BEALTAINE
Also called Cétsamhain, the festival of Bealtaine marked the beginning of the summer season in Ireland when the cattle were driven to greener pastures. Typically observed on May 1st (though the day's festivities would normally begin on the previous evening), Bealtaine is one of four major festivals that shaped the old Irish year. According to Sanas Cormaic, an early Irish glossary, the festival of Bealtaine was marked by the driving of cattle between two bonfires to safeguard them against disease in the coming year. Indeed, all the way up to modern times, the lighting of bonfires has been a centerpiece of Bealtaine traditions, as has the association with protection; many supernatural beings were said to be afoot at this time, and giving away one's goods, such as fire or butter, could spell bad luck and scarcity for the months ahead. This design features rowan branches, marsh marigold, Irish primrose, and a rowan cross tied with red thread, all of which, according to folkore, would be common sights on Bealtaine, and were said to protect against witches and fairies. Cattle and fire, of course, represent the most enduring element of the tradition, from Cormac to the 19th century, and all the way into modern revivals.
