Beltane Walk

[RichardB]

OK, a song by Marc Bolan, but what's it all about please?

Thanksto Midsomer Murders.

[vox]

I think it's about what a lot of Bolan lyrics are about. - Nothing much at all.

Just whimsical words that have a nice sound to them.

[Bayleaf]

Beltane is one of the four Celtic fire festivals marking the quarter points in the year - feasts were held and bonfires were lit throughout the countryside. Fire was believed to have purifying qualities - it cleansed and rejuvenated both the land and the people.

The ritual welcoming of the sun and the lighting of the fires was also believed to ensure fertility of the land and the people. Animals were transfered from winter pens to summer pastures, and were driven between the Beltane fires to cleanse them of evil spirits and to bring fertility and a good milk yield. The Celts leapt over Beltane fires - for fertility and purification.

Young men would circle the Beltaine fires holding Rowan branches to bring protection against evil - its bright berries suggested fire - malign powers were considered particularly active at the year's turning-point.

It was considered unlucky to allow anyone to take fire from one's house on May Eve or May Day, as they would gain power over the inhabitants.

More locally, I remember being told that there is a certain large valley on the outskirts of Sheffield where you can still see Beltane fires lit all along the hillsides.

[RichardB]

I knew Beltane had some meaning, now how abot Umma Gumma by Pink Floyd ?

Seriously "See Emily Play" contains the line "Games for May" which is relevant to your detail Bayleaf ...

Beltane is one of the four Celtic fire festivals marking the quarter points in the year - feasts were held and bonfires were lit throughout the countryside. Fire was believed to have purifying qualities - it cleansed and rejuvenated both the land and the people.

The ritual welcoming of the sun and the lighting of the fires was also believed to ensure fertility of the land and the people. Animals were transfered from winter pens to summer pastures, and were driven between the Beltane fires to cleanse them of evil spirits and to bring fertility and a good milk yield. The Celts leapt over Beltane fires - for fertility and purification.

Young men would circle the Beltaine fires holding Rowan branches to bring protection against evil - its bright berries suggested fire - malign powers were considered particularly active at the year's turning-point.

It was considered unlucky to allow anyone to take fire from one's house on May Eve or May Day, as they would gain power over the inhabitants.

More locally, I remember being told that there is a certain large valley on the outskirts of Sheffield where you can still see Beltane fires lit all along the hillsides.