Beltane is celebrated on May 1st. In ancient  pagan traditions people believed that Beltane marked the return of spring, vitality and passion. In fact it was a wedding feast for the young God, emerging into manhood, and the Goddess. Beltane was also considered the one night when all martial restraints were lifted and you could love who you wished for the night.

 

The May pole, being a symbol of fertility, is still a focal point of the rituals in many old English villages. Some people rise at the first light of dawn to go outside and gather flowers and branches to decorate their houses. They also go for an early morning walk through a local park or forest to enjoy the beauty of nature. Women traditionally braid flowers into their hair.
As to the food, breads and cereals are favoured, and also dairy foods. Red fruits, red or pink herbal salads and wine punch are also very popular. Decorative extras for a successful Beltane dinner are white 5 petalled flowers and roses. You can also ignite some lilac or rose incense with your Beltane Chicken.

 

A very common activity in the Beltane night is to go out to a secluded spot before dawn, take pleasure in each others bodies and then relax and watch the sunrise together.
Through this ritual symbolism, the crops are likely to be fertile for another year.
(Authoress: Beate Euler)