Beltane Intro

Beltane is the name of a major Celtic feast that can be traced back to early medieval sources, one of which claims that it descended from the Druids. It was a fire festival held on May 1st, which in the British Isles marked the beginning of the summer season. In America, however, we find ourselves at mid-spring at this time due to climatic differences. According to historian Ronald Hutton in his 1996 book The Stations of the Sun, the name “Beltane” most likely means “lucky fire,” referring to the ritual bonfires that were built to ward off ill-health and ill-fortune for the coming year. He reports that the tradition was maintained in Ireland and other Irish-influenced areas of Britain well into the 19th century, as well as in “parts of England in which native British culture lingered the longest” (p.223). This suggests that the bonfires were indeed a survival of a widespread ancient practice. Interestingly, he notes also that mentions in Welsh literature impart an “arcane quality” to May Day, similar to the oft-celebrated “thinning of the veil” at Samhain, which lies at the opposite point on the Wheel of the Year.

Being the time of year when trees are budding and flowers are blossoming, it seems appropriate that the theme of Beltane celebrations should be “Life.” New life is coming into view all around us, reminding us to renew our hopes and aspirations. But we also take stock of where we are, as though from the top of a hill, and consider how best to move forward. Are there goals we want to pursue? Where do we want to put our energy? If we were trees, we could devote ourselves to growing our trunks taller, spreading our branches wider, digging our roots deeper, or making our protective bark thicker. Even trees have to choose their priorities for the year. And their choices will affect all the other trees with which their root systems connect. So we also celebrate the interconnectedness of all life on this world and remember that we do not stand apart from or above that web of life. Whether you’re a tree or a bird or a human being, life can be daunting—all the more reason to celebrate.