Beltane / Beltain is the Gaelic May Day festival commonly held on the 1st of May, in the Northern Hemisphere and the 1st of November in the Southern Hemisphere, or about halfway between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice. It spans the night of April 31st, May Eve and May 1st, May Day. The May pole is a popular and familiar image of May Day and Beltane and its celebrations. Other names for this celebration are called Roodmas and Walpurgisnacht.
At this time it marks the peak of Spring and the beginning of Summer. Earth's energies are at their strongest and most active. The trees begin to blossom and leaves begin to grow. Young animals are maturing. Daylight continues to lengthen and strengthen as we move towards summer. All life is bursting... with fertility and conception. The return of vitality to both the earth and sun. The May Queen and May King symbolize the union of earth and sky. Fire is the focus at Beltane, as it is the second fire festival, and Beltane is the Celtic word for bright fire or Fires of Bel. Bel is a Celtic deity.
Foods associated with Beltane are breads and grains, oats, dairy, honey, custard, strawberries, greens and leafy greens. Trees are hawthorn, birch and rowan and colours are green, blue, yellow, pink, red and white.
Of course there are things you may do to honour Beltane, they are: watch a sunrise, connect with nature, conceive a new project, decorate a tree and branches with colourful ribbons celebrating greenery and trees, collect flowers, make a floral arrangement, daisy chain or a door wreath of greenery and flowers, light a candle or burn incense, braid your hair, dance around a may pole, if you feel inclined or simply create something culinary.
This Oatmeal Cake is absolutely scrumptious and is a lovely Beltane recipe to celebrate and share. No need to worry if you do not have oat flour just replace it with all-purpose flour instead.
Beltane Oatmeal Cake with Coconut Glaze Icing
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 cup oatmeal ( old fashion oats will do)
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 cup unbleached all purpose flour
1/2 cup oat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Coconut Glaze Icing:
6 tablespoon butter ( 85 grams )
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease and flour a 9 x 13 inch rectangle pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper.
Add boiling water to the oatmeal. Stir slightly and let stand for 20 minutes.
In a large bowl mix brown sugar, sugar, and butter until well blended. Stir in the eggs. Add the oatmeal mixture and stir.
In another bowl combine the flour, oat flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder and cinnamon. Whisk together. Add the flour mixture to the oatmeal mixture and mix until combined. Pour into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter, sugar, and evaporated milk. Cook until it bubbles and then remove from heat. Add the coconut, walnuts, and vanilla and stir. Pour immediately onto slightly cooled cake.
Hope everyone enjoyed viewing the Pink Super Moon. It was quite the spectacle. Happy Beltane, May Day, and weekend to all! - JD