Beltane, meaning “bright one”, is the celebration of sexuality and creativity. It takes place on May 1st and marks the halfway point of the year. The Celts believed that on that day, the barrier between the supernatural realm ceased to exist. The two worlds would merge both on Samhain (new year's eve) and on Beltane. Witches and fairies roamed the land freely and spirits were thought to be looking for reincarnation and sexual intercourse. Farmers lit fires and walked their cattle among them to ensure protection and abundance from the Gods. People would extinguish the fires they had burning home and relit them with flames from the Beltane bonfires. People made flower crowns and decorated doorways, windows and cattles with flowers. As with all Sabbath, there was a feast with music and dancing. One of their fertility traditions was to decorate Maypoles, a long phallic pole, with ribbons and flowers. Women and girls would hold a ribbon and dance around the pole in a special way to weave the ribbons. A lot of people would have sex on Beltane, especially in the woods to connect with nature. Children who were conceived on that date were born on Imbolc. They were thought to be connected to the Goddess as well as the fairy realm. Marriage wasn't mandatory to have children, and handfasting was a common practice. Handfasting is one of the oldest wedding customs where they “bind” the couple's hand together during a ceremony, to signify their union. It was valid for a year and a day and afterwards the couple could decide if they continued the relationship or went their separate ways. Unfortunately, this practice is no longer legally binding but it is still done in some countries as part of traditions. Beltane is obviously not celebrated the same way nowadays but you can still find ways to celebrate nature, sexuality and creativity.
How to celebrate:
- Go for a walk outside or in the woods if possible.
- Have safe and consensual sex or masturbate.
- Paint, draw or decorate something, perfect time for a little DIY project.
- Have a nice BBQ dinner with friends and family.
- Sing in the shower.
- Dance to your favorite songs.
- Write little love notes to the people in your life that are dear to you.
- Light some wisdom and go around your house/apartment to clean the energies and set your intentions for this season of growth.
- Wear that bold outfit you've been eyeing in your closet.
- Play around with your makeup and try new looks.
Let your creativity run wild and your inner light shine!
-Tan
Source :
https://www.mabonhouse.co/beltane
https://www.learnreligions.com/the-history-of-beltane-and-may-day-2561657