History: It was a celebration of the fertility of the land and their animals. The main traditional element which was common to all Beltane festivals was the fire which gave it its name. All the fires of the community would be extinguished and a new, sacred ‘Need Fire’ was lit. (ref: beltane.org)
Emma Restall Orr (1998), a modern day Druid, speaks of the 'fertility of our personal creativity'. She is referring to the need for active and creative lives. We need fertile minds for our work, our families and our interests. Fire is still the most important element of most Beltane celebrations and there are many traditions associated with it. It is seen to have purifying qualities which cleanse and revitalise. People leap over the Beltane fire to bring good fortune, fertility (of mind, body and spirit) and happiness through the coming year.
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