Beltane

Beltain 2019 Wickerman burning Butser Ancient Farm photo by Eleanor Sopwith

Beltane is a Celtic festival marking the beginning of the summer season. Historically celebrated in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man, Beltane is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals—along with Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh. Traditionally held on the first day of May, or about halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, Beltane is a time of fire rituals, fertility rites, and community gatherings.

Origins and History

The origins of Beltane are tied to the ancient Celtic world, where it was one of the most important festivals of the year. The name 'Beltane' is thought to derive from the Old Irish words belo-te(p)niâ, meaning "bright fire". This reflects the festival's association with fire, which was believed to have protective and purifying powers. Fires were lit on hilltops, and cattle were driven between them as a ritual of protection before being taken to their summer pastures.

Customs and Celebrations

Beltane celebrations traditionally involve the lighting of bonfires, the decoration of homes and livestock with green branches and flowers, and the erection of Maypoles around which people dance. The Maypole, often made from a tall, straight tree trunk, is a symbol of fertility, its decorations and the dances around it are meant to ensure fertility of the land and the community.

One of the most enduring Beltane traditions is the crowning of the May Queen, a symbol of the festival's focus on fertility and the earth's bounty. The May Queen is often part of a procession, a ceremonial feature that includes music, dancing, and sometimes performances of scenes from folklore and mythology.

Modern Celebrations

In modern times, Beltane has experienced a revival, particularly among followers of Neopagan and Wiccan traditions, who see it as a time to celebrate the fertility of the earth and the cycle of life and death. Modern Beltane celebrations can vary widely, from traditional fire rituals and Maypole dances to ceremonies that incorporate elements of modern spirituality and environmentalism.

Significance

Beltane holds significant cultural and spiritual meaning. It marks a time of optimism and renewal, reflecting the blossoming of life that comes with the onset of summer. For the ancient Celts, it was a crucial period of transition, when the survival of the community depended on the coming harvests. Today, Beltane offers a moment to reflect on our connection to the natural world and the cycles that govern life on earth.

See Also

• Samhain
• Imbolc
• Lughnasadh
• Celtic mythology
• Fire festival