Beltane, also known as Cetsamhain (opposite Samhain as well as Walpurgisnacht, and Rood Day), is called May Day by Christians. In medieval times it was called Roodmas by the Christian church who were hoping to shift the common people's allegiance from the Maypole, Pagan symbol of life, to the Holy Rood - the Cross - Roman instrument of death.
This Sabbat celebrates the fertility and union of the Horned God and the Goddess. At this time, life is renewing itself. Birds and animals are mating. In the fields, newly planted seeds are beginning to grow. Great fires are lit honoring the fertility God Belenos. Some leap the fires to show the exuberance of the season. Maypoles are erected and bright ribbons are hung on it. The Maypole, a phallic symbol, represents the masculine. The soft colored ribbons are the feminine. The union of the two symbolizes the union of the God and Goddess. Beltane ushers in the fifth month of the modern calendar year, the month of May. This month is named in honor of the goddess Maia, originally a Greek mountain nymph, later identified as the most beautiful of the Seven Sisters.
This is the time to fertilize your dreams with action. It is legend that children conceived at Beltane were gifted by the Gods. These children became know as Merry-Be-Gots.
HERBS:
Honeysuckle, St. John's wort, Hawthorn, All flowers.
INCENSE:
Frankincense, Lilac, Rose.
COLOR:
Green, Soft pink, Blue, Yellow.
DECORATIONS:
Maypole, Strings of beads or flowers, Ribbons, Spring flowers
FOOD:
Dairy, Oatmeal cakes, Cherries, Strawberries, Wine, Green salads.
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