Beltane is a Celtic solar holiday also known as May Day. Typically celebrated at the halfway point between the spring equinox and summer solstice, Beltane originated with the Celtic Gaels of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. These pastoral communities aligned their farming behaviors with the changing seasons. Beltane marked when it would be time to send their livestock out to graze on pastures.
If you've ever been to Ireland or Scotland, you're familiar with how sheep run the land. In fact, when I went to Scotland, I was told sheep outnumber humans 3 to 1!
What does Beltane celebrate then?
At its heart, Beltane is a celebration of fertility, life, and abundance, owed by the changing of the seasons from the seedlings of spring and Ostara to the abundance and power of the sun's increasing light and warmth leading to harvest.
As part of the welcoming of the new season, the Celts would incorporate cleansing or healing rituals, often involving fire, to protect against illness. In fact, a tradition would be to jump over a fire to purify and cleanse yourself. Couples often jumped over a bonfire together to pledge themselves to each other and as a fertility ritual. It is one of the most important Gaelic holidays.
Fans of the ACOTAR book series may be familiar with the depiction of Beltane as the fictional Calanmai ritual in the series. Readers may recall how Calanmai is also referred to as Fire Night and is a fictional ritual to imbue the land with magic and bless it with fertility.
Ultimately, Beltane is a celebration of the divine masculine and divine feminine coming together for a fruitful union.
The symbols of Beltane are similar to Ostara: spring flowers, fairies. There is more of an emphasis on fertility and fire as other symbols include the phallic Maypole and the feminine ribbons that are often twirled around the Maypole.
A typical Maypole after decoration
How to Celebrate Beltane
Maypole dancing and bonfires are some of the most traditional and popular ways to celebrate Beltane. The Maypole dance is to welcome fertility and bonfires are to welcome the sun's increasing power as summer comes closer.
Maypole dancing and bonfire festivles may not be readily available in your area if there isn't a strong Celtic presence where you live, but there are still ways to celebrate this spring holiday on a smaller scale.
It's no coincidence that Beltane occurs during Taurus season— the zodiac season centered on sensuality. Beltane celebration channels the focus of Taurus energy by focusing on experiencing all of your senses.
- Eat the richest, sweet food, ripe fruit, fresh greens
- Take baths with products that use herbal or floral oils
- Wear soft, silky fabrics and adorn yourself in your favorite talismans and jewels
- Listen to music that fills you with energy to honor your own life force
Beltane is earth-based (again, during earth sign Taurus season) so any kind of connection with the earth or nature and the elements is a wonderful celebration.
- Create flower crowns or otherwise pick wildflowers
- Make a May basket full of flowers to gift to friends and neighbors
- Hike, picnic, or otherwise spend time outside, especially basking in the sun (with SPF, of course)
- Create an altar with florals and light candles if a bonfire isn't possible. Candles with floral fragrances are particularly appropriate. See: Busy Gallivanting Busy Gal and Airport Crush Candles for the perfect Beltane altar candles
Beltane is a beautiful festival that celebrates the arrival of summer and new beginnings. There are many ways to celebrate this enchanting occasion but whether you choose to participate in traditional customs or create your own unique celebration, Beltane is a time to connect with the beauty and magic of nature.
