Beltane is mentioned in the earliest Irish literature and is associated with important events in Irish mythology. Also known as Cétshamhain ('first of summer'), it marked the beginning of summer and …

Mar 6, 2026 · Beltane is the ancient Celtic fire festival that marks the beginning of summer. Learn its history, symbols, traditions, and how modern pagans celebrate Beltane.

Apr 25, 2022 · Beltane (also: Beltain or Beltaine) is a Celtic fertility festival that marks the beginning of summer and the transhumance of livestock from winter lowlands to summer pastures. To quote …

Mar 27, 2026 · Beltane occupies a powerful place in the mythic imagination of the Celtic world. Celebrated at the beginning of May, it marks the point when the fertile half of the year begins and the …

Beltane, festival held on the first day of May in Ireland and Scotland, celebrating the beginning of summer and open pasturing. Beltane is first mentioned in a glossary attributed to Cormac, bishop of …

Apr 30, 2025 · Celebrating the start of summer, Beltane is one of the four major ancient Gaelic seasonal festivals, alongside Samhain (marking the start of winter), Imbolc (welcoming spring) and Lughnasadh...

Dec 16, 2022 · One of the most important celebrations was that of Beltane, sometimes spelled Beltaine, Bealtaine, or Beltine. Sitting directly opposite the side of the wheel of the year to Samhain, Beltane …

The word ‘Beltane’ roughly translates as ‘bright fire’ and, as such, one of the most important rituals, which survives today in our modern festival, concerns the lighting of the Beltane bonfire.

Beltane (also known as May Day) is one of the four main festivals, or quarters, on the Wheel of the Year and a very important one at that. Beltane was originally a Celtic celebration of the sun and the fertile …

Feb 17, 2026 · What is Beltane? Beltane (sometimes called May Day or Bealtaine) is one of the major spring holidays on the Wheel of the Year. Mostly commonly celebrated on May 1st (between Litha …