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For thousands of years, people have observed the Iron Age Celtic ritual
Members of the Pentacle Drummers perform in front of a burning wicker man during the Beltane Celtic Fire Festival at Butser Ancient Farm in Waterlooville, Hampshire
Since ancient times, Beltane, which is observed on May 1 between the spring and summer equinoxes, has been a joyous occasion.
While its origins stem from pagan festivals. Wiccans and neopagans alike observe Beltane, therefore it's not just a pagan celebration.
But what is Beltane and how is it celebrated?
What is Beltane?
The large-scale reinterpretation of the ancient celebration featured dozens of participants
Jane Barlow/PA Wire
Beltane is a Gaelic May Day celebration and is usually observed in Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man.
The evening before May 1 is dedicated to celebrating the occasion, which heralds the arrival of summer.
For thousands of years, people have observed the Celtic ritual from the Iron Age.
In 1988, a group of ardent supporters revived the festival in Edinburgh, and now it has over 300 volunteer collaborators and performers. Acrobats, drummers, dancers, musicians, witches and onlookers are among them.
How is it celebrated?
Hundreds of spectators gathered for the event in the shadow of the National Monument
Jane Barlow/PA Wire
The community retell the May Queen and the Green Man's death and rebirth stories with help from Blues' support and space.
The Blues are a team of "elder" volunteers who have been involved in the event for an extended period of time, which implies that people respect and hold them in high regard. They are in charge of the ceremony and setting where the May Queen manifests.
Before the Beltane fire is lighted to herald the arrival of summer, the painted Blues guide the Green Man to his death and resurrection.
For them to govern together during the summer, the May Queen also seduces the Green Man during the rite. In the ritual, the Green Man also has a major role. He stands for all life as it exists on Earth.
The May Queen in her maiden form is revealed to the Green Man's Winter side as the rite progresses.
He gets ready to give his life to her after realising that for them to be together, he needs to change and that he wants to be with her. He then receives life energy from the May Queen and returns as the Green Man.
In the community phase known as the Bower, where food and drink are enjoyed, the May Queen and Green Man hold court at the end of the evening.
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