Sunday 1 May 2011

Beltain Festival - Burning Of The Wicker Man

Last night we went to the Beltain Festival - The Burning of The Wicker Man at Butser Ancient Farm.
Beltain is a festival that was historically celebrated in the Celtic world at the beginning of May. Coming at the end of the long dark times but before the busy demands of the farming year, it gave the chance to celebrate the end of winter and the coming of summer. It was a celebration of the fertility of land and animals and a way of expressing hopes for a fruitful year ahead. The name Beltain probably derived from a Gaelic word meaning bright fire and fire is an important part of Beltain celebrations.


The evening began with Mummers, Morris Dancers, and childrens crafts, then there was music and dancing, and finally the burning of the Wicker Man!


This Years Wicker Man
Mummers
Making Hannah's Beltain Crown

Candle Dipping




Tea Light Jars
The Wicker Man is alight!


Happy May Day everyone!

3 comments:

Katie Pybus said...

Great fire photos. They look really dramatic. I saw the adverts for the event. It is on my to do list when the smalls are a little bigger.

Jessica said...

Amazing, Beltain haere is in Nov, I wish we could have a wickerman like that!Beautiful photos:)

Heather O'Steen Photography said...

How interesting and fun!