Beltaine, A Celebration of Renewal
The celebration of Beltaine is the symbolic union of the male and female principles of creation. The God and Goddess are united in sacred marriage; the consummation of their relationship symbolically fertilises the crops and animals for the coming year. It is a celebration of the continued renewal of life.
Symbols of rebirth, renewal and the continuation of green and growing things, the Green Man and Green Woman have been depicted in various forms in many cultures throughout history. Dedicated to new verdant life and a fertile harvest, GreenMan and GreenWoman are portrayed with a variety of lush greenery, entwined vines, seeds, berries and flowers.
Dancing around the May Pole on 1st of May is a custom associated with Beltaine. The red and white ribbons weaving around the pole celebrate the union of the God and Goddess. In modern times, many couples plan their handfasting, wedding ceremonies or renew their vows in Spring and Summer.
MagickMermaid 
Lovely piece of myth/ belief. Thanks for sharing it!
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Thank you so much! 🙂
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Excellent. I enjoyed the superb painting and the explanation. didn’t green know about the green woman. I remember seeing them dance the may pole when I was a kid but never saw it since. It’s all being culturally demonised and erased here sadly. Like the romans demonised the pagans a long time ago. I think the things they used to worship make a lot more sense than the things we do. A beautiful religion. Now only available in horror films and chinese whispers.
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Thank you so much! This is why I enjoy creating and reviving the old ways 🙂
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and God love you for that 😉
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I think you are a Time Traveler: that is how you came to be so knowledgeable about the Olde Ways.
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(nah she’s a Thyme Traveller!)
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Could be…..:)
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Such a beautiful painting! (And who knew there were so many shades of green? Nature – and you!) Happy May 1! I think I’ll beg off the ‘dancing around the May Pole bit, though, cuz it’s pouring out!
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Thank you so much! Dancing in the rain is fun! 🙂
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I’ve always loved the green man, and didn’t know there was a green woman, or anything about this beautiful ritual. Love your art work!
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Thank you so much! 🙂
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Beautiful artwork, Morgaine. You are very talented.
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Thank you so much Russell! 🙂
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Magnificent artwork. All that green. Love it. Belated Beltain Blessingsto you. 🙂
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Thank you so much! Greens are fun to work with! 🙂
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