Pagan Holidays: What is Beltaine?

Beltaine is a neopagan holiday that has descended from the ancient Gaelic holiday Céad Shamhain. Samhain (Halloween) marked the end of the summer, and Céad Shamhain marked the beginning. The Gaelic people celebrated in early May, enjoying the company of neighbors they might not have seen over the winter. There would be bonfires and all night celebrations before the time when farmers would be busy planting their crops, and herdsmen would need to drive the flocks to pasture.

In modern times, neopagans celebrate Beltaine on May first as the second of the spring sabbats. The first spring sabbat, Imbolc, in early February, is a time for looking forward with hope to spring. When Beltaine arrives, one can actually see life renewing itself. Signs of spring are all around. Flowers and trees are budding. The weather is warmer. The days are longer and the air smells of new growth. All of our senses are telling us that winter has ended.

Although traditions and interpretations vary among the various neopagan faiths, Beltaine is usually seen as a fertility festival. People celebrate to bring fertility to their lands so that their crops will grow well and be abundant, and to their animals so that they will reproduce and thrive. It can also be seen as a time to celebrate to bring fertility to your hopes and dreams. Some neopagans see this as a time to fertilize their dreams by taking action to move themselves closer to their goals. Pagans may make lists of things they hope to accomplish in the upcoming summer.

Beltaine celebrations are diverse. Some traditions celebrate with bonfires lit on April 30. Those celebrating frolic around the fire which symbolizes purification and joy. Some make wishes as they jump over the fires. In the early morning hours, children may adorn doors with May baskets or May boughs previously prepared from the early spring flowers. Maypole dancing, which is of Germanic origin, has become the center of some festivities. The participants dance around a tall wooden pole holding onto ribbons attached to the top. As they dance, the ribbons weave a pattern around the pole. This is typically done at sunrise or in the early morning hours although the celebration might last the whole day.

Fruit is often the centerpiece of a Beltaine feast. Cherries, pomegranates, strawberries, and apricots are especially appropriate as they are often associated with fertility. Oat cakes are also traditional as well as dairy products. Green salads and spring soups, especially if you have local greens already available, can round out the meal. Wine or ale are appropriate beverage choices. Make sure to have plenty of flowers on hand to decorate the table and house, inside and out.

Beltaine is celebrated by pagans throughout the world. From solitary practitioners kindling a fresh hearth fire to large well attended weekend festivals with bonfires, maypoles, and much cavorting; celebrating Beltaine is an important part of the pagan year.