May Day, Beltane And The Horse

mono 11 chine

It’s May Day, Beltane, and in some parts of Britain the Hobby Horse, or ‘Obby ‘Oss, is part of the festivities marking the beginning of Springtime fertility. There is a long tradition, predating Christianity, of celebrations involving horses, possibly linked to the ancient Celtic horse goddess, Epona. Here in Wales we have the Mari Lwyd, or Grey Mare, although this is a New Year tradition. Here’s a monotype from sketches of the Ystrad Mari I did earlier this year.

Published by Rosie Scribblah

I'm an artist / printmaker / scribbler. I love drawing and all the geeky stuff associated with printmaking, working in a figurative style. I live in Wales with husband and demented cats. And my real name is Rose Davies :D

5 thoughts on “May Day, Beltane And The Horse

  1. Horses were clearly very important to ancient societies. I love the variety of May Day festivities that the Church may not have approved of but did not stamp out.

      1. It’s all good fun and a chance for people to get out and be with other people, instead of staring at dull old screens!.

      2. Do you know much about “Ceffyl Dwr” or water horses? I have come across a reference to one being seen at Oxwich in the early 19th century.

Please Leave a Reply. Thank You.