Beltane/Beltain is a Celtic festival celebrated on May 1st, May Day, with some celebrations beginning on the night of April 30th, May Eve, in the Northern Hemisphere and November 1st in the Southern Hemisphere. Beltane is a fire festival and traditionally bonfires were lit to honour the sun and the Celtic Sun God, Bel (Beltane, Belen or Belenos), whom is associated with healing, light and fire.
Lighting bonfires wasn't the only way to celebrate, visiting wells, feasting and making May bushes were considered other activities. The maypole is a familiar image of May Day and Beltane, and tying colourful ribbons to trees and branches is another popular activity. Beltane marks the peak of Spring and signifies the beginning of Summer - think renewal, growth and abundance. Daylight continues to lengthen and strengthen as we move towards Summer and there is a return of vitality to both the earth and sun, with the May King, the Green Man, and the May Queen, Flora Goddess of Spring, symbolizing the union of earth and sky. Other celebrated festivals on this day are May Day (English), Calan Mai (Welsh), Walpurgisnacht (Walpurgis Night, German), Roodmas (Scottish) and Cétshamhain (Irish).
There are plenty of ways to celebrate, connect with nature and create something to honour this festival. These Beltane Sun Cakes have an uplifting sunny citrus flavour to help you tune into those solar vibrations. Happy Beltane... May Day to all!
Beltane Sun Cakes
---------------------------------------------------------------------
2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
grated orange zest of 1 orange
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 egg
1/4 cup orange juice
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment paper.
In a large bowl mix together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda and grated orange rind. Create a well in the centre and add the softened butter, egg and orange juice, blend well.
Let the dough chill for about an hour, then roll pieces into balls, place on the prepared cookie sheet, about 1 inch apart, flatten slightly. Bake for about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Once cool, icing the top with a sun symbol, to represent the sun, if you wish.