Beltane, also known as May Day, is a Celtic festival celebrated in Ireland and Scotland
on the first of May. It is a part of the eight Sabbats, the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, and is almost perfectly halfway between Ostara and the summer solstice, Litha. The festival celebrates the peak of spring, the beginning of summer, pasturing and fertility.
Beltane is a Celtic word, meaning “the fires of Bel.” This refers to the Celtic
sun god, Belenus. In an ancient Celtic glossary, it describes cattle being driven between two bonfires on Beltane as a ritual to protect them from disease and increase fertility before they were led into pastures. Later, partakers would light two bonfires to purify themselves, as well as increase their fertility.
Modern Pagans celebrate Beltane a little differently. In honor of the purifying ritual,
bonfires are lit and danced around. A maypole, a pole with ribbons attached, is used to perform a fertility ritual. Celebrators will grab a hold of their ribbon, and dance around the pole to weave the ribbons into a pattern. Some weave flowers into their hair or make a floral wreath to wear to commemorate spring.
May baskets may be made and are usually filled with flowers and good wishes. These are
typically given to someone in need of care, such as the elderly or those who are recovering from an illness.
For those interested in a modern-day Beltane festival, Edinburgh, Scotland is the place to
- The ¨Beltane Fire Festival¨ is a reinterpretation of the Celtic ritual and is the largest of its kind. Starting in 1988, it has become a focus in the community again.
On Tuesday, April 30th, festival goers will come together to acknowledge and partake in
the birth of Summer and the fertility of the land. This festival creates a great opportunity to learn about the old festival and appreciate the culture.
