Beltaine

aka Beltain and May Day
Summer is here! The Earth is warm and bursting with life. The scent of flowers fills the air and all of Nature is busy with creating more life. Fitting, that the theme for this day is fertility and reproduction. What better way to celebrate life than by celebrating that which creates life!

Common Beltaine Traditions
These are a few traditions that many Pagans and Wiccans enjoy as part of their Beltaine celebrations.

• May Pole: great for group celebrations. The wrapping of the Pole in ribbons is a none too subtle ritual re-enactment of the most popular way of creating life. Afterwards, the ribbons, gently slid off the Pole, make a great fertility charm: perfect as a Handfasting gift!
• May Gad: a miniature version of the May Pole, the May Gad is perfect as an altar centerpiece for solitaries. Make one out of a wooden dowel, securing the ribbons to the top with a heavy craft glue, top with a crystal cabochon.
• May Baskets: familiar to many Americans as a common May Day tradition, though its roots lay in pre-Christian European practice. A great activity for kids! Make small paper baskets by weaving together strips of construction paper, don't forget a handle. Fill the baskets with wildflowers and leave on a neighbor or loved one's door to wish them prosperity and good fortune.