Are beltane(may day) and lathi(summer solstice) associated with land?

Answer 1

Anything which is associated to pagan/wiccan holidays usually is associated with the land.....Pagan/Wiccan law, requires the pagan/wiccan to live in accordance to the earth and her ways.

Beltane (May Day) (All Hallows eve in Australia.)
April 30 (beginning at sundown) (October 30 to 31st in Australia.)
Theme: Fertility; Passion; Fullness of Life
Type: Seasonal Holiday ~ Final Spring Festival

Beltane is the last of three Spring festivals. Spring is in its fullest expression; fertility and life is all around us. Traditionally this was a time for blessing the fields and the animals to promote fertility and abundance. Fertility rites are performed, such as leaping the fire, and dancing the maypole (an ancient fertility symbol with the pole representing the phallus and the woven ribbons representing the vulva).

It is a time for celebrating love and union ... the fertility of people, plants and animals, and also of projects and endeavors. It is a unashamed celebration of sexuality -- the joy of sexual union and love. In Celtic tradition, lovers found each other by the glow of the bonfires, and made love on the hillsides. Through these rights the fertility of the Earth is stimulated sympathetically. Beltane is a very popular time for handfastings (a non-legal bonding ceremony) or marriages.

Joy and celebration are the hallmarks of Beltane. It is not a time for deep contemplation or meditation, but rather a time to dance with the energy and rhythms of the earth. To celebrate life and growth in all its forms -- within and without. It is a time to call energy for new projects and undertakings, and to honor the growing fullness of our lives.


Lathi / Midsummer (SummerSolstice)
approximately June 21st (November 21st in Australia.)
Theme: First day of Summer; the Triumph of the Sun; Magick Type: Solar Holiday; longest day of the Year

Midsummer is the counter-point to Yule on the Wheel of the Year. It is the longest day -- the triumph of the light half of the Year. When the sun has reaches its peak, the Wheel turns to restore balance. In the days that follow, the nights will grow longer and longer, the sun’s power slowly waning. Traditionally, the Celts set wheels (as symbols of the sun) on fire and rolled them down the hillsides to celebrate the power of light, and recognize the imminent decline of the sun. Bonfires were lighted and jumped, and the ashes scattered on the fields to bless and fertilize them.

Despite the name, Midsummer actually marks the first day of Summer. It is a time of ripeness and fullness. Summer is in full bloom and the Earth is alive with abundance and the promise of the harvest to come. The energetic, passionate dance of Beltane has deepened to a rich, deep pulse... the promise of fertility maturing into abundance. Yet the knowledge that tomorrow the sun begins to wane reminds us that all things fade ... that change is inevitable ... that Nature demands balance. Here in the height of Summer, we do not mourn the passing of things, but celebrate the the fullness of our experiences.

Midsummer has long been associated with magick, bright mystery and faery realms. It is a time when the veils between the human world and the Land of Faery may be easily parted. This is a night to leave offerings of milk and bread for the Fay Folk to ensure their goodwill and promote harmony. Midsummer is a good time for magickal workings and journeying between the worlds.

Answer 2

There are eight traditional holidays associated with the fertility of the land:
Bridhe-in February
Ostara-in March
Beltane-in May
Litha-in June
Lunasa-in August
Mabon-in September
Samhain-in October
Yule-in December
All of them are farming celebrations involving traditions that bring fertility to the land to promote a bountiful life throughout the year.

Answer 3

I don't associate it with the god/goddess mythos, but have no problem with those who do. For me, it represents the longest day, and the height of the Sun's strength for the Northern Hemisphere. I don't like the idea of greater/lesser when it comes to the Sabbats. I think each has its own special representation. Each day from there on, the sun goes a little further away, and we can begin to feel it as the days go by.. it's a happy/sad time in that it seems all too short. But, the days of harvest are coming soon, and we'll reap that bounty. Each season is special, and I'm honored to be a part of it. Great question and good luck in your research!

Answer 4

Try these links:
http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/belta...
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/pholidays...
The second one includes Beltane and the solstice, plus info on the other
seasonal celebrations/observances.