Irish Wedding Traditions: Beltane Festival

When planning a traditional Irish wedding, the time of year is important to consider. Irish culture has strong superstitions about what time of year to marry, and many of these superstitions, which have Celtic origins, have been passed down through the centuries.

Irish Traditions and Meanings: Marry During Light Months

Traditionally, couples sought to marry only during the light time of year, which began May 1 and ended Oct. 31. Because the Beltane festival falls on May 1 '" the first light day of the summer '" it has become a popular time to get married.

The Beltane Festival celebrates the return of life and fertility to the Earth after the long, dark months from Nov. 1-April 30. Beginning May 1, the Beltane Festival starts at a time when leaves are returning to the trees and new wildlife is beginning to emerge. Beltane marks the beginning of summer on the old Irish calendar.

Beltane as a Celtic Celebration

Beltane, which means new fire, is in Celtic mythology, the time when gods and goddesses conducted ceremonial weddings. Historically, couples who married during the Beltane festival have planned outdoor bonfires. This is because the ancient Celts traditionally danced around the fire during the festival.

Because the country also has Celtic origins, the Beltane festival is celebrated in Scotland, as well.

Resources:
Our Irish Wedding Adventure