05/01/2026
Let's light a fire, grill some food, and have a drink for it is Beltane today!! The ancient peoples first day of summer.
Beltane is mentioned in the earliest Irish literature. It marked the beginning of summer and was when cattle were driven out to the summer pastures. Rituals were performed to protect cattle, people and crops, and to encourage growth. Bonfires were kindled, whose flames, smoke and ashes were believed to have protective powers. Food and drinks would be placed as an offering to the fairy folk. Doors, windows, byres and livestock were decorated with yellow May flowers. When the bonfire died down, people would dab themselves with its ashes and sprinkle it over their crops and livestock. Burning torches from the bonfire would be taken home, carried around the house and border of the farmstead, and used to re-light the hearth.
Photo credit-my back yard. I would never use AI to create an image of fire. I think the flame has the shape of a big buck. Maybe it's me or maybe it's pareidolia
