May 1st 2012

Happy Beltane
Its the first of May, It marked the beginning of the summer season, when the herds of livestock were driven out to the summer pastures and mountain grazing lands.

It is a cross-quarter day, marking the midpoint in the Sun's progress between the spring equinox and summer solstice. It is one of eight solar Sabbats. This holiday incorporates traditions from the Gaelic Bealtaine, such as the bonfire, but it bears more relation to the Germanic May Day festival, both in its significance (focusing on fertility) and its rituals (such as May pole dancing). 

Beltane has long been celebrated with feasts and rituals. The name means fire of Bel; Belinos being one name for the Sun God, whose coronation feast we now celebrate. As summer begins, weather becomes warmer, and the plant world blossoms, an exuberant mood prevails. The May pole was a focal point of the old English village rituals. 

Many people would rise at the first light of dawn to go outdoors and gather flowers and branches to decorate their homes. Women traditionally would braid flowers into their hair. Men and women alike would decorate their bodies. Beltane marks the return of vitality, of passion. So in Honor of this holiday I wove my hair and put flowers in it.

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