Bealtaine
Bealtaine is one of the four major Irish Celtic annual festivals along with Imbolc Samhain and Lughnasa. It signifies the return of the light. The Festival was celebrated with Flowers, Fire and Water.
Flowers
Yellow flowers were particularly favoured and grow in abundance at this time of year. Flowers left at holy wells on May Day were also thought to be restorative. Gorse, buttercup, marigolds, primrose and hawthorn blossoms were laid on doorsteps, may trees and bushes to deter faeries who were known for their dislike of the colour yellow. They were also used to decorate beautiful flower crowns.
Fire
As with all the major festivals Fire was an extremely important part of the celebrations. The lighting of the Bealtaine fire is one of Irelands oldest traditions and marked the arrival of Summer. The flames, ashes and smoke were believed to have protective powers.
Water
Water drawn from local holy wells at this time was considered especially potent and healing. The dew that occurred on the morning of May Day was thought to offer a cure for the rest of the year and washing the face with or walking in the first dew of May Day was believed to have curative properties and bring beauty and youthfulness. "I wash my face in water that has never rained nor run and dry it in a towel that was never wove or spun." [A face washed in the morning dew and dried in the open air]
Bealtaine Blessings to you all.
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