Happy Beltane.

The festival of Beltane is mentioned in the earliest Irish literature and is associated with important events in Irish mythology. It marks the beginning of summer and is traditionally celebrated on May 1 in Gaelic societies.  Rituals were performed to protect the cattle, crops and people, and to encourage growth. Special bonfires were kindled, and their flames, smoke and ashes were deemed to have protective powers. These gatherings would be accompanied by a feast.  Doors, windows, and the cattle themselves would be decorated with yellow May flowers.  In parts of Ireland, people would make a May Bush; a thorn bush decorated with flowers, ribbons and bright shells.  Beltane had largely died out by the mid-20th century.  However, the custom has been revived in some parts of the country, especially Wicklow, and is now a major social event in Edinburgh with ten’s of thousands of participants.