This week was traditionally celebrated as the Bealtaine festival in Ireland; one of the most significant dates in our early history. Bealtaine, or Beltane, is an ancient Celtic festival that is typically celebrated on May Day – the 1st of May. Belenus, or Bel, was a Celtic deity who was worshipped by ancient Celts in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Mann, as the God of Sun and of Healing. Bealtaine directly translated means the ‘fire of Bel’. It describes the ancient Celtic fire festival, celebrated to mark the end of the harsh winter months, when farming was most difficult for our ancestors, and welcomed the warmth of the sun and the beginning of summer. Bealtaine is also the festival of fertility for our minds and spirits, as well as our bodies.
In ancient times, Celtic worshippers would light a fire on the Hill of Uisneach in County Westmeath. This spot was chosen for the seminal fire, as it is regarded as ‘navel of Ireland’, marking the centre of the country. From this fire, Celts would light torches and travel from townland to townland, setting bonfires alight in each community to rejoice at the coming of the sun. The fires were also thought to have purifying powers. To bless their livestock, herds of cattle would often be driven between two fires. Even more daringly, Celts who aimed to ensure their fertility in the coming year, would leap valiantly through the bonfire!
But Bealtaine isn’t just a festival of fire. In ancient times, and still today, this is seen as a time to renew, to revitalize and to cleanse. Winter is behind us for another year, and we find ourselves on the cusp of warm summer days. This year, we have the time to welcome this new season; to rejoice at the brighter days, to listen to the birdsong, to smell the budding flowers and to feel renewed ourselves.