It seems that there are two themes running through the celebration of Beltane, one is the end of the Winter season, and the other – the celebration of the fecundity and burgeoning of Spring.
Beltane marks the halfway between the Spring Equinox and Summer Soltice – and the time of turning sheep, cows and other livestock out to pasture. Also known as May Eve and May Day, it is a festival that marks the return of Summer with the lighting of fires, where people could burn their Winter bedding and floor coverings, ready to be replaced afresh – so no more washing!!!
It is also said to celebrate the height of Spring and the flowering of life. The Goddess manifests as the May Queen and Flora. The God emerges as the May King and Jack in the Green. The Maypole Dance represents their unity, with the pole itself being the God and the ribbons encompass it, the colours are the Rainbow spectrum.
Beltane is a festival of flowers, purification, fertility, sensuality, union and delight. WOW!
