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| Vestiges of the pre-Christian celebration of Beltane abound in Cornwall. (In our country, we know only May Day; there, Beltane is the entire month of May.)
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We attended a Maypole dance at Carn Bosavern, near our inn outside of St. Just. |
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Our guide, Cheryl, has been instrumental in recreating an ancient tradition of visits to the sacred wells at Beltane, an especially propitious time for divination and healing.
Madron well is at left. Above is the remains of the Celtic chapel of which it was a part. (See the Sacred Sites page for the recent tradition of hanging clouties at wells.) |
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The Obby Oss ("hobby horse") is the centerpiece of the celebration, a strange beast followed by musicians and dancers all night and day. |
Our group was disappointed to find it a mob scene with considerable public rowdiness. On reflection, this is probably in keeping with tradition, perhaps even toned down from past times. In comparison, our own May Day celebrations are sedate affairs indeed. |
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