As one of the most significant Sabbat after Samhain, Beltane is the start of Summer. It is another fertility festival, but essentially, it is a festival of life and enjoy. Named symbolizing the Celtic fire god Bel, the igniting of fires is a common element of Beltane events. The association with fire also causes Beltane a festivity of purification.
It officially starts at moonrise on May Day Eve, and marks the start of the third quarter or second half of the ancient Celtic year. Contact with the fire was taken as symbolic contact with the sun. In early Celtic days, the druids would ignite the Beltane fires with specific incantations.
It officially starts at moonrise on May Day Eve, and marks the start of the third quarter or second half of the ancient Celtic year. Contact with the fire was taken as symbolic contact with the sun. In early Celtic days, the druids would ignite the Beltane fires with specific incantations.