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| Wilmington Farm, Somerset |
Pre-history ... it is a time of ancient mystical beliefs. The harshness of winter is being banished. The morning mists hinting at warmer weather have started to cover the land to bring moisture and fertility in their wake. The sun has begun its long journey of recovery from its winter exile. They called it Beltane.
In ancient medieval texts we are told that Beltane marked the start of summer with ceremonies held on May 1st. In what was a largely pastoral society the cattle were driven out to their summer grassland, rituals were performed to protect people, livestock and crops from natural and supernatural influences. Fertility was ensured by the wholesale lighting of fires with smoke and ash created which was spread over the land. It was well known that these two by-products of fire can protect against the unknown forces of darkness which walk the night. In addition, many households would re-light their domestic fires on Beltane day to bring good fortune to their families. And many trees, or “may-poles” would be decorated which perhaps harks back to the tree worship of long forgotten times.
The countryside was of course awash with the inspiring yellow of early flowers such as gorse and primrose which had returned from their winter darkness. It was as if the yellow of the flowers was a reflection, indeed an exaltation of the sun which was returning to bless the land. And the early morning dew was a luxury which would be collected and washed in as it was well known to protect youth.
It was a time of extreme optimism, and was a time of supreme importance to the ancient Druids.
But what is so remarkable is that these rituals and celebrations have continued off and on throughout Europe right up to modern times. Beltane is an extraordinary example of religious compromise which, like many other pagan beliefs, modern Christianity has adopted as its own with holidays declared across the world.
Finally, for those interested in these things, I look at several aspects of Pagan/Christian beliefs in my book Catacombs of the Damned. You might enjoy it.
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Buy P J Cadavori's Catacombs of the Damned at Winstone’s of Sherborne, Waterstones or Amazon, in paperback and e-book formats. Click on the book covers below to view Catacombs of the Damned at Amazon.
