A Beltane Celebration
Beltane is considered a fertility celebration and may seem inappropriate for children. It is often assumed that it's only about lusty sexual energy. While fertility and unity are prominent themes of this holiday, they do not ONLY refer to the act of human procreation and marriage. They can also refer to the earth, seedlings, and baby animals, fostering new ideas, new creative projects, and the unity of friends, family, and community.
Activities for families
As Beltane approaches, decorate your home with projects representative of what is abundant in nature this season.
Make a Spring Floral Crown - using twisted pipe cleaners weave flower stems through the pipe cleaners. Place them close together so they fit snuggly. Add ribbons to the back of the crown.
Hold a bonfire
Mini Maypole- Few people have space for a giant maypole in their yard; a mini version greatly alters decoration. For a fun variation, make a "ribbon dancer" (its a 90’s thing) or gymnastics ribbon. It is simply a dowel rod with a very long ribbon attached to the top. They are entertaining for the kids to wave and twirl about.
May Day Basket- fill a small basket or paper cone with flowers and deliver it to loved ones.
Spend time outdoors
Revisit your New Year intentions- What needs adjustment?
Create a fairy garden and offerings- including bright flowers, climbing plants, and mini furniture.
Magical Weaving and Braiding- use long grassy, willows, vines, ribbon, or even strips of fabric to weave your intentions into your craft. Hang them outside and let the wind carry your intentions into the world.
Create a mask to represent the Green Man
Have a picnic with fresh berries, bannock & jam, tea sandwiches, honey cake, cheeses, and fruit juices or fruity wines for adults.
Altar Decorations
When setting up your altar for this season, remember that this spring celebration is about new life, fire, passion, and creativity.
Flower Cone Baskets to hang around the house
mini maypole
figures of birds, bees, butterflies
fertility symbols-acorns, seeds, horns antlers
offerings to the Fae
two rings to represent the unity of the goddess and god
In the Kitchen
Beltane always inspires me to bake light fruity desserts. Many of the meals I cook during the winter months are heavy comforts foods, but now that summer is closer I look forward to the lighter foods and flavors of spring and summer. Since Beltane is a fire festival it is the perfect time to break out the grill and cook outdoors.
bannock
may wine
spiced milk
anything cooked on an open fire, like kebabs
smores
spring vegetables
seasonal fruits and berries
honey cake
fairy-themed tea party
Journal/Divination
What needs to be burned away?
What passions are calling to you?
What actions are needed to follow this passion?
What support do you need?
Story
The Green Man from Love Outdoor Learning
I hope this has given you some good ideas for celebrating Beltane this year. Remember, if you live somewhere still in the cold "April showers" phase of springtime, waiting until the weather clears for your celebration is okay. Always celebrate your way.
