The Gaelic May Day Festival
We celebrate Bealtaine on the 2nd of May 2026
What is Bealtaine?
Bealtaine is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals (Samhain, Imbolc and Lughnasadh being the others). It marked the beginning of the pastoral summer season when livestock were driven out to the summer pastures. Rituals were held at that time to protect them from harm, both natural and supernatural through rituals with fire, but also to protect crops, dairy, people and encourage growth! The fairies, older gods and nature spirits also played a big role and many rituals had as a goal to appease them all.
In 2026 we celebrate Bealtaine on the 2d of May due to it being a weekend, but some celebrate it when the hawthorne blooms. As it in any way takes us closer to summer and the sun isn't at it's highest energy just yet, it feels like a fitting time in the Northern Hemisphere to gather and celebrate with music, food and dance!
What to bring:
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Layered Warm Clothing
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Sturdy Walking Shoes
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Seating Mat or Fur
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Something that makes Sound: A drum, a rattle, or even two stones to clap together. We will use these to commemorate Spring in full and celebrate the light!
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Your own Mug/Cup
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A "Nature Offering": A small item from your own home or garden (like a stone, a seed, or a dried leaf) to place at the Maypole. Something that represents growth to you.
Children:
- You have the responsibility for your own children.
- Children are accompanied by an adult at all times
When:
Saturday 2.5.2026 10:00 - 20:00
Prices:
350kr p.p. (20 people max.)
Children up to age 13: free
If on low or without income: please contact us.
Wheel of the Year Subscription?
Midori No Hi
Greenery Day (4th of May 2025)
Midori no Hi is a Japanese national holiday celebrated on May 4th. Its official purpose is "to commune with nature, be grateful for its blessings, and nurture a rich spirit."
The History: Originally, this holiday was celebrated on April 29th to mark the birthday of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito), who reigned from 1926 to 1989. He was a passionate marine biologist and a deep lover of plants. After his death, the day was renamed "Greenery Day" to honor his environmental legacy without focusing on the political complexities of his reign.In 2007, the date was moved to May 4th to sit in the heart of Japan's "Golden Week."
The Shinto Connection: While it is a modern civil holiday, its roots are deeply anchored in Shinto animism. In Shinto, the world is inhabited by Kami—spirits that reside in all things, especially in the "green world" of forests, mountains, and ancient trees.
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The "Midori" Spirit: The word Midori(green) represents more than just a color; it signifies the vibrant, pulsing life-force of the earth.
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The Shared Heart: By bringing Midori no Hi to Siren, we bridge two worlds. Like our ancestors here in the North who honored the Landvetter(land spirits), Shinto reminds us that the birch trees and the stones we stand among are not just scenery—they are our kin.
How it fits our day: We include Midori no Hi to remind us to stop and simply be with the green world. While the Maypole is a shout of joy for the coming summer, the spirit of Midori no Hi is a quiet bow of thanks to the forest that sustains us.
When:
Saturday 2.5.2026 10:00 - 20:00
Prices:
350kr p.p. (20 people max.)
Children up to age 13: free
If on low or without income: please contact us.
Wheel of the Year Subscription?
What are we actually going to celebrate?
We will celebrate this beautiful moment in time with both Celtic, Nordic as well as Japanese traditions weaven into the day.
Program:
The program might be subject to change due to the weather and is currently still being updated/edited.
10:00 - 11:30 Arrival and Welcome
Everybody arrives and gets pen, ribbons and paper to write wishes/blessings which can be wrapped to the lilac tree. Host will offer a light lunch.
11:30 - 13:30 The Greenery Walk & Forest Bathing (shinrin-yoku)
The host will lead a shinrin-yoku session. We will both experience the forest with all our senses as well as wildflowers and twigs to decorate the Maypole as well as flowercrowns. This activity is suitable for all ages.
13:30 - 14:00 The Creation: Crows & Ribbons, Preparing the May Pole
We'll use the treasures we found on our walk as well as ready to be used materials to decorate the Maypole. We'll create flower crowns for all who want. Suitable for all ages.
14:00 - 15:30 The MayPole Dance
This is the highlight of the day. Children will be part of the inner circle, adults on the outer. During the dance, all the colors will weave around the maypole. Explanation will follow, suitable for all ages.
15:30 - 16:30 The Bealtaine Fire
The highlight for the brave! The Bealtaine fire is an old custom where people would jump over the fire for luck, fulfilling their wishes, fertility, prosperity and good health.
16:30 - 18:00 The Feast of Flora
We'll share food together, stories, poetry and there might be some live music too!
18:00 - 20:00 Shinto Fire Ceremony
Ceremony is available for all ages, but more suited for adults due to the time. Children are welcome as long as they're accompanied by their caregivers.
When:
Saturday 2.5.2026 10:00 - 20:00
Prices:
350kr p.p. (20 people max.)
Children up to age 13: free
If on low or without income: please contact us.
Wheel of the Year Subscription?
What to bring:
- Warm clothes
- Good walking shoes
- A seating mat or fur
- A drum/rattle, something that makes sound
- Food for the potluck
Subscription on The Wheel of the Year Celebrations?
