Description
The Bealtaine Fire is lit on Bealtaine, which is the cross quarter day that marks the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice.
At this time of year all around us nature has sprung to life, and summer has well and truly begun. Our ancient ancestors marked this point on the calendar with festivals and fire, most famously with the Bealtaine fire at Uisneach, a site that holds much significance to both our archaeology and mythology here in Ireland. A fire festival takes place at this site right to this day on Bealtaine, where people gather to mark the turn of the year and the beginning of the summer season.
Uisneach is a site rich in archaeology, mythology and history. It is the sacred centre of Ireland and is filled with archaeological and natural sites that make it a centrepoint for Ireland’s history and mythology in both a literal and metaphorical sense.
This painting is a depiction of that very mythical fire. A ritual of cleansing and hope for a fertile and productive summer season to come.
This is an 10″ × 8″ giclée print, printed on Hahnemühle William Turner paper and signed by Shelly Mooney.
