Beltane. — the fires of Bel. Bel is likely a reference to the sun god, Belenus. (Alternate translations suggest Beltane means “bright fire”.) In the Celtic tradition it was a two-fold celebration although I suspect they merged.
Two large bonfires were lit. Cattle were shepherded between them as a rite of purification and protection before being released into the newly opened pastures. People too passed between the fires to purify themselves. On the eve of Beltane all the hearth fires would be doused. The following day they would be relit from the Beltane bonfire — a new beginning.
It was also a time of great celebration of the fertility of the earth. Often a May Bush was decorated. This was usually a Rowan tree or Hawthorn bush which would be in bloom. The bushes were decorated with ribbons, bright flowers, painted stones and shells. Flowers and garlands were hung on doors and set windows of their homes.
For Andy and I the first day of Beltane was spent in our garden —leaves needed to be raked off the lawn and bedding plants and herbs needed to be planted. We were surrounded by our lovely trees; the tall regal pines, the white blossom of the flowering pears, the pinks of the magnolia, the yellows of the forsythia and the reds of an unidentified tree. What a celebration of the fertility of the earth.
The lectionary reading (John 15: 1-8) seemed apt for the season. I was drawn to the concept of pruning and removing dead branches throughout the passage which were later burnt in the fire. Pruning and gathering dead branches is part of our work in the garden. I must confess, I always apologise to the tree when I’m cutting a branch. I tell the tree that it won’t hurt, it is just like getting a haircut!
As in the text all dead or pruned branches will be burnt. By the time we reach winter our store shed will be full of branches and twigs which will keep us warm through the winter months. This is part of our preparation for the future seasons as the wheel of life keeps turning.
As I pondered the passage, which seemed so reflected in both the Celtic season and our garden work, I mused on pruning in general. It is part of the purification process that was so important to the Celts. At this time of year, I “prune” my clothes, the summer garments are retrieved from the high shelf in my wardrobe and the winter ones stored. In that process there is always some that will be discarded or donated for redistribution.
Yet, that is an outward example, but more importantly pruning should be inward as well. It is a question I will continue to reflect on this first week of Beltane.
“What needs to be pruned from my life?”
