Beltane

Beltany stone circle

Beltain Wickerman Bonfire with Drummers

Beltane Fire Dragon

Hawthorn in flower on Smeardon Down

Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival 2012 - Red Beastie Drummers

Beltane is a Gaelic May Day festival. Most commonly it is held on 1 May, or about halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. In Irish, it is known as Lá Bealtaine, in Scottish Gaelic as Latha Bealltainn, and in Manx as Laa Boaltinn/Boaldyn. Beltane is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals—along with Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh—and is similar to the Welsh Calan Mai.

Etymology

The name Beltane is derived from the Old Irish Beltene, which means "bright fire". The first element Bel is cognate with the name of the Celtic god Belenus. The second element tene means "fire" in Old Irish (cf. Welsh tân, Latin ignis).

Historical Celebrations

Beltane was historically a time when cattle were driven out to the summer pastures. Rituals were performed to protect the cattle, crops, and people, and to encourage growth. Special bonfires were kindled, and their flames, smoke, and ashes were deemed to have protective powers. People and their cattle would walk around the bonfire or between two bonfires, and sometimes leap over flames or embers. All household fires would be doused and then re-lit from the Beltane bonfire.

Modern Celebrations

In modern times, Beltane has been revived as a cultural and religious event. It is celebrated by some Neopagans and Wiccans. The largest Beltane festival in the world is the Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, which includes a procession, drumming, and fire displays.

Related Festivals

Beltane is related to other May Day festivals and traditions, such as the Walpurgis Night in central and northern Europe, which also involves bonfires and celebrations.

See Also

• Samhain
• Imbolc
• Lughnasadh
• Neopaganism
• Wicca
• Beltane Fire Festival
• Walpurgis Night