A Beltane Celebration
Each year Beltane is a widely celebrated Sabbat by Pagans. The event as most know is celebrated On April 31st-May 1st. This celebration is the marking of the coming of summer.
The characters of the event are commonly known as the May Queen and the Green Man. Each of which representing fertility and growth.
As the winter is coming to its end the May Queen crowns the Green Man. Which is the showing that winter is coming to its end and the Green Man is shedding his winter attire and putting on the spring clothing that he will be now wearing. The May Queen and the Green Man are preparing for their wedding. Those in attendance of this wedding will proceed to wildly dance in celebration.
The key influence of this ritual is the element “fire". An arch way of fire is built to represent the gateways between the early world and the spirit world. Usually in Pagan celebrations, those called Torch Bearers which carry the flames which are used for purifying and the lighting of the arches. The torch bear is a very sacred representation, and those that are chosen for this duty will be dressed in all black with faces also painted in black. This way all one sees is the fire.
In this Sabbat there are many other players that seem to be overlooked. Some of which many have not heard of but here they are.
The Blue man is the symbol of the road for Celtic Warriors
Green Man: The May Queen’s male consort is sometimes called the May King. He is known by many names. Some call him Jack-in-the-Green, Robin Hood or the woodland faery Puck.
The Red Men: The Red Men represent mischief makers, Pan-like figures who live for the moment without a care in the world or inhibitions.
White Woman: The White Woman (and her hand maidens) protect the May Queen and attend to her later in the evening. They are the order and discipline in the face of the Red Men’s chaos.
In most of the celebrations the costumes and the likes are taken from the Celts and the Scottish folklore in order to reinact the procession.
No matter how elaborate or simply you plan to celebrate Beltane this year have an enlightening experience. Remember that since this celebration is directly related to fire, use fire safety and common sense when handling fire.
Ref: BBC
Photos: 2002 Festival Beltane in Edinburgh