Spring has been building for a while now, the blossom is out, there are colours and flowers everywhere. The trees in this picture were all angular black branches until just a week or so ago, and in the last few days the buds have swelled and burst, which you can just see in the photo - and right now looking out of the window, are almost in full leaf. These 3 trees form the backdrop to my day, the first thing I see when I step out of the front door to go for my morning walk and I enjoy watching the seasons through them. Apart from the few weeks when the sticky sap falls onto the cars and street beneath them, and seems to cover anything that comes within a dozen metres of it!
May is upon us and with it comes Beltane, the third of the Spring celebrations in the Druid tradition and halfway between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. Bel was "the Bright One" - the god of light and fire. Bonfires were lit and their flames, smoke and ashes were said to offer protection. Household fires would have been put out and then re-lit from the Beltane bonfire. Of course as well as fire, May Day is associated with dancing round the may-pole and is an acknowledgement of the fertility of the land.
There is lots of nature to see at this time of year! I know I go on about the dandelions growing between the paving slabs a lot - but honestly, have you ever seen such magnificent dandelions as this year? Traditionally yellow flowers were collected and placed at doors and windows - as well as dandelions, I've seen a wonderful crop of marsh marigolds at our local pond and some vibrant yellow poppies growing in someone's front garden. So don't stop indoors reading this - get out there - celebrate May, celebrate Beltane and celebrate nature.
I'll be back next week to tell you more about Green Health Week which starts on Saturday 8th May.