Beltane Symbols and Rituals
Beltane (April 30th-May 1st) is a Celtic fire festival. Edinburgh has an annual festival. Green, red and white and silver are the colours of Beltane. Green symbolizes abundance, growth and fertility. Red is a colour of strength, vitality, passion and vibrancy. White and Silver are for cleansing and dispersing negativity. On Beltane houses were decorated with flowers and greenery and flower garlands. Flower crowns and May baskets were made. Faces were washed with the early morning dew, which was believed to make them beautiful.
Mead (honey wine) and cakes were eaten. Beltane bread made with strawberries is scored in half to represent the lord and lady. Hawthorn Brandy is made by taking a cup of hawthorn flowers and leaving it in the brandy in direct light for two weeks. Shake occasionally, strain and bottle in sterilized bottles. The Hawthorne tree was a tree of sexuality and fertility and hawthorn berries are an herbal tonic for the heart. The Maypole was a male symbol made from Birch, for love and fertility, which was put into the ground. The ring of flowers at the top represented female fertility and the Maypole dance around it with the coloured ribbons was a celebration of life. Rowan trees were considered trees of protection and their branches were hung over doors of houses.
Crystals for Beltane
Crystals for Beltane include Ruby, which strengthens the Root Chakra and is a powerful healer. This crystal balances the heart, both the the physical and subtly. It enhances confidence, security and self-esteem and is warming. Jade, green, is for life and longevity; it balances the Heart Chakra and promotes the healing process and a sense of belonging. Pearl, white, regulates glandular functions, assimilation of nutrtients, balances emotions, increases tolerance, emergizes sacral chakra (fertility) reduces worry, anxiety and frustration. Silver prevents infections, clears impurities, improves fertility, encourages intuition, eases difficulties with movement, and alleviates nervous twitches. It is useful as a crystal gem essence.
Handfasting
Beltane is a traditional time for Hand fasting which was a betrothal for “a year and a day” and if the couple decided not to stay together a “Hand parting” ceremony was held. At the Handfasting Ceremony a red cord was tied around the couple’s hands as a symbol of their pledge in a figure of eight, and then the ribbon was undone to show that this was done of their own free will. “Jumping the broomstick”, a symbol for the threshold, meant moving from an old life to a new one.
13 Blessings Hand fasting Basket is a traditional gift and consists of thirteen symbolic gifts to symbolize:
- Sun – Strength, Sturdy
- Moon – Woman, beauty, Mystery
- Cat – Guardian, Hearth/Home
- Dog- Loyalty, Protection
- Owl - Wisdom
- Star – Dreams of future
- Clock – Time is valuable
- Acorn – Strength, Longevity
- Butterfly – All summers together
- Car – Journey about to embark
- House – Place to Return
- Pinecone – Prosperity, Abundance
- Heart – Love that brought them together
Cara Moore - Cara E. Moore is an author, poet, playwright and writer who has written for internet sites, newspapers, magazines, theatre and ...
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