Sunday, April 30, 2006

April 30th In History

On this day in history:

1789: George Washington becomes the first U.S. President
1803: Louisiana sold to the United States by France
1945: Hitler commits suicide
1975: The Viet Nam war ends, with the South surrendering to the North

April 30th is also the start of Beltane (or May Day, as we call it). It celebrates the height of Spring and the flowering of life. The dance around the phallic Maypole symbolizes the sacred marriage of the Goddess and God. This is the time of the Lord and Lady -- the festival of unashamed sexuality and fertility. On May Eve (April 30th), bless your garden in the old way by making love with your lover in it. Make a wish as you jump a bonfire (make it a little one, okay?) or a candle, for good luck. Then welcome in the May at dawn with singing and dancing.

4 comments:

Sherrill Quinn said...

Yep, Chey. Conspiracy theory, anyway, that he faked his death. I prefer to think that he *did* take the coward's way out, rather than escape justice of any kind.

For The Trees said...

And just whom are you gonna bless your garden with, THIS year??? Um??

Bounteous Beltane to you!! I know it's hot in the desert already, but it's a dry heat...and beautiful!

Remember New Year's is the first monsoon, according to the Tohono O'odham. Get those party hats ready!! It's not THAT far away, now.

If you walk, I've found wandering the trails in Saguaro East to be really meditative and inspiring.

Keep on writing, Sherrill. You can do it, and do it well!

Sherrill Quinn said...

Forrest, I don't have a garden, which might be part of my problem. LOL

I'm actually looking foward to monsoons, at least... I am as long as we get a good amount of rain. :)

Faltenin said...

It was raining last night. Ugh.