Beltane 1999 Section 2

SECTION II - FAMILY ISSUES

4. Promoting Pagan Family Values - Selene SilverWind
5. Pagan Parenting - WindSeeker (no submission)
6. Kid's Corner - TBA

Promoting Pagan Family Values - Beltane
By Selene Silverwind
Slvrwind@aol.com

Ah, spring. It has returned once again and is bringing with it warm weather and beautiful flowers. The time between Beltane and Midsummer is a wonderful time to be outside enjoying Mother Nature's gifts before it becomes too uncomfortable to be out there. For those of you living in more Northern climates, some of these activities may need to wait until closer to Midsummer.

Dancing the May pole is a traditional Beltane activity. It is customary to adorn the top of the Maypole with a flower wreath. This is a perfect opportunity for you to help your children make the wreath with fresh spring blossoms and colorful ribbons. It doesn't have to be perfect, just an enjoyable activity for you and your children. Wicker or metal rounds can be found at your local craft store. Ribbons for the dance can then be attached to the wreath, or suspended from the pole itself.

Sunprints are a simple and inexpensive way to teach schoolchildren the power of the sun. All you need is a 5-gallon plastic bucket to serve as your darkroom, ammonia on a sponge, blueprint paper, and a clear sheet of plexiglass or a plastic sheet protector. You may also be able to find sunprint kits at your local craft store. Keep the blueprint paper in dark plastic or foil so it remains unexposed to the sun until you are ready to use it. Instruct the children to choose flowers, leaves, or anything else flat they would like to see reproduced on the blueprint paper. Soak the sponge with ammonia and place it under the bucket inside a small dish. Place the blueprint paper yellow side up on a clipboard or piece of cardboard, then the object to be printed on top, and the clear plastic sheet on top of that to hold it in place. Expose the paper to the sun for 10 to 20 seconds or until it turns white. Place the exposed paper under the bucket to develop for approximately one minute, then set aside to dry. During the drying process, explain to the children what is happening to the sun and the earth at this time of year. Bring snacks of fresh fruit, crackers, and juice.

Spring is, of course, a wonderful time to gather your friends and neighbors out of doors for a picnic and party. There are two ways to organize such an event. The first is to serve a potluck. Be sure to provide reusable plastic plates and utensils to prevent a strain on the environment. The second is to have each family provide their own meal. Set up Maypoles for the children and the adults. If you don't have a pole or tree that is appropriate, use a tetherball pole at the local park. You'll need a ladder to unhook the ball and attach the ribbons, and probably the permission of the groundskeeper.

Enjoy the spring, it doesn't last long!

Sorry Folks....no submission this issue