| For the Celts, Beltane (known as May Day in modern | | | | Beltane kicks off the merry month of May, and has a |
| times) marked the beginning of the pastoral summer | | | | long history. |
| season when the herds of livestock were driven out | | | | The Maypole is a symbol of Beltane fertility. |
| to the summer pastures and mountain grazing lands. | | | | Because Beltane festivities usually kicked off the |
| The Celts honored the fertility of the gods with gifts | | | | night before with a big bonfire, the Maypole |
| and offerings, sometimes including animal or human | | | | celebration usually took place shortly after sunrise the |
| sacrifice. | | | | next morning. |
| In Scotland Beltane was one of the quarter days, or | | | | Beltane is particularly associated with the custom of |
| terms when rents were due and debts settled. | | | | lighting bonfires on the eve of the feast, to protect |
| On the eve of Beltane, two fires were built close | | | | cattle from witchcraft (and the performance of |
| together and cattle were driven between them to | | | | various rites of purification). Great bonfires were built |
| ward off disease prior to putting the stock out to | | | | on Beltane in Ireland and on the Isle of Man; in |
| pasture for the new season. | | | | Scotland the fires might be on mountain-tops |
| Some common questions relating to Beltane are: | | | | This was a time when couples and probably more |
| What is Beltane is it some sort of occult Holiday but | | | | than a few surprised triads came staggering in from |
| not Halloween?. | | | | the fields, clothes in disarray and straw in their hair |
| When was the Celtic festival Beltane held?. | | | | after a night of bonfire-inspired lustiness. |