The Celtic Festival of Bealtaine, also spelt as Beltane, Beltain, Beltainne and Beltaine is a Cross Quarter Day.
This means, that it is half way between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice.
Of course, as nothing is static in the Universe, the actual astronomical date is a number of days later.
This year, 2013, the date when the cross-quarter day falls is May 5th.
In Irish mythology, the beginning of the summer season started with the Fire Festival at Bealtaine.
Great bonfires were held which would herald in the season in the hope of a good harvest later in the year.
The bonfires would be accompanied with rituals of cleansing and protection.
A small branch of the Rowan tree was hung over the door to protect from fire and ill health.
I made a short video this morning to share the sights and sounds of this special day, the first day of Summer, with you…
Here in Wisconsin, USA, the leaves on bushes are just coming out. The trees are some what behind at least in my area. Spring flowers are up and I working in the beds. Garlic, put in last fall, is up. We have already eaten two meals with Dandelion added to the mix. Spring is here. Love this post.
Lovely…Yippee for Spring! I’m just in from the garden and the energy out there is fantastic!
Happy Beltane! …I’m off to see the video now 🙂 May your day be full of brightest blessings
And you…Happy Bealtaine!
Have a good Beltaine, all at Beltaine. Hope the chooks are settling in OK.
And back at you, Matt! The hens are lovely and very passive!
Happy Bealtaine to you too Colette….love the images and beautiful birdsong ‘soundtrack’!
Blessings from Bealtaine Cottage
Colette X