"The May-pole"
The May-pole is up,
Now give me the cup;
I'll drink to the garlands around it:
But first unto those
Whose hands did compose
The glory of flowers that crown'd it.
A health to my girls,
Whose husbands may Earls
Or Lords be, (granting my Wishes)
And when that ye wed
To the bridal bed,
Then multiply all, like fishes.
Robert Herrick (1591 - 1674)
"Beltane" meaning "bright fire" is also known as May Eve, May Day and Walpurgis Night.
It is the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice
It is the celebration of the glory of spring at its height - a festival of sensuality and fertility. The God and Goddess are represented by the May King and Queen, and the tradition of dancing 'round the maypole represents their unity - the pole being the God and the ribbons the Goddess, wrapped around him.
Some covens choose this sabbat to go Skyclad, so make sure you check and are comfortable with the dress (or undress) code before attending!
It is also traditional to perform the Great Rite to bless your land on May's Eve.
Beltane is a fun festival, usually associated with lots of singing and dancing, fire jumping and raucous behavior - it was seen as a brief respite from toil when winter was now only a memory and the summer and harvests were but a few months away. It is the last of the Spring fertility festivals and the most joyous.
Various contributors
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