Bealtaine, one of the four ancient and powerful Celtic festivals, heralds the light and warmth of the Summer to come. The word “Bealtaine” is derived from the old Irish “Bel” meaning “bright” or “shining” and “tine” meaning “fire”. “ Bel” was the Celtic god of fire and light, reflecting the rituals of lighting fires associated with the festival. Bealtaine is thought to be a period of close connection between this world and the supernatural world.
It is the time of the year when the fairies, the Sidhe, are believed to be on the move and at their most mischievous, stealing butter and the like! In times gone by, butter was currency in Ireland, and protecting your butter, much desired by the fairies was essential for your livelihood.
It was believed that the fairies would not pass sweet-smelling flowers, so flowers picked especially on May Day were tied on the cow to ward off any fairy activity that might harm the milk.
On May Day, May 1st , hawthorn flowers, primroses, and marsh marigolds were picked, left on the doorstep or made into posies to hang on the lintel bringing good luck to the house. The yellow of the flowers reflects sun, summer, and the hope of prosperity for crops and stock.
With the coming of Christianity, flowers picked on May Day were left at grottos and shrines to the Virgin Mary. A “May Altar” featured in many Irish houses throughout May, the month associated with the Virgin Mary.
When hosting The Irish Soda Bread Way, we also love to churn some butter for spreading on those freshly baked soda scones. We are often baffled by how sometimes the butter turns out really well, and other times not so good, even though we always follow the same procedure! We dare not “diss” the power of the fairies!
Let’s make the most of Bealtaine, a joyous celebration that connects the past with the present. It continues to be a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the enduring spirit of the human connection to the earth.
