Beltane

[ bel-teyn, -tin ]

noun

1. an ancient Celtic festival observed on May Day in Scotland and Ireland to mark the beginning of summer.

Beltane

/ -tən; ˈbɛlteɪn /

noun

1. an ancient Celtic festival with a sacrificial bonfire on May Day. It is also celebrated by modern pagans

Word History and Origins

Origin of Beltane¹

1375–1425; late Middle English ( Scots ) < Scots Gaelic bealltainn, Old Irish bel ( l ) taine, perhaps equivalent to *bel- an obscure element, perhaps the name of a supernatural person + tene fire

Word History and Origins

Origin of Beltane¹

C15: from Scottish Gaelic bealltainn

Example Sentences

She crosses the video game’s Scottish Highlands on her journey to the coast in time for the Gaelic May Day festival Beltane, where her uncle, a lighthouse keeper, is waiting.

From New York Times

Those in Australasia, South America, and other areas in the Southern Hemisphere swap the positioning of Beltane and Samhain due to having different seasons in play on that side of the world.

From Salon

There's Beltane on May 1; Lughnasadh, which notes the start of harvest festival, on August 1; Samhain, a celebration of the end of harvest season, on October 31 – November 1 ; and Imbolc on February 1, which marks the start of spring.

From Salon

Some recommended activities include building a special Beltane altar and covering it in seasonal flowers, having a bonfire, crafting a crown of flowers to wear, holding a Beltane feast for your friends and loved ones, or even making your own Maypole out of wood and ribbons.

From Salon

Scotland's capital city has hosted the Beltane Fire Festival since 1988.

From Salon