Beltane marks samos or the light (summer) half of the year. Along with winter, it was one of the two major seasons of the ancient Celts. It is celebrated from April 30th (May Eve) to May 1st (May Day). Our modern celebration is a descendant of the Celtic fire festivals.

Community bonfires, or Bel fires, were lit on hilltops in honor of the proto-Celtic god known by many names such as Bel, Bile, or Belenus. He was the "Bright One," a god of life and death, light and fire. The ancients believed that driving cattle between two bonfires would bless them with good milk production and fertility. Likewise, bonfire jumping was thought to provide fertility for couples and singles who wanted to attract a spouse.

Traditional maypole celebrations hint at the ancient fertility aspect of this holiday. This obvious symbol of male sexuality impregnating mother earth was at one time outlawed in an attempt to cleanse the celebration of its Pagan roots.

At this time, sacred marriages took place to bless the land through lovemaking. It was believed that a child born of this union was especially blessed to become a great leader. Modern Pagan groups usually reenact this tradition symbolically by dancing with ribbons around the maypole and/or with sacred tools such as the blade and chalice, though some may still practice the Great Rite as the sacred marriage is sometimes called.

May Eve was known as one of the spirit nights in Wales along with Samhain. It is a time when the spirits of the otherworld such as the fairies were very active. Because of this, it was also a fearful time for some. That fear was quickly relieved on May Day when the summer was carried in with much revelry. The thinning of the veil between the material and spiritual worlds at this time made it an auspicious time for witchcraft and divination.

The hawthorn tree was held sacred especially at this time of year. Blossoms from the tree can be used in your own celebration. Depending on where you live, it may be too early though. Of course, a green wreath with blossoms from your area will do just as well.

Dancing the maypole and jumping bonfires are still traditions celebrated today. Even stepping over a single candle can bring you closer to this tradition of calling in the summer. Just be careful what you wish for as you step over that flame. For it is said that jumping the Beltane fire will surely grant your desires.



Sources:
Alwynn and Brinley Rees. Celtic Heritage: Ancient Tradition in Ireland and Wales. Thames and Hudson, 1961.
Janet and Stewart Farrar. A Witches' Bible: The Complete Witches' Handbook. Phoenix Publishing, Inc., 1981.