Beltane is a major Pagan festival called a Sabbat. It is the union of the God and Goddess, the Goddess will become pregnant with the harvest to come. The word Beltane means 'Bel's Fire'. It is named after the God Bel an ancient Celtic Sun God. Beltane is a fire festival and is traditional to build a fire on Beltane night to honour the Sun Gods.
Beltane is a fertility festival, it is the height of Spring and the beginning of Summer. Earths energy is very strong and potent at this time, with new life everywhere, Beltane is the start of the farming calendar.
In Celtic times it would be traditional to build a big bonfire in the centre of the village and have a big feast, young men and women would dance around the maypole while many people would marry in a handfasting (Pagan wedding) People wishing to find love or conceive would jump over a Belfire for luck in love and fertility
On Beltane we celebrate the abundance of the earth, it is a happy time when we give thanks for all we have in our lives and look forward to the bright sunny days ahead. We celebrate the coming together of the God and the Goddess and the harvest gifts they will bestow upon the earth.
Beltane starts on April 30th at 12 midday and ends on May 1st at Midnight. The day is mainly celebrated on May 1st.
