Celebration of the Growing Season
Other Names
Beltain, Beltaine, BealtaineMay Eve, May Day, Samradh
Colors
White, Red, dark green
Foods
dairy foods, honey, oats, mead, lamb
Stones
sapphire, blood stone, emerald, orange carnelian, rose quartz
Symbols
Spring flowers (especially the rose), goat, honeybee, fairies, pegasus, rabbits, flower crown, maypole, basket
Flowers & Plants
primrose, lilac, hawthorn, birch, ivy, violet, peppermint, lavender
Beltane, the second Cross Quarter Day of the year, marks the beginning of summer and is celebrated as a time of fertility, growth, and new beginnings. Also known as May Day, this holiday is associated with the goddess Flora and is traditionally observed by decorating with flowers and performing fertility rituals. It is a time to focus on creativity and prosperity, especially if you set intentions at Imbolc and planted seeds at Ostara. Beltane is also celebrated with fire and fertility festivals, where people jump over balefires for protection, dance around the May Pole, and ring bells to ward off bad spirits. As the end of spring planting, Beltane encourages appreciation and affection for the abundance in your life and invites the cultivation of new ideas and concepts.
- hold a bonfire for family and friends
- take action on a project you’ve been working on
- treat yourself to a special meal, music, or aromas
- decorate a tree with colorful ribbons
- make flower crowns
- dress in green
- walk your property and give thanks