Beltane

 

I've never celebrated any of the Major Sabbats that Wiccans celebrate (besides Samhain), but as this month started off with Beltane I wanted to share my knowledge on the ancient holiday.

Beltane, to me, is the fertility and marriage holiday. Just like Ostara and its connection to spring and new life, Beltane represents the peak of spring and the oncoming summer. It represents that moment where potential becomes conception, and fertility is at its highest. 

In ancient Pagan tradition, this was the time where the Maiden and the Green Man fall in love, and wins her hand. The union is consummated and the Maiden becomes pregnant, transforming into the Mother. This night becomes the symbol of the Greenwood Marriage. 

Beltane Traditions

Jumping the Fire

The word Beltane comes from the Celtic God "Bel" and the Gaelic word "teine" (fire). Bonfires are lit to celebrate the Sun. People jumped the fire to purify, cleanse and bring fertility. Couples who jumped the fire together would pledge themselves to each other. Animals would be walked through the smoke as a protection from disease and to bring fertility.

Handfasting

Because Beltane is known as the night of the famous Greenwood marriage, it is also a popular time for Pagan weddings and handfastings. Traditionally, a handfasting would be a betrothal that would last for a year and a day.

Jumping the Broom

When people couldn't afford a church ceremony (or didn't want one) a broom was laid on the floor to mark a threshold and the two would jump the broom together and the community would then accept the couple were married. 

Making Love

Pagans and witches have never been shy of their sexuality or desires - as there is nothing to be ashamed about. Beltane, even if you were not one of the couples who have become handfasted, is a time for sex and celebration. Everyone is free to enact the sacred marriage of the Maiden and the Green Man (there was an accepted tradition of Beltane babies arriving nine months later).

Maypole

One of the traditions that you probably will be familiar with is the Maypole. A phallic pole (often made from birch) was inserted into the earth to represent the potency of the Green Man. The ring of flowers on the top represented the fertile Maiden. The coloured ribbons and the dance as they were woven around the pole symbolised the union of the two.

There are many more things that you can do to celebrate Beltane and I look forward to sharing them with you in the future! I hope you had a wonderful time, whether you participated in a handfasting or simply enjoyed the splendour of your desire.

Blessed Be, 

Diana Greenbird.