Beltane Traditions
Mischeivous fairies were believed to abound at Beltane and great care was taken to protect against them. Daisy chains were woven just prior to ritual and places around children's necks for protection.
A hot coal was placed inside the butter churns to keep fairies out ot them.
Livestock was fed fresh dill for protection.
Bells were hung on altars and worn on the ankles of dnacers and ritual goers. The ringins of the bells was believed to hurt the fairies' ears and keep them away.
Brooms were ridden hobbyhorse-style over fields and through pastures in symbolic fertility rites.
Ashes from the Beltane fire were scattered over the fields to bless and protect them. The ashes were also placed in a small bag and worn as fertility amulets by infertile women.
Special summer pastures for the livestock were used only after May 1st since fields were the realm of the Pooka from Samhain to Beltane.
Livestock animals were driven through or between waning balefires for purification, protection and healing.
Although May is the month of the sacred marriage of the God & Goddess, it is considered unlucky for humans to marry in May, which is why June is the traditional month for marriages.
The term 'Maying' refers to celebrating all of the traditions of May Day. It was traditional to go on outings and picnics in the woods or meadows to enjoy the beauty of Nature, pick flowers and/or make love. Couples who consumated their relationship in this way were considered to have hada "greenwood marriage". And children conceived while 'A-Maying' are born in February and are referred to as "Merry Begots".
Dancing around the Maypole may be the best known Beltane tradition.
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