Most of us here in the U.S. grew up knowing or celebrating in some way the traditions of “May Day,” but did you know that the origins of May Day began with a Gaelic tradition known as Beltane?
Beltane is the Gaelic May Day festival, and as a mindful nature coach I am always encouraging my clients (and myself) to get curious about their ancestral traditions. The more we learn about our origins and our ancestral traditions as it pertains to seasonal celebrations, the more we will feel connected to the natural world.
Beltane is the Celtic word for “bright one” or “fire.” This seasonal celebration has traditionally been celebrated in Scotland and Ireland for at least hundreds of years, although this tradition has died out over recent years there seems to be a modern-day revival happening.
Both May Day and Beltane are celebratory rites that celebrate the transition of season to season. Both celebrations mark the beginning of summer and in ancient times were a celebration of fertility, life, sexuality, and nature’s renewal.
These celebrations both mark the return of passion and vitality as the temperatures grow warmer and the earth grows greener, blooming with fresh plant and animal life. It is a time to rejoice in the ending of the darker winter months and rejoice in the longer light-filled days of summer!
How can you celebrate Beltane or May Day?
-Pick flowers from your garden and gift to a friend or neighbor
-Make an arrangement of wildflowers or wild picked greenery for your home
-Light a fire! Depending on your access to the outdoors you can choose to have a bonfire OR if you live in a condo or apartment building light a candle and set intentions for your summer months.
-Make a flower crown with your kids, friends, partner or yourself-it is a fun way to connect to the natural world!
-Sit outside in a greenspace, backyard, forest or park and do a 15-minute Nature Meditation-Eyes open, phone turned off, silent observation of the natural word. Allowing yourself to be part of the nature all around you.
