Beltane + The Maypole: How to Craft + Celebrate from Home
Blessed Beltane sweeties! Let’s talk about the origins of this holiday, as well as the Maypole.
The energy of Spring is in the air! May Day has arrived; a time to honor the fresh energies around us, and the planet who provides us all we need. Known as Beltane, this community gathering on the first of May has been long centered around the Maypole dance - a fertility rite meant to symbolize the union of the masculine and feminine; a major theme in May Day/Beltane/Spring rite celebrations throughout history and around the world. Originally a Germanic pagan aspect of spring festivals, it’s now an essential part of this seasons celebrations throughout Europe; particularly the UK, Ireland, Scotland, and Germanic countries including Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Norway.
This year is super different though, especially for a holiday centered around community gathering. Adjusting from a community to solitude can be hard for so many, but I encourage you to see this as a chance to delve deeper into your personal magic.
What do we do when we're left to celebrate on our own?
The Maypole was traditionally danced around a fully grown tree, though size and robustness is of no real concern. So often we see huge, beautiful Maypoles, but there’s something so sweet in crafting a simple little something made from materials found at home, scraps, and natural treasures. Once complete, it can be easily deconstructed later on and returned to the home, your altar, or to the earth. If you’re at home, you can even make a simple indoor Maypole of your own, by crafting a Witches Ladder. Visit our Patreon page HERE to see a simple tutorial video and find out what I put on my ladder and why.
Use a few long strands of string, yarn, thread, or cuts of old fabric. You can paint or dye them if they’re in need of some color. Once dry, hang them from the shower head or any other high point of your living space. Braid the strands together while either speaking or thinking your intention for this season. Keep the braid on your altar, in your car, at your workspace or in your garden - wherever it will serve your intention best.
The energy of Beltane and the tradition of honoring springtime is personal. Adjusting from a community to solitude this year can be hard for so many, but I encourage you to see this as a chance to delve deeper into your personal magic. This is a time of celebration that can be tapped during any moment. Honor and celebrate the new spring season in all of its magic and splendor.
To hear more about this holiday and to see a video of how to craft your own Maypole Braid/Witches Ladder, click the link below:
Thanks to Justin ‘Scrappers’ Morrison for this beautiful illustration