The magical and mysterious Beltane Fayre beckoned me to go pay a visit on Sunday. The event was held in the small fenland village of North Kyme.
I wasn’t disappointed, in fact I think it’s got to be one of my fave fayre’s that I’ve been to in quite a while. The stallholders had put a tremendous amount of effort into their displays, the place had a very serene and charming nature based, raw earthy, yet bewitching feel about it…
The traditional fayre pays homage to the Gaelic May Day celebrations marking the start of summer; a traditional sacred festival celebrated by the Celt’s throughout Europe, the Isle of Man, Ireland and Scotland.
‘Beltane’ means Bright Fire and on the 1st of May of yesteryear roaring fires would be lit to mark what was yet to come. This was often seen as a cleansing practice, a clearing out of the old energies; a blessing held to welcome in new growth to the rural communities after long hard dark winters and harsh living and working conditions for many families and their livestock. Cattle was brought out to summer pastures.
Rituals were held to protect the animals and people. Dances over the hot coals would begin as cattle were led in rings trudging around the fiery flames. Feasting would then begin. Offerings of food and drink were made to the fairy folk.
Practices somewhat waned around the 19th century. But a resurgence began in the latter part of the 20th century to keep the folk festival alive. The customs are still enjoyed by many Pagans and Wiccans and take place in the Northern (May1st) and southern Hemispheres (Nov 1st) to this day!
In the Pagan circle cycle calendar the festival marks the place in time between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. A time for the blooming of the earth at the height of spring and a time to make merry. It honors fertility ~ the union of the masculine and feminine energies, fire, joy, creativity and connection. Sacred symbols associated with this holiday include Hawthorn, The Maypole, May Queen and The Green Man. Cattle, Ribbons and Herbs, Birch’s, Primrose, Candles and The Hobby Horse are also significant elements of this festival. Bonfires are still lit to commemorate this significant custom today.
X Della Marie 💋