Happy Beltane-Happy May

Now the bright morning-star, Day’s harbinger,
Comes dancing from the East, and leads with her
The flowery May, who from her green lap throws
The yellow cowslip and the pale primrose.
Hail, bounteous May, that dost inspire
Mirth, and youth, and warm desire!
Woods and groves are of thy dressing;
Hill and dale doth boast thy blessing.
Thus we salute thee with our early song,
And welcome thee, and wish thee long.
-John Milton, Song on a May Morning, 1660

Another name for May Day is Beltane--a celebration of future harvests, fertility and a movement of livestock to summer pastures. Although my weekend did not involve dancing around a may pole or the lighting of bonfires; I did spend a fair amount of time in the garden plots on top of the hill where the wild mustard and dandelions put on a spectular show of green and gold--a fitting color burst for the honoring of a boutiful season to come.