Beltane

Beltane is a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of the pastoral summer season, traditionally observed on May 1, especially in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. It is one of the cross-quarter days in the old Celtic calendar, occurring roughly halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice.

The name Bealtaine comes from Old Irish Bealtaine, often interpreted as "bright fire" or "fires of Bel," reflecting the central role of fire in Beltane rites. The festival historically included processions, feasts, and cattle rituals.

Fire was central—Bealtaine bonfires were lit on hills and people, cattle, and crops were ritually blessed; in some areas a pair of fires were linked and people and livestock would pass between them for protection and fertility. Maypole dances arose later in the medieval era as a symbolic rite of growth and renewal. Communities also celebrated with feasting, music, and floral decorations.

In contemporary Pagan and Wiccan practice, Beltane is celebrated with fire rituals, dances, and fertility-themed symbolism, sometimes involving a May Queen and a May King, and public Beltane fire festivals. In Ireland and Scotland, Beltane remains part of cultural heritage, with regional customs and public events; many secular May Day celebrations also take place.

Beltane signifies the revival of life and growth as summer approaches. It sits among the cross-quarter days and is traditionally contrasted with Samhain, which marks the transition toward winter.