlds is supposed to be thin. This day is called Walpurgisnacht in many parts of Europe – almost a second Halloween.
“Walpurgis Night was when, according to the belief of millions of people, the devil was abroad—when the graves were opened and the dead came forth and walked. When all evil things of earth and air and water held revel.”
Bram Stoker, “Dracula’s Guest”
“There is a mountain very high and bare…whereon it is given out that witches hold their dance on Walpurgis night.”
Jacob Grimm, 1883
So light a bonfire; cleanse your space; take a deep inhale of rosemary; have flowers everywhere; wear your best flower crow; laugh and sing; frolic outside; have a flirt; make love; eat, drink and be merry.
Just remember, if you hear the bells of the Fairy Queen’s horse, look away so she will pass you by.
If you want to read more background about Beltane and ways to celebrate, read my Beltane 2020 post.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
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Celebrating Imbolc (2021)
Celebrating Beltane 2020
Celebrating the Winter Solstice and Yule
Celebrating Samhain
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