Welsh Blankets
Calan Mai - May Day
Calan Mai - May Day - 1st May
Calan Mai is the first day of May and traditionally, May Day was the first day of Summer, Calan Hâf. Nos Galan Mai is the evening before May Day. The first day of May was an important time for celebration and festivities in Wales and there are some superstitions and customs still practiced today that date back to Druid times.
BELTANE
More widely, Beltane is the Gaelic May Day festival celebrating fertility and new growth. As a festival, it has mostly died out since the mid-20th century, but some customs continue today, and in many places, it is being revived as a cultural event. Even a Dr Who (Tom Baker) programme was based on Beltane. The Beltane fires that are traditionally observed represented purification and the banishing of disease and the ceremonies are extravagant with music costume and dancing. There is still a Beltane Fire Society in existence, based in Edinburgh Scotland.
Nos Galan - Ysbryd Nos
Here in Wales, history tells us that Nos Galan, May Day’s Eve was even more important than May Day itself. It was one of the three great ‘spirit nights’ (ysbrydnos) of the year. These were thought to be the three nights of the year that the veil to the spirit world was at its thinnest. The three Ysbryd Nos are;
- Nos Galan (30th April)
- St John’s Eve (24th June) and
- Nos Calan Gaeaf (Halloween, 31st October).
As the darkness would approach on Nos Galan, bonfires were lit which would represent purification, ward off harmful spirits and banish disease.
Calan Mai - Calan Hâf
May Day itself used to be known as Calan Hâf, the first day of summer. At the opposite end of the season, the first of November was known as Calan Gaeaf, the first day of Winter. These two festivals divided the year into winter and summer and became the dates on which certain activities began or ended.
About FelinFach
Located in Pembrokeshire Wales, our ethos is defined in the three words...
NATURAL TRADITIONAL HANDMADE.
- Hand woven iconic Welsh blankets and Welsh tapestry blankets.
- Hand dyed yarn, dyed with natural dyes only - no exceptions!
- Handmade candles, candle accessories, Candle Making Workshops and soapery.
- Natural Dyeing Craft courses.
- Yarn shop, yarn bowls, project bags, tools and accessories for knitters and crafters.
- Welsh Gifts, souvenirs, made in Wales, handmade in Wales.
We are a proud supporter of Americymru, the Campaign for Wool, Global Welsh and Red Dragon America.
Last updated 30th April 2024
