Fire-Dance Song for Heathen Festivals

Winifred Hodge Rose

A song and dance designed for Heathen festivals when bonfires and dancing are traditional: for Walpurgisnacht / May-Eve and for Midsummer / Litha. Some Heathen traditions consider Eostre’s feast a fire-festival as well. Use it whenever you please! Links to the score and the performance of the tune to this song are provided below so you can learn the tune. Note that the reference to ‘good health brought by smoke’ is based on the traditional view that smoke from the sacred bonfires / needfires of these festivals gives good health and blessing. (It is not suggested that long-term smoke exposure is healthy! This is a short-term, sacred event.) And note that your own bonfire / needfire can take place in your imagination rather than outdoors, if you wish, or can be symbolized with a few candles grouped together and / or an incense burner. If you’re thinking of a campfire, contained fire, candles, or other open flames outdoors, be sure to first check your local ordinances and fire risk levels, and choose a safe site. Not all times and places are safe or permitted for open flames outdoors. Use your creativity to come up with alternatives if necessary!

1. Leaping and springing, dancing and singing!

Fa la la la, fa la la la, fa la la.

Whirling and bounding, drumbeats are pounding!