In ancient times all fires were extinguished and relit with fire from the Beltane fire (usually was a bonfire). Two fires were often built on either side of a pathway from the nine sacred woods and animal herds were driven between them for protection throughout the coming year.
The fires symbolize both the return of life and were believed to protect, heal, and purify anything/one that/who passed by or jumped over them. At Beltane the sacred marriage between the god and goddess has occurred. It's also a celebration of fertility, fruitfulness, and the coming of summer. Half the year's light is waxing and flowers, trees, and plants are in full bloom.
The Maypole: Represents the god/dess. The pole itself is male and the ribbons female which are always the color of the rainbow.
Belfire: Usually the belfire is lit by a preist and a priestess, symbolizing the union of the god and goddess. Brooms were thrown onto the fire to banish the previous year's dirt and grim (symbolicly speaking of course) and new ones that were made during the winter months were brought out and blessed. Tools: Maypole, ribbons, white flowers, daisies, fruit, and crowns of flowers
Stones: Emerald, Saphire, Rose Quartz, and Orange Carelian
Foods: Honey, dairy, sweets, and oats
Herbs and Flowers: Hawthorn, rose, primrose, lilac, ivy, daisy, hibiscus, saffron, angelica, ash tree, bluebells, and marigolds
Oils: Vanilla, lilac, rose, frankincese, and passion flower
Colors: All Colors
Spells for: Love, romance, fertility, Great Rite, divination, crop blessings, offerings to elementals, elf/fae magic, and relighting fires rituals
