The Faeries of Midsummer
Bealtaine is next only to Midsummer in the pervasiveness of Faery lore. Daisy chains woven just prior to the Sabbat were placed around children's necks for protection, and livestock was fed fresh dill weed. Fresh butter was at particular risk, and it was customary to toss a hot coal into the churn to protect it from marauding faeries. In Arthurian myths, Queen Guinevere rides out on May Day to collect white hawthorn for protection.
Perhaps the best protection against Faeries is the ringing of bells. Bells in any form are suppose to hurt the Wee Folks' ears and make them flee. Therefore, it is not surprising that bells figure heavily in the Bealtaine festivities. Most Pagan altars sport bells, and bells are often used to ring in the rising May Day Sun in the Norse Traditions. But the most Prominent display of bells is on the heels of Morris Dancers. Morris Dances are old fertility dances traditionally performed around a Maypole. The dances from English and Celtic lands still survive, and on May first, one need not look long or far to find a group of these dancers with bells tied to their heels.
You can make your own bells for Bealtaine dancing be getting two three-foot lengths of white and/or red ribbon and several jingle bells. Lace the bells through the ribbons until they are in the center, Wrap one ribbon around each ankle and tie it in a bow.
Other bells one used for protection are still in everyday use, though their original meaning has been largely forgotten. These are the folk art items we call wind chimes and door harps, both once set out to frighten faeries and other baneful spirits away from open windows and doors.
The primrose flower was also believed to repel Bealtaine faeries, even though most faery lore tells us that this is a flower they like and to which they are attracted. It is still a popular custom in rural Ireland to strew primrose blossoms over the front porches of homes on May Eve to prevent mischievous faeries from entering.
