Beltane Celebration

Artefact of the month – Wooden Tapers (Fir candles)

Beltane marks a time when livestock were put out to pasture. Rituals were performed to protect cattle, crops and people from harm and to encourage growth during the summer months. Bonfires were lit, feasts prepared and offerings made. Flowers were used to decorate homes, cattle and byres.

In early May, we mark the discovery of ancient light sticks, used like candles, made from resinous pine. They may have been used to light ceremonial fires or brighten a dim corner in the Crannog and many were burnt at both ends. They are the only pine artefacts discovered so far from Oakbank Crannog.

We invite you to join our celebration and bring blossoms along with you to decorate the Crannog and to add to our wild flowers and foliage for garlands and crowns.

All day time events include museum exhibits, talks around a log-fire in the Crannog roundhouse, demonstrations and hands-on experience of ancient crafts and technologies