Beltane
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈbɛlteɪn/
- Literature
- Many ancient rituals were performed during Beltane to welcome the arrival of summer.
- Beltane/May Day
Examples
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Around major holidays, like the winter and summer solstices or Beltane (May Day), volunteers, many of them pagan, are on hand at the site to act as "guardians," explaining to visitors what kind of rituals are appropriate and which can cause the stones harm.
Academic text (2003) -
On Beltane, ye can see him pass in the woods with his hounds.
Fiction book (1994) -
At Beltane, I am heavy with potential, fertile, desirous... I leap the fire.
Fiction book (2000) -
Gods come to lie with mortal maidens at Beltane, and their offspring tend to be ill-omened.
Fiction book (1991) -
Inspired originally by Beltane Papers founder, the late Helen Farias, and the wonderful Waverly FitzGerald, I have found this to be a gentle, inclusive, yet powerful practice.
Blog text (27) -
It also hosts the Hogmanay street party (31st December), Burns Night (25th January), St. Andrew's Day (30th November), and the Beltane Fire Festival (30th April).
Blog text (4) -
* Ride it on out like a bird in the skyway * * Ride it on out like you were a bird * * Fly it all out like an eagle in a sunbeam * * Ride it on out like you were a bird * * Wear a tall hat like a Druid in the old days * * Wear a tall hat and a tattooed gown * * Ride a white swan like the people of the Beltane * * Wear your hair long
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PHOTOS (COLOR): A Beltane (May Day) procession led by druid Greywolf (with drum) at the megalithic site of Avebury, about 30 miles north of Stonehenge.
Academic text (2003) -
On May 1st, people gather to celebrate Beltane with bonfires and festive dancing.
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The village prepared for Beltane by lighting fires and wearing flowers in their hair.
Synonyms
19
3.3
A festival on May 1 that celebrates the start of summer and workers' rights
2
2.4
An event that celebrates a community's traditions, music, dance, food, and art
1
6.7
A celebration from old religions before Christianity that marks seasonal events with dancing or bonfires
Surface Forms
Etymology
Beltane likely comes from old Irish parts Bel (a fire god) and teine 'fire', so it originally meant 'Bel's fire' or a 'bright fire'. People lit large bonfires on May 1 to welcome summer, which is why Beltane is a festival of fires marking the start of summer.