Couples would sometimes jump over the fires together and then pledge themselves to each other in a traditional handfasting ceremony – vowing to be committed to a relationship for ‘a year and a day’ and then choosing if their partnership would continue or end without resentment. People would leap over the flames or embers to purify themselves and encourage fertility, both in the physical and creative/mental sense of the word. The flames, smoke, and ashes of the special Beltane bonfire (Teineigen) were believed to have protective powers. When the ancient Celts believed it was necessary to incite the god to return and warm their lands, they would traditionally extinguish their hearths and then light a special fire just for Beltane. With this information in hand, it is little surprise that bonfires are so important in Beltane celebrations. Bel has been translated as ‘the bright one’ or ‘the shining god’ and the Gaelic word ‘teine’ stands for fire, thus Beltane is ‘the Bright fire’ or ‘the shining fire.’ It gets its name from Bel, also known as Belenus, the Celtic sun god and a god of fire. It was when the ancient Celts would celebrate the release of the sun, which their myths said was held prisoner during the winter months. Īt its essence, Beltane is a fire festival welcoming summer and its joy and fertility.

It is one of the four main festivals on the Pagan Wheel of the Year. If the spring had been successful with sufficient rain and the creation of rich and fertile soils, the ancient Celts could be hopeful for the new life that would soon emerge with the seasonal transition. What is Beltane?īeltane takes place between the spring equinox and the summer solstice.

Historically, the festival has been recognized throughout Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man, and in many locations the night before May 1st still sets the scene for the fun and fascinating Gaelic May Day festival. Since at least the Iron Age, celebrations have included fire ceremonies, feasting, and fertility rites. Celtic tribes celebrated Beltane to welcome the return of summer.

Fertility rites by K.R. Brown