Today is one of two main Gaelic holidays, one being Samhain (ancestor of our Halloween) to herald the coming of winter, and now Beltane, at the other pole of the year, celebrating the beginning of the growing season. Among many Celtic peoples huge bonfires were lit on a night in early May to ensure a healthy harvest later on, and some Scottish and Irish towns as well as neopagans keep the tradition alive. Beltane, originally pronounced “bee-YEL-tenn-ah” and meaning “brilliant fire,” marks the midway point between the vernal equinox and the summer solstice.
I’ve always been entranced by ancient Celtic culture and folklore (blame my Irish last name and a fanciful childhood in the woods), and Beltane is a harbinger of lovely things to come. Traditionally to celebrate one would gather some flowers and dance around a Maypole, but in our case perhaps buy some tulips at the corner deli and circle slyly around a subway pole?
I’ve always been entranced by ancient Celtic culture and folklore (blame my Irish last name and a fanciful childhood in the woods), and Beltane is a harbinger of lovely things to come. Traditionally to celebrate one would gather some flowers and dance around a Maypole, but in our case perhaps buy some tulips at the corner deli and circle slyly around a subway pole?
1 comments:
Is the official sandwich of "bee-YEL-tenn-ah” a BLT?
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