What is Beltane and When is it?

Beltane is a vibrant and ancient Celtic festival traditionally celebrated on 1st May (or the evening of 30th April into 1st May), marking the beginning of summer and the midpoint between the spring equinox and summer solstice. It’s rooted in Gaelic tradition and was historically observed in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. Here’s a breakdown of its history and rituals:

Historical Background of Beltane

• Name Origin: The word Beltane likely derives from the Celtic god Bel (also Belenus, associated with light and healing) and teine meaning “fire”—so “Bel’s fire.”
• Seasonal Significance: It marked the start of the pastoral summer season when livestock were moved to summer pastures.
• Agricultural & Fertility Festival: It was deeply connected to fertility—of land, livestock, and people. The focus was on growth, abundance, and protection.

Traditional Beltane Rituals

Beltane Fires:

• Central to the celebration—two great bonfires were lit, often on hilltops.
• Cattle were driven between them as a protective rite from disease and bad spirits.
• People would also leap over the flames or embers for luck, fertility, and purification.

Maypole Dancing:

• A later tradition that became associated with Beltane.
• Dancers weave ribbons around a tall pole, symbolising the union of male and female energies, representing fertility and the growth of nature.

Green Man & May Queen:

• Representing the sacred masculine and feminine.
• The May Queen symbolises spring and renewal, and the Green Man represents nature and virility.
• Sometimes dramatised as a symbolic union or “sacred marriage.”

Floral Decorations:

• Homes and people adorned with flowers, particularly hawthorn, though caution was sometimes exercised due to its spiritual power.
• Making flower crowns and garlands was (and still is) common.

Handfasting Ceremonies:

• Pagan or pre-Christian wedding-like rituals where couples would pledge themselves to each other, often for “a year and a day.”
• Symbolised personal and communal bonds.

Feasting and Merrymaking:

• As with most Celtic festivals, communal feasts were key, celebrating abundance.
• Music, dancing, and storytelling played big roles.

Modern Celebrations

• Revived by neo-pagans, Wiccans, and druids as part of the Wheel of the Year.
• In Edinburgh, the Beltane Fire Festival on Calton Hill is a dramatic modern re-imagining involving drumming, fire-spinning, and theatrical rituals.
• Celebrants today may still light fires, perform hand fasting, dance, and honour nature and fertility in personal or group rituals.

Celebrating Beltane today can be as mystical, earthy, or simple as you like – whether you’re flying solo, with a partner, or throwing a full-on firelit gathering. Here are some modern ways to honour Beltane, blending old traditions with new vibes:

Light a (Safe) Beltane Fire

• Bonfire or candlelight: If you can’t have a bonfire, a firepit or even a red/gold candle can symbolize the Beltane flame.
• Write intentions or wishes for the season on paper and burn them in the fire as a symbolic offering.

Make a Flower Crown or Garland

• Use fresh or faux flowers, greenery, and ribbon.
• Wear it during your ritual or gathering—it’s a classic nod to fertility and the blooming Earth.

Dance Around a Maypole

• Traditional if you have the space and people!
• Or make a mini Maypole centrepiece using a stick, ribbons, and flowers for your altar or table.

Do a Handfasting Ceremony

• If you’re in a relationship, it’s a great time to renew vows or intentions with your partner.
• Can be symbolic—no officiant needed, just ribbon or cord and your words.

Create a Beltane Altar

• Decorate with:
  • Candles (red, orange, gold, white);
  • Fresh flowers and greenery;
  • Symbols of fertility (eggs, seeds, antlers);
  • Crystals like garnet, carnelian, or rose quartz;
  • Add offerings of honey, wine, bread, or seasonal fruit.

Fertility & Creativity Rituals

• Not just about baby-making—this is about birthing ideas, projects, passions.
• Try journaling or a mini meditation to call in what you want to “grow” this summer—creative goals, healing, love, etc.

Divination or Nature Walk

• Pull tarot or oracle cards with questions like:
  • What is blooming for me?
  • What should I release to step into summer fully?
• Or take a walk in nature, collect items for your altar, and connect to the land.

Host a Beltane Feast

• Cook with seasonal ingredients like fresh greens, dairy, honey, berries, or herbal teas.
• You can also bake Beltane bread or cakes (like bannocks) and share them as offerings or treats.

Sensual Self-Care

• Beltane is a festival of sensuality—think massage oils, warm baths, dancing, touch, or love rituals.
• Celebrate your body and the energy of pleasure, even just by moving with music or wearing something you feel good in.

Celebrate at Night

• Beltane eve (April 30) is liminal—a time when the veil is thin (like Samhain, its seasonal opposite).
• Perfect for ritual, dreamwork, or connecting with spirits or ancestors.

Crystals for Beltane

Sunstone Sunstone has an uplifting energy which brings passion, joy and creativity back to our lives and harnesses the fire element, to boost vitality and joy.	Green Aventurine Known as the “Stone of Opportunity,” ideal for manifesting abundance and fresh starts.	Rose Quartz A perfect stone for this time of year, it helps to manifest joy and unconditional love to embrace the better days ahead.	Carnelian Sparks creativity, confidence, and sexual energy; perfect for lighting up your sacral chakra.

Order your Beltane crystals here.

Enjoy Beltane x

I hope this is helpful to you, feel free to share with anyone you feel would benefit.