Beltane is one of the most important festivals of the Celtic calendar that divides the year in half. He comes in the night of May 1 and is considered a mystical time when the thinner boundary between worlds. This is the nodhodyaschee time make a wish, referring to the good forces.
Editorial Kolobok.uaI decided to tell you in detail about this holiday, its traditions and superstitions.
Beltane traditions. For many people the night of April 30 to May 1 marked the holiday - Walpurgis NightGermans and Scandinavians, Laylat al-Qadr - in Muslim countries, ZHIVA day the ancient Slavs. All these festivals have a similar meaning and tradition.
With Beltane began bright half of the year, which ended November 1 another great holiday Samhain. That is why on hilltops all the British Isles the Druids lit bonfires Beltane, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, and the arrival of summer. Translated "Beltane" means approximately "shining lights" or "lights Bell" (Bell - Celtic goddess).
It was believed that these fires burn all the troubles and misfortunes, so people jumped over the fire and carried out between the two ritual fire cattle.
In every village put maypole - a symbol of life and fertility. Usually it was the sixth of birch, ash, but most of all - a mountain ash, which is adorned, like a Christmas tree and surrounded by merry feast began. Rules celebration May Queen and Jack-in-the-Green, whose divine couple was a symbol of unity of the earth and the sun. Mummers transported to the place of celebration on a cart decorated with flowers and ribbons, and met with special honors.
How to celebrate Beltane? Beltane - holiday trees, flowers, seeds, in a word a celebration of nature. And he made notes in the open air in a circle of friends in a large fire. If this is not possible, light a live fire in the house. This can be a fireplace or a candle.
How to make a wish at Beltane? Beltane good time to schedule future plans, to pray, to meditate, to make a request to the universe and the forces of nature. It is believed that at this time all of your requests will be heard.
Traditionally, the Beltane lit red and green candles of good desires, guiding them through their will on the embodiment of the conceived. Most importantly, the intentions were the most gracious and friendly and then, according to legend, they are sure to come true. Green candles necessary to light, if you think about comes to healing, development and prosperity, red to accelerate any process, to call love.
Also good mentally wish good to all living creatures or contact forces, in which you believe, with words of gratitude, according to popular belief, it will cause them special favor.
What to put on the table at Beltane? On the festive table or tablecloth in a forest glade exhibited, primarily sweets - cakes, oatmeal cookies. It occupies a special place honey. Drink red wine was considered a holiday, as the grapes himself is a symbol of rebirth and enjoying life.
What not to do at Beltane? The Beltane is impossible to quarrel, lose heart, to show aggression. It is also believed that on this day you can not ask for or lend. Moreover, not only the money, it was considered bad luck to share with anyone in this day in May of water, food, a piece of coal from the hearth, the milk his cows, salt, borrow dishes, etc.
Also be sure to ask aboutsome Slavic dolls-amulets protect your home from the evil eye