A Year-Long Journey of Seasonal Rest
Here at Siren Enchantments, we feel the turning of the year deeply.
I’ve created this subscription for those who want to commit to a slower pace and follow the natural rhythm of the seasons—from the first seeds of spring to the deep rest of winter.
This is a small, intentional circle. It is for those who are looking for a quiet place to land, a bit of community, and a steady practice of self-care that doesn't break the bank.
The Siren Wheel of the Year Subscription includes:
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8 Seasonal Gatherings: We meet to mark the "Wheel of the Year"—eight moments of reflection, ritual, and rest.
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1 Dedicated Sjelefred Massage (40 min): A time for you to be cared for and to find peace in your own body.
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A Year of Belonging: A safe, calm space held for our small community, where we learn, come to a deeper understanding and build with eachother.
Price: 2,200 kr for the full year.
A Note on Joining:
To keep our circle safe and meaningful, I like to have a brief chat with everyone before they sign up. This ensures we are a good fit for one another and that this space is exactly what you need. There are 10 spots for the whole year available.
Regarding payment: I want this to be accessible. If you are living on a tight budget or a disability benefit, we can look at a simple installment plan together. Just reach out, and we can have a quiet word about how to make it work for you.
For more information, terms and conditions:
*- IMPORTANT INFORMATION -*
Please take a moment to read through the rules we keep up to be able to make this a celebration enjoyable for all.
Celebrations at Siren Enchantments: A Guide for Participants
Welcome to our open-hearted gathering! We're thrilled to celebrate the Bealtaine with you. This is a space for community, connection, and honoring the natural world. There's space for a maximum of 15 people.
Who is this for?
- Individuals and families who appreciate nature, community, and seasonal celebrations.
- Those interested in learning about Pre-Christian, Animistic, Shinto and The Older traditions.
- People who value a respectful and inclusive environment and wish to celebrate
Our Core Values:
- Respect: We foster a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
- Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and reject all forms of discrimination.
- Mindfulness: We are mindful of the children and animals present and ensure a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Responsibility: We are responsible for our actions and contribute positively to the gathering.
What is NOT accepted:
- Racism, bigotry, or any form of discrimination.
- Disrespectful or disruptive behavior that interferes with the enjoyment of others.
- Behavior that endangers children and animals or compromises safety.
- Destruction of plants, flowers, trees, woodwork.
- The house is off limits with the exception of bathroom visits, please do not enter without permission.
- Smoking, drugs or any other means of intoxication.
Event Program Bealtaine
10:00 - 11:30 Arrival and Welcome
11:30 - 13:30 The Greenery Walk & Forest Bathing (shinrin-yoku)
13:30 - 14:00 The Creation: Crows & Ribbons, Preparing the May Pole
14:00 - 15:30 The MayPole Dance
15:30 - 16:30 The Bealtaine Fire
16:30 - 18:00 The Feast of Flora
18:00 - 20:00 Shinto Fire Ceremony
Important Notes:
- Changes to the program may occur due to unforeseen circumstances.
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Please note that registration is binding and tickets are non-refundable. As we are a small group, all preparations and purchases are based on the final number of participants to keep the cost as low as possible for everyone. If you are unable to attend, you are more than welcome to pass on or sell your spot to a friend—just let me know so I can welcome them properly!
- Entrance for Ticketholders only!
- There are no Ticket Sales at the door.
- Please be mindful of the fire and follow safety instructions.
- Please be aware that this is a family friendly event.
- Please keep in mind that this is an outside event taking place, be mindful of our neighbours!
- Please use the parking space available at Tangen Skole (not Samfunnshuset!) and take a 10-15 min walk over to Fagervik House.
- Dogs are unfortunately not allowed due to the fact that we have cats on the premise.
- Please feel free to bring an offering to the fire (something you wish to strengthen or let go off)
- Please be respectful of the nature around us.
- There is the possibility of a photographer present. We will use some of the pictures for further announcing of upcoming events, but will refrain from posting you in case you're on and do NOT wish to be posted online. Children will not be posted online.
- Have fun!
Who/what funds the event?
For 2026 Stange Kommune has been kind enough to support our gatherings with 5000kr for all 8 gatherings.
Ticketsales
Where does the money go to?
A few people have asked what the participation fee of 350 NOK is used for. Since I organize eight ceremonies throughout the year to follow the Wheel of the Year here at Siren, these funds are essential to creating a safe and meaningful experience for us all.
Your contribution covers:
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Shared materials for our rituals (such as seeds, incense, tools, clay, wood, candles and other supplies).
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Firewood to keep us warm and local foods and drinks provided by Siren.
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Maintenance of equipment and preparation of the sacred sites such as the Stone Circle, the labyrinth and our use of the lake and the ancient hillfort.
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The administration and upkeep required to sustain these eight annual gathering points, as well as the Sojourns and Moon Circles and Kami rituals.
My goal is to keep these celebrations accessible and inclusive for everyone in our community, and your contribution makes it possible to maintain this tradition throughout the seasons.
Where?
Kongspartvegen 64, Tangen, Innlandet, Norway
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Get in touch
Feel free to contact us for more information! This form will not register you for any promotions or newsletters. We'll get back to you as soon as possible!