Beltane - The Fire of Life
The great fertility festival marking the beginning of summer and the height of the light.
Beltane (May 1) celebrates the union of the god and goddess, the flowering of nature, and the beginning of summer. Cattle were driven between two fires for protection, couples jumped the flames for fertility, and the Otherworld opened again.
The Beltane fires burn away winter; step through the flames and be renewed.
Beltane demonstrates Celtic celebration of fertility, fire's purifying power, and seasonal joy.
Irish Festival Tradition
Written about in
- What the Celtic wheel of the year actually means
The first of May turns the year over. Cattle were driven between two fires for protection, and the summer half opens.