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

This form of the Beltane superstition was observed in the north of England, and in Scotland, about fifty years ago.

From Project Gutenberg

A relic of this worship lingered until recently in the Beltane fires that were lit on the high hills of Scotland and Ireland.

From Project Gutenberg

In the central highlands of Scotland the Beltane fires were kindled on the 1st of May.

From Project Gutenberg

The Highlanders have a proverb, “he is between two beltane fires.”

From Project Gutenberg

The name of the old festival of Beltane still lingers on the hill.

From Project Gutenberg