At the midpoint between the spring equinox and summer solstice, a marked shift can be felt in the air. Spring showers begin to slowly taper off and the golden sun casts a warm bath upon the flourishing blooms. Baby animals proliferate, their growth aided by the idyllic climate and plentiful natural resources. Beltane, observed on the first of May, celebrates this special time with a festival honoring the fertility of all living things.
Flowers have a starring role in the celebration, representing both fertility and the beauty of nature. Flowers are used in everything from bathing rituals to décor. Some of the most commonly used flowers include:
Hawthorn -hawthorn branches and blossoms adorn everything from doorframes to bouquet arrangements. It is believed to symbolize beauty, protection, and the connection between the physical and spiritual realms, as well as encouraging abundance.
Cowslip – Cowslip symbolizes divination and healing. Cowslip bouquets decorate homes, barns, and outdoor areas, and cowslip balls are used in Beltane games to tell fortunes.
Daisy – Daisies signal the arrival of springtime and represent purity and divination. They are typically used to create Beltane flower crowns.
Tulips – Tulips are also used in décor and are believed to symbolize new beginnings.
Lilac – Lilacs symbolize wisdom and spiritual pursuits. Lilac tea and lilac dew are both used in Beltane rituals.
Bluebell – Bluebells are featured prominently in Beltane altars and décor and symbolize gratitude and everlasting love.
Other important symbols of Beltane include:
The Green Man – The Green Man is a beloved character that symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and growth.
Freyja and Flora – The goddesses Freyja and Flora are honored during Beltane. Freyja is the goddess associated with fertility, and Flora is the plant and flower goddess.
Maypole – The Maypole is probably the most well-known icon of Beltane, a towering symbol which participants dance around, weaving the connected colorful ribbons around and around in a joyous ritual.
Fairies – Fairies play an important role in Beltane, as they are believed to protect and encourage the health of plants, animals, and humans. Conversely, some fairies are believed to be troublemakers, and townspeople will place protective objects around their fields to protect them from fairy mischief.