May Eve - Beltane Facts & Folklore

On April 30th the celebration known as May Eve arrives.
May Eve is also known as Beltaine or Beltane.
Beltane is one of the Great Fire Festivals of the ancient
Celtic people.
Beltane is the celebration of Summer.
From this point until the Summer Solstice,
sunlight will reach it's peak.
The days will continue to grow longer.

-On the Summer Solstice,
traditionally considered the start of
summer for many, the days actually
become shorter. A sign that
Fall will soon arrive!

Beltane is a celebration of Rebirth.
The Sun's warmth brings growth to the land.
Although many consider it
a celebration of love, the origins lie
in celebrating the fertility of the land.

As one of the major Fire festivals,
It is a time when the veil between worlds
is believed "thin".
A time to communicate with the Fae
or the Spirits of Nature.

Have you heard the expression,
"Bringing in the May"?
That goes back to the ancient Roman
festival of Floralia.
The festival was celebrated from
April 28th - May 3rd.
On May 1st, the celebration was
highlighted with a floral procession.
The festival,which honored the Goddess Flora,
would ensure an abundant growing season.

There are many beliefs or customs associated
with May Eve & May Day  -
Rain on May Eve is considered Magickal!
It keeps you healthy, beautiful &
lucky for a full year.
(Especially if you roll naked in it)
Bringing flowers & branches into the home
invokes Spring.
It's a powerful time for divination,
creating charms for luck, love & protection.

One of My favorites is the May Basket -
Preparing small baskets filled with flowers,
hanging them on friends doors for May Morning!

Correspondences for Beltane Include :
Herbs/Flowers : Any Flowers are perfect! 
                              Mint, Nettle, Sweet Woodruff

Incense/Oils : Jasmine, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang,
                         Dragon's Blood

Candle Colors : Green, Yellow, Pink

May You Bring Abundance, Joy & Laughter into Your Home!