Many religious holidays are closely tied to the seasons, reflecting older beliefs that deities controlled the weather and harvest. We now have a scientific understanding of the world around us, but the yearly anticipation for summer’s arrival has not faded from the human psyche. Beltane, a Celtic holiday celebrated by some Neopagans today, has a deeper backstory with much older roots.
A Fiery Summer Festival
Typically commemorated on May 1, Beltane is one of the major Celtic high holy days. Along with Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh, Beltane celebrations involve the lighting of bonfires. However, some sources speculate that they held a special significance at Beltane. The Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids mentions that the name of the holiday may mean “bright fire” or “lucky fire,” while Transceltic writer Niall McCarsten cites historian Peter Berresford Ellis’ claim that it was named for an older solar deity known as Bel. The Encyclopedia Britannica suggests that this may have been Belenos, a sun god worshiped throughout ancient Britain, Ireland, Spain, and France.
In either case, Beltane’s bonfires both signaled the oncoming summer and represented fertility and rebirth. The New World Encyclopedia quotes sources proposing that the flames were a form of sympathetic magic, symbolizing the sun’s nourishing rays and destroying harmful influences. Ancient Celtic peoples may have also intended these bonfires for purification purposes, driving their livestock through or around the blazes and letting the smoke blow over them. Meanwhile, all hearth fires were extinguished and later relit from new flames on the holiday’s eve. Finally, these rituals were thought to appease the “aos sí,” or spirits and fairies, who roamed the land.
What About May Day and Maypoles?
Since Beltane and May Day both land on May 1, a common misconception is that maypoles were part of older Beltane celebrations. Patheos writer Jason Mankey cites Ronald Hutton’s book “The Stations of the Sun,” which reveals that these objects aren’t mentioned in historical texts until around the 13th century C.E. Contrary to popular belief, maypoles held no special religious significance but simply served as places to congregate and mark the coming of spring with songs and dancing. While May Day itself could have older roots in Beltane and the ancient Roman festival of Floralia, scholars speculate that the Christianization of Europe may have contributed to its transformation into a secular holiday.
Beltane’s Revival by Modern Neopagans
Within the last few decades, Neopagans have worked to revive these community rituals. For example, Wiccans and Neodruids include the holiday as part of their sacred “Wheel of the Year.” The most famous communal commemoration is Edinburgh’s yearly Beltane Fire Festival, held by the Beltane Fire Society to promote Scottish theatre and music as well as make these ancient fire festivals relevant in modern culture. Additionally, local pagan organizations and covens throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe organize their own events.
It’s also common for practitioners to hold sacred rites in their homes. As Patheos columnist John Beckett explains, many pagans do not have access to communal formal celebrations. With that in mind, Beckett offers a few suggestions to include in one’s observances:
- Look and listen for local land spirits.
- Engage in divination.
- Leave gifts and offerings for fairies.
Furthermore, Beckett proposes that pagans wishing to duplicate the ritual of walking between bonfires can mimic it by using lit candles or torches in their homes.
A Sacred Way to Herald the Season
While some sources disagree about the exact ways in which ancient Celtic cultures celebrated Beltane, they still convey its central themes of fertility, fire, and purification. As Samhain brings the cold and dark winter season, Beltane comes with warm weather and a renewed land. For many pagans, it also brings renewed hopes and possibilities for their futures.