Beltaine.
Beltaine is the time of year we celebrate the passing of the young God into Manhood. The joining of the God and Goddess, their marriage. And the fertility of Mother Earth. It is a time to dance around the May Pole. Maypoles are set up as a symbol of fertility and commitment. Maypoles use to be made of Birch, and had serveral long strands of colores ribbon attached to the top of the pole. People danced around the May Pole each person had a ribbon, as they danced they were weaveing in and out creating a lovely pattern of woven ribbon. People also useto jump over bonfires for good luck and/or to commit to relationships. While jumping wishes could be made as well. They also useto drive their cattle in between the bonfires to bless them. Handfastings are common at Beltaine.
Beltaine is opposite half of the wheel of the year right across from Samhain ( the Witches New Year). Some customs for Beltaine are to walk the circut of your property, repairing fences and boundary markers, archery tournaments, morris dances, sword dances, feasting, music, and cleanseing. Maidens use to bath their faces in the morning dew on Beltaine, to retain their youthful beauty. Another old custom was called greenwood marriage. When young men and women spent the entire night in the forest together and in the morning would greet the May sunrise. They would bring back boughts of flowers and garlands to decorate the village.
"by Kipling" Oh, do not tell the Priest our plight, or he would call it a sin, But we have been out in the woods all night, A-Counjuring Summer in.
FOODS: Dairy Prouducts, Oatmeal Cookies, Fresh Fruits, Veggies and Cakes.
HERBS: Lilly Of The Valley, Hawthorn, HoneySuckle, St. John's Wart, Woodruff, and all Flowers.
INCENSE: Bayberry, Frankincense, Lilac, Rose,
COLORS: Red, Pink, Green, and White.
