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Join us at the Welly for a Celebration of our Culture, Nature, Spririt and Continuing Traditions

Beltane is mentioned in some of the earliest Celtic and it is associated with important events in Irish and British mythology. It marked the beginning of Summer and was the time when cattle were driven out to the summer pastures. 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. The people and their cattle would walk around the bonfire, or between two bonfires, and sometimes leap over flames or embers. All household fires would be doused and then re-lit from the Beltane bonfire. Doors, windows, byres and the cattle themselves would be decorated with yellow May flowers, perhaps because they evoked fire. In parts of Ireland, people would make a May Bush; a thorn bush decorated with flowers, ribbons and bright shells. Holy Wells were also visited, while Beltane dew was thought to bring beauty and maintain youthfulness. Many of these ancient customs have become part of May Day or Midsummer festivals in other parts of Europe.

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