New Age Fashion: Women's Accessories for Beltane

Beltane, the Pagan celebration which takes place on May 1^st in the northern hemisphere, is the yearly festival commemorating spring fertility and the approach of summer. Traditionally, the Celts would build huge fires on Beltane eve; these fires were believed to be purifying and healing-a fitting aspect for a celebration of the official end of winter, a harsh and challenging time. Different celebrants attributed their own unique Deity associations to the festival, but numerous elements remained fairly consistent throughout the lands: flowers, fires, and the May pole.

According to Christina Aubin's wonderful article Beltane -- Holiday Details and History, "The Maypole dance as an important aspect of encouraging the return of fertility to the earth. The pole itself is not only phallic in symbolism but also is the connector of the three worlds. Dancing the Maypole during Beltane is magical experience as it is a conduit of energy, connecting all three worlds at a time when these gateways are more easily penetrable."

Fashion, which is really just an elaborate system of expressing ourselves through our cultural clothing, can be a fun and festive way to celebrate Pagan and New Age traditions such as Beltane while allowing for a subtly which may only be appreciated by other celebrants encountered during the mundane day. Below is a list of fashion accessory examples, which have obvious-or abstract-connections to the Beltane celebration for those who want to wear their festive heart on their sleeve.

Real Flower Jewelry - Beltane festivals often incorporate wearing floral wreathes, bouquets, and crowns. Part of the celebration of the arrival of spring is embracing the signs; flowers, the color green, vibrant hues and pastels. But anyone who has picked fresh flowers to weave into their hair or a crown knows how quickly real blossoms wilt after being harvested. That makes Fleurings one of the best inventions in recent years. These jewelry pieces are specifically designed to work like a tiny vase, preserving the longevity of cut flowers, enabling them to be worn for long periods as accessories. See an example of these earrings in action here.

Hair Ribbons - With part of the Beltane celebrations involving the ribbons of the May pole, weaving or braiding colorful ribbons, twine, or yarn into your hair can be an attractive and festive way to show your participation. The Boho-chic side-braid is very fashionable this year, but even a dual-braid or French braid style can easily incorporate ribbons and similar flashes of colors. Also, green is typically associated with Beltane, so emerald ribbons are highly appropriate. An example of a braid intertwined with ribbons his pictured here.

Red Henna Tattoos - While Henna tattoos are not Pagan in origin, their beauty and temporary nature makes them a perfect fashion accessory for celebrating New Age holidays and the changing of seasons. The fires at Beltane, also known as the Bel Fires, are a sacred expressions and are almost always included in the festivities. Why not incorporate this symbolic association into your wardrobe during the days leading up to Beltane by wearing a Henna or temporary tattoo in rich reds, oranges, and golds? A tribal fire symbol, or a symbol or word for fire, worn on the back of the hand, the upper arm, or anywhere the participant likes can be a visual representation of a celebration of the day. Alternatively, consider plants or floral designs in shades of red, such as the henna tattoo pictured here.

Circlets and Celtic Jewelry - Of course, no list of suggestions could be complete without mentioning the thousands of online and regional vendors who offer a vast array of Celtic or New Age jewelry. This extends to include beautifully crafted, ornate circlets-an accessory often used in Pagan rituals-that can be as elaborate and unique as the customer wants. Camias Jewelry Design is my favorite circlet designer, and I fully intend to purchase at least one style from her site in the future. The bridal collection is especially stunning, and was the item search which led me to this talented designer to begin with. See an example here of the amazing work she does, with many pieces customizable with a specific gemstone.

Sources:
Christina Aubin, "Beltane -- Holiday Details and History," WitchVox