Beltane

Ahhh, Beltane, the time of the big sun has finally arrived!

Beltane, or La Baal Tinne (meaning Bright Fire), was one of the (pagan) Four Great Festivals. Traditionally, the festival started with open pasturing, the beginning of summer and the welcoming of the sun's heat to promote growth of livestock and crops. Bonfires were rekindled with sympathetic magick to encourage the sun's warmth to penetrate the earth.

The Celts believed that at this time in the Otherworld the sacred fire of Tamhair-na-Righ (Tara of the Kings) was lit every three years. There was great ceremony with this, by using a brazen lens to concentrate the sun's rays on dried wood, as all the sacred fires of the Sidhe were lit. They also believed the Faery were at their happiest on May eve, and the music of their harps and pipes were heard all through the night.

It was from the sacred fire that all participants lighted brands and took them home to light their domestic fires.

Bonfires always played a part in ceremonies. The men would draw lots to see who would jump over the flames three times when they were their highest, and the women when they were low. This was a practice to protect them from the powers of evil.

Cattle had their horns decorated with garlands of rowan and vervain to honor the May Queen, and driven between two bonfires, and sprinkled with water from The Purity of the Well.  Cows who's skin was singed became the sacrificial animal for the feast.

If a snow white heifer appeared among the cattle, The Celts believed it was good luck.

A May-bush was decorated and the women danced around it, wearing garland, and the men carried a green bough. At the end of the dance, the woman would toss her garland to the gentleman of her choice, if he was successful in catching it on his bough, he gained her affections. But if he dropped it, heartache was certain to follow.Throughout the night, music and story telling were heard around the fire, and then mystical dancing until dawn's early light.

Of course so many of these things do not, and cannot, apply to today's world. Time, space and basic laws would not allow big bonfires, or frightening animal sacrifices to be made. But there are many things we can do today to fit the traditions of the past.

One of our favorite things to do is pick wild flowers and place them in a paper cone, hang them on the front door, knock and run! Or for the elderly, just hand them the handful of flowers and see the smile it brings.

Make special breads and have an outdoor cookout, if weather allows.

Lately in my world, I've had the joy of just walking around and appreciating the simple beauty of all the activity going on in nature around me. I am fortunate enough to live in a forested wetland, so there is so much going on, I have to stop and really watch, or I miss it.

Just this morning, there were hummingbirds diving at us as we walked, woodpeckers drumming on trees and street signs, and jays laughing. The skunk cabbage is in full bloom, their bright yellow, pitchered flowers brightening the swampy ground, and makes forgiving their smell is a little easier. The cherry and apple trees are heavy with blossoms and the dark soil in my garden have leafy green rows just starting.

Just as in ancient times, the cycle is renewing, the soil is rewarming and life is returning. It's not so hard to find that fine line that time creates. Using imagination and some creativity, it seems so simple to step over, recreate, and celebrate life.

Happy Beltane!

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The History And Meaning of Celtic Crosses

In the Gaelic language, the distinctive, ringed Celtic cross of Ireland is known as the Cheilteach...along with ancient High Crosses, these stone carvings were made to honor the dead and mark hallowed ground. The beauty and symbolism of these strong and rugged stoneworks also celebrates spiritual rebirth through Christ. However, according to some historians, Celtic crosses have a touch of Pagan ancestry...the ringed center of each monument is believed to symbolize the sun (which the Pagans worshipped in their nature rituals). For historians who reject the Pagan explanation, the ring is believed to represent a halo...

Over time, any connection there might have been between the Celtic Cross and the Pagans faded into the mists of time...Ireland converted to Christ (through the efforts of Saint Patrick and others) and the ringed cross became a Holy symbol that will always be linked with Ireland and Christianity.

Since the sixth century A.D., these crosses have appeared in Irish churchyards. Their artistic design, which often includes animal symbols and/or woven patterns (known as Celtic interlace) , is reflective of the Insular Art period. In early medieval times, monks (and metalsmiths employed by wealthy citizens) were often the creators of masterpieces decorated with symbols and knot work – famous examples include the High Cross of Muiredeach at Monasterboice, jewelry such as the Tara Brooch, and ancient manuscripts such as The Book of Kells.

Today, many tourists enjoy seeing these historic crosses up close. Some enjoy the crosses for their beauty alone...however, for others (and there are many), who share faith and heritage with the Irish, seeing these poignant reminders of the past can be a transcendent experience. Celtic crosses have a resonant beauty...their strong, clean silhouettes can be exquisite at sunset or nightfall.

During the 15th century, these Celtic and High crosses were no longer commonly used to mark graves. However, during the 1800’s, Irish people began to seek out the crosses again, as a proper way to pay homage to lost friends and loved ones...

Today, the Celtic cross is still a powerful symbol that is revered for its meaning and design. You will find these crosses in churchyards (as is tradition), but you will also find delicate gold and silver Celtic Cross pendants that capture the essence of Insular Art. Even tattoos of Celtic and High crosses are prevalent nowadays. This timeless symbol of Irish pride, faith, and tradition will always be a part of Ireland and its people...

This article has been been written exclusively for The Celtic Rose by Leigh Maher, from the Celtic jewelry store: Irish Celtic Jewels, which specilizes in the sale of Celtic engagement rings and wedding bands