The Fires of Beltane
Last week, I wrote about some of the traditions of Beltane, as it culminated the mating season and celebration of fertility in the Celtic cycles of life and the seasons. Today, I want to emphasize its celebration of the element of Fire. After all, it is the Sun that makes all life possible.
I like nothing more during the cool nights of late spring, early summer than a bonfire. On a night of the Full Moon like tonight, it is especially magical. There is something about a circle of friends sitting around a fire, watching the flames dance and listening to the music of wood crackling that is both cozy and other-worldly. The flames seem to hold and allow access to ancient memories, leading me into reverie.
Beltane festival on Uisneach Hill in Ireland
No wonder then that I love Beltane. All the Celtic festivals involve Fire, but Beltane is the one stands out. This picture is from a Beltane festival on Uisneach Hill in Ireland a few years ago. The event had been on my bucket list so friends indulged me as we planned our trip around it.
I had never seen a bonfire built so elaborately. The huge mound of were for wooden doors, one in each direction, each with a beautifully painted animal representing that direction. While the fire was awesome, as soon as the painted creatures caught flame, there was a gasp from the crowd and a tear came to my eye- a tear not of sadness but of appreciation, appreciation for the seasons of our lives.
With over 15,000 people in attendance, it was hard to know whether to try to get close to the bonfire or wait along the roped off avenue that had been created for the parade coming up the hill. I wasn’t sure which legendary figures the lord and lady on horseback were meant to be, nor did I recognize many of the other costumes. Next time, I told myself, I would learn more in advance of the event. My friends and I were certainly talking about next time. What I loved most was that there was no intellectualizing about what was pagan, or Christian, or Druid or Viking-it was a celebration of roots, roots that hold meaning for my life.
Have a look at the pictures:
Blessed Beltane and Happy summer bonfires.