Folklore Happy May-Cantamaggio or Beltane

Angela

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In Celtic countries it's called Beltane, traditionally celebrated on May 1st as the first of summer, mid-way between the Spring and Summer Equinox.

" was when cattle were driven out to the summer pastures. Rituals were performed to protect the cattle, crops and people, and to encourage growth. Special bonfires were kindled, and their flames, smoke and ashes were deemed to have protective powers. The people and their cattle would walk around or between bonfires, and sometimes leap over the flames or embers. All household fires would be doused and then re-lit from the Beltane bonfire. These gatherings would be accompanied by a feast, and some of the food and drink would be offered to the aos sí. Doors, windows, byres and livestock would be decorated with yellow May flowers, perhaps because they evoked fire. In parts of Ireland, people would make a May Bush: typically a thorn bush or branch decorated with flowers, ribbons, bright shells and rushlights. Holy wells were also visited, while Beltane dew was thought to bring beauty and maintain youthfulness. Many of these customs were part of May Day or Midsummer festivals in other parts of Great Britain and Europe."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beltane

In Italy on the first of May there is an old custom, now mostly practiced only in rural communities in the north to my knowledge, although undergoing a bit of a comeback in Terni with a festival aimed at tourists, people would gather, bedecked with early flowers, to "sing in May".

This is from Beverino, La Spezia. It does my heart good to see they are teaching the new generation.



Varese Ligure, also La Spezia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUpvGCspZSQ

Montereggio, La Spezia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34B4ILz218s

Ferrieri PC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcKIDUD62PY

The glitz of Terni:
3667345_1213_101449988.jpg


It really is a glorious time of year. By me:
trees01.jpg


clark-botanic-garden-albertson-56a5b8b35f9b58b7d0de1fe1.jpg
 

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