A roundup of a few Beltane posts:
Beltane is a cross-quarter day, marking the midpoint in the Sun’s progress between the vernal equinox and summer solstice. Since the Celtic year was based on both lunar and solar cycles, it is possible that the holiday was celebrated on the full moon nearest the midpoint between the vernal equinox and the summer solstice. The astronomical date for this midpoint is closer to May 5 or May 7, but this can vary from year to year.
From The Zoo:
Going A-Maying & Bringing in the May — Merry-making and Nature communion. * Midpoint between Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice. * In Pagan Rome, Floralia, from April 27-May 3 was the festival of the Flower Goddess Flora and the flowering of Springtime. On May 1, offerings were made to Bona Dea (as Mother Earth), the Lares (household guardian spirits), and Maia (Goddess of Increase) from whom May gets its name. * Roman Catholic traditions of crowning statues of Mary with flowers on May 1 have Roman Pagan roots. * Marks the second half of the Celtic Year; one of the four Celtic Fire Festivals.
From Owl’s Daughter:
Beltane is a reference to ‘Bel-fire’, the fire of the Celtic God of light (Bel, Beli or Belinus). He, in turn, may be traced to the Middle Eastern God Baal.
Whatever you choose to call it, this is our celebration of the approach of Summer, when the breezes are scented and the evenings are getting warm. Today we honor and emulate the divine union of the Lord and Lady! Celebrations include the obvious pleasures of ecstatic coupling, like most all of Nature is doing around us!
We also celebrate symbolically, by weaving a web of life around the Maypole and leaping the Beltane fires for luck. Lilacs and hawthorn can be brought inside on this day, along with flowers of all kinds to represent the fertility of the earth. This is our great festival of love, lust and fertility. This Sabbat honors the great life force in all things. All life forms! All forms of love!
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