An English Beltane Festival

Last updated on: August 29, 2016 at 10:39 am by Megan Manson

An English Beltane Festival 2016-08-29T10:39:28+00:00 Megan Manson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Morris Dancers perform in Rochester High Street. By author.

An English Matsuri?

Controversies aside, I am still deeply enamoured with Sweeps, and one of the reasons is that it reminds me very much of the nature of Shinto festivals in Japan. The Japanese love a good festival (or matsuri) and if you ever spend a fair amount of time there you will certainly get to experience one.

Religion is at the heart of every major matsuri in Japan – the word “matsuri” even derives from the verb meaning “to offer to the gods.” A matsuri is typically a special day of significance to a local Shinto shrine and its enshrined kami (deity). The kami will usually be represented by a portable mikoshi shrine, which is paraded through the town in a very lively and noisy manner. There will be ritual dancing (I have witnessed dances uncannily similar to Morris Dancing at some festivals – the dancers were even decorated with vegetation and bells!), offerings made to the kami, and other performances made in the kami’s honour.

Mikoshi shrines at a Japanese festival. By 大手k / Wikimedia Commons

But religion is only a part of Japanese festivals. A matsuri isn’t complete without its secular features. There will be a huge array of stalls selling food, toys and colourful costumes. Alcohol will be consumed in large quantities. Many people will see festivals as an occasion to show off their favourite yukata and kimono, but equally, followers of subcultures such as Gothic Lolita will use the festival as a chance to display their brilliant and outlandish fashions. There may be a pop/rock concert of some sort. And come nightfall, there will be vendors selling glowsticks and flashing accessories, and you’ll often get to see a spectacular fireworks display. All of these things, religious and secular, are seen as vital to the spirit of the matsuri.

It’s easy to see some the points in common between the Sweeps Festival and the Japanese matsuri. For Pagans, it is a time to honour the gods as an extension of Beltane. For those affiliated with particular subcultures, such as goths, hippies, and more recently, Steampunks, it’s an occasion to express themselves without fear of judgement. For local traders, it’s a fantastic boost to business. And for everyone, it’s a chance for escapism, revelry, and enjoying the company of others. If you are in the Rochester area over Beltane, make sure you drop by and join in!

References and Further Reading

Medway Council, Sweeps Festival 2016

Wikipedia, “Rochester, Kent“

Go back

Ritual & Festivals

Shinto & Japanese Religion

Previous Post

April 21, 2016

Meeting the Green Man: A Guided Meditation

Next Post

April 27, 2016 Pagan, Shinto & Spiritual Book Reviews April 2016

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Art, Craft & Expression Musings & Miscellaneous Nature & Science News & Reviews Ritual & Festivals Secularism, Politics & Human Rights Shinto & Japanese Religion Uncategorized

Select a Month August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which city was destroyed by fire and brimstone along with Gomorrah?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Sodom Jericho Babylon Nineveh