About
Bealtaine was the Gaelic start of summer, when cattle were driven out to summer pastures. Early medieval Irish texts describe two fires lit and cattle driven between them for protection, and in Scotland and Ireland Beltane bonfires, rowan charms and May dew customs lasted into living memory. It is one of the eight sabbats of the Wheel of the Year, a twentieth-century framework not every tradition uses.
Customs
- Lighting bonfires and walking between two fires for protection
- Washing the face in May morning dew
- Decorating a May bush or hawthorn with ribbons
- Hanging rowan over doors and byres for protection
- Dancing, garlands and gathering flowers
Food
- Oatcakes and bannock
- Milk, cream and custards
- Honey
- Fresh spring greens
- Recipe: Beltane oatcakes 35 minutes
A simple ritual
- At dawn on May morning, wash your face with dew from the grass.
- Tie a ribbon to a tree or bush and make a wish for the summer.
- Light two candles in safe holders and pass between them, or pass your hands between them, asking for protection.
- Hang a sprig of greenery over your door.
- Share oatcakes and milk with friends, then put out the candles.
Never leave candles or fires unattended, and keep them away from pets and children.