It's Beltane! May Pole Dance!

What's Beltane? Beltane marks the half of the year, it's the light half. Samhain (Halloween) is the dark half. Beltane honors life. Samhain honors death.

Growing up, I recall doing the May Pole dance. I never quite understood the purpose except it was something I looked forward to every May. It has been ages since I've done this dance. I will do it with my family sometimes this weekend. We're expecting rain. I think it's ok to do it on a day we can- Goddess will understand!

I borrowed this description from WitchVox's page, "The Maypole is an important element to Beltane festivities, it is a tall pole decorated with long brightly colored ribbons, leaves, flowers and wreaths. Young maidens and lads each hold the end of a ribbon, and dance revolving around the base of the pole, interweaving the ribbons. The circle of dancers should begin, as far out from the pole as the length of ribbon allows, so the ribbons are taut. There should be an even number of boys & girls. Boys should be facing clockwise and girls counterclockwise. They each move in the direction that they are facing, weaving with the next, around to braid the ribbons over-and-under around the pole. Those passing on the inside will have to duck, those passing on the outside raise their ribbons to slide over. As the dances revolve around the pole the ribbons will weave creating a pattern, it is said that the pattern will indicate the abundance of harvest year."

Neat ritual, isn't it? I'm not quite ready to teach the full meaning of Beltane to my kids. May Pole Dance.... long ago, folks celebrate with a romp in the field, if you catch my meaning? It's a fertality dance, celebrating spring. Enjoy the Day!