Beltain,
Welcome to summer;
Rain!

After weeks of grey skies and rain, we’re now seeing a change in the weather.  Of course, change is never straightforward and whilst warmer days are on their way, there are sure to be some surprises!  On the last day of April, it rained constantly, and today the first day of May, the sun is shining!

In the ancient agricultural calendar, Beltain, or the Festival of Fertility, is usually celebrated at the end of April and the beginning of May and marked as the beginning of summer.  It is a time to celebrate the power of the life force; everything is growing and showing!  The energy of unions, whether spiritual or physical is alive!  The picture of the hawthorn tree, Crataegus monogyna, is relevant to this festival as it brings the spirit of wild places into our lives.  The haunt of fairies makes it a magical tree!

The hawthorn is tolerant of strong winds, dry and wet conditions.  A small , thorny deciduous tree with small white fragrant flowers; hermaphrodite (both male and female) reinforcing the association with balance and unions.  It is also known as the Maythorn or May Tree.  Its wood is tough and fine grained sometimes used as a veneer.

 Midges,
Dancing above the May tree;
Summer.
 

I’m a bit late with this post as I was out all day yesterday on a garden visit.  More of that soon!  That is as long as my photos have come out; it was a very overcast day!

Happy May Day.

Ashley