KBL TAGZ 2020 - BELTANE BLESSINGS

BELTANE BLESSINGS

THIS TAG WAS CREATED AS A SCRAPKIT CHALLENGE

THE KIT IS BY KIZZEDBYKELZ AND YOU CAN GET IT 

HERE

THE TUBE IS CALLED LEILA AND SHE IS BY ALEHANDRA VANHEK FOR SCRAPS AND COMPANY AND YOU CAN FIND IT 

HERE

YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT BELTANE 

Also known as Cétshamhain ("first of summer"), it marked the beginning of summer and was 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 or between bonfires, and sometimes leap over the flames or embers. All household fires would be doused and then re-lit from the Beltane bonfire. These gatherings would be accompanied by a feast, and some of the food and drink would be offered to the aos sí. Doors, windows, byres and livestock would be decorated with yellow May flowers, perhaps because they evoked fire. In parts of Ireland, people would make a May Bush: typically a thorn bush or branch decorated with flowers, ribbons, bright shells and rushlights. Holy wells were also visited, while Beltane dew was thought to bring beauty and maintain youthfulness. Many of these customs were part of May Day or Midsummer festivals in other parts of Great Britain and Europe.