Greetings Sunny Optimists,
Recently a good friend pointed out that I like to begin each newsletter with what she calls a 'weather report.' I recognise that to refer to, and comment on, the weather is a very Scottish habit. This observation really made me laugh out loud. I can see people passing in the street, looking to the sky, rubbing their hands together, and generally shuffling on the spot.
'A fine day,’
'Aye that it is.'
'Nice to see the sun again.'
'Aye! yer right there!'
Big smile! This conversation reminded me of a cartoon strip we had when I was growing up called The Broons. They lived in a tenement in the fictional town of Auchenshoogle. The storylines offered commentary on the funny side of Scottish working-class life.
Here is a cartoon of them celebrating Hogmana, The bringing in of New Year.
Here I go with my weather report.
Last weekend we celebrated the arrival of May with our annual holiday weekend. Saturday the 1st of May was a beautiful sunny day. I cannot say it was warm, but it was, without a doubt, sunny. David and I joined in a lovely family gathering at the beach. Even has a wee paddle in the sea. Chilly but refreshing. It was so wonderful to be able to meet up again as a family group.
However, the arrival of May can often herald a return to wintery conditions, which is precisely what happened from Sunday onwards. Lots of heavy rain, the wind was low and in your face. Then yesterday we had hailstones which are still lying on the ground because it is so cold outside.
We have a saying in Scotland,
'Ne'er cast a clout till May be oot.'
It means don't put aside your warm winter clothing until the end of May. I smile because my warmies have not been stowed away for the summer just yet. I knew we had a way to go before teeshirts and jeans were on the cards.
And so I wonder - What is your weather report this week?
Beltane: Celtic Seasonal Ceremony
This talk of Scotland, and the honouring of the beginning of May, led me to explore Celtic seasonal ceremonies. As a teenager, I recall getting up before dawn on May 1st to climb Calton Hill in Edinburgh. I remember the excitement of following an ancient tradition. We would stop, every so often, to wash our faces in the morning dew and then danced to the sunrise on the top of the hill.
We felt immensely grown-up. LOL!
Most Earth Wisdom traditions celebrate the turning points of the year. These are the Winter and Summer Solstices, plus Spring and Autumn Equinoxes. In addition to these turning points, the Celtic tradition also celebrates what they call 'cross-quarter' festivals. These are Imbolc (February 1), Beltane (May 1), Lughnasadh (August 1), and Samhain (October 1). These sacred festival days fall almost precisely between the solar events.
Thus there are eight celebrations across the Celtic year. So interesting. I love the beauty of the language here. There is something very tribal and ancient to this that touches into my lineage in a lovely way. Mmmmm
The Beltane or 'the fire of Bel' ceremony is all about fire, fertility, and festivity. The day could include the village folk dancing around the Maypole. Then there would be the procession that leads to the crowning of the May Queen. The dancing figure of 'Jack-in-the-Green' would be at the head of the procession. Jack is from those days when our ancestors worshipped trees, apparently.
Lively parties, feasts, and weddings were commonplace to mark the height of spring and the beginning of summer. I have attended several Beltane celebrations in Edinburgh over the years. They were wild, energetic, and had a primordial sexuality to them in celebration of the fecundity of life.
Communing with the Fire
Beltane is celebrated with bonfires to welcome in the new season and with it the hope of new life. So I decided that I would offer you my ‘Loving Embrace of the Fire’ Meditation for completion today.
Click here or on the photograph to enjoy.
Exploration for this Week
I have this sense that there is lots of wisdom about seasonal ceremonies within our community. I would love to hear more about your understanding and experience of them. I would also appreciate knowing more about Celtic traditions and ceremonies in particular.
I wonder what you might share this week. I love the expansion I have in my heart when you send comments. Thank you for being with me.
Ann
Even though Ann's writing of the Sunny Optimist means that she 'disappears' from me for several hours each week whilst it is composed, i look forward to seeing what is posted. It is lovely that her memories can bring me new information about my Soul Mate. One memory I have about Beltane is that my Junior School would have a pageant where we would erect a maypole in the school grounds, and parents would be invited to see the pageant, which would include crowning a May Queen and dancing around the maypole. The dancers each holding a coloured ribbon, attached to the top of the pole, which would be woven around the pole as they danced. It fascinates me that as I get older it feels as if my old memories are more alive for me, and sometimes clearer, than the more recent ones. So here is a clear memory when I was 11 years old, so 63 years ago when I was the Chief Herald in the school pageant. I can even remember some of my lines: "Pray Silence for the Queen elect, in May day robes so sweetly decked, she comes to greet us all today, may peace and joy persue her way"
So beautiful and fun to read, Ann. I can never get enough of your stories about Scotland...and the language! Our weather is similar her in Minnesota. While I agree with TS Eliot that "April is the cruelest month," May can bring its own cold and rain and longing for spring. Today, however, I raise my face to a warm and bright sun, and wish the same for you and David!