May Day 2021

It’s May Day! To some that means International Workers day; thoughts of equality, solidarity, and honouring those who fought for our rights.

To others it means Beltane; and thoughts of Summer approaching, new beginnings, and growth. Beltane literally means “bright fire”, symbolic of the sun growing in the sky, a new season beginning, and of communities coming together to celebrate.

To me, it’s also a really good excuse to share this fiery photo from Barry & Sara’s Wedding. I’ve always adored it, but seldom find an excuse to share it. I don’t know who the fire juggler is, but their identity obscured by the blur of their dance is all part of its magic.

Weddings are the rituals by which we mark the beginning of a new chapter in life, and celebrate the love growing. In that way, every Wedding is its own little Beltane celebration. Your community, your family, get together around the fire, and celebrate the days to come. More Weddings should absolutely involve more fire rituals!

I think this Beltane is more poignant than most, as we come out of one of our generation’s darkest winters.

Similarly, I think this International Workers Day is an opportunity to learn from all the efforts and sacrifices made in the last twelve months, and to really reevaluate what we consider to be “proper work” and how much we value it as a society.

Whatever you’re doing today, I hope the sun is shining on you. Better days are coming!