Beltane

April 30th – May 1st

The Fire of Passion, Fertility, and Sacred Union

The Basics

Beltane (pronounced BELL-tayn) is celebrated on April 30th into May 1st in the Northern Hemisphere (or October 31st–November 1st in the Southern Hemisphere). It marks the height of spring and the turning toward summer.

Beltane is a fire festival of passion, fertility, and union. It honors the sacred marriage of masculine and feminine energies — the union of Earth and Sky, Goddess and God, bringing forth life and abundance. It is a festival of joy, sensuality, and creativity, calling us to revel in the beauty of nature and our own life force.

History & Origins

Celtic Roots

Beltane means “bright fire,” named after the Celtic god Bel (a sun deity) and the sacred fires lit in his honor. Herds were driven between bonfires for purification and protection before summer grazing.

Fire & Fertility

Rituals emphasized fertility of the land, animals, and people. Communities danced, feasted, and celebrated unions to ensure prosperity.

The Maypole

The weaving of ribbons around a Maypole is a symbol of fertility and the intertwining of energies.

Christian Influence

May Day celebrations absorbed many Beltane customs, keeping the Maypole, flowers, and dances alive into modern times.

Themes & Symbolism

Passion, Love, and Union

Fertility, Creation, and Abundance

Fire, Energy, and Life Force

Joy, Celebration, and Community

Symbols

Maypole & woven ribbons

Flowers, blossoms, and garlands

Bonfires and flame

Bees and honey

Chalice & blade (sacred union)

Floral wreaths and crowns

Colors

Red (passion, vitality)

Green (fertility, growth)

Yellow (sunlight, energy)

White (purity, renewal)

Foods

Honey & mead

Oats, oatcakes, and dairy

Fresh berries (strawberries, blackberries)

Breads baked in knots or circles

Seasonal greens and herbs

Celebration Practices

Fire Rituals

Light bonfires or candles to honor the Sun and life’s vitality.

Leap over the flames (safely!) for blessings of fertility, passion, and protection.

Maypole Dance

Dance around the Maypole, weaving ribbons to symbolize the union of masculine and feminine, earth and sky.

If no Maypole is available, braid ribbons or cords as a symbolic ritual.

Handfasting & Sacred Union

Beltane is a traditional time for handfastings (temporary or permanent marriages).

Celebrate sacred union within yourself by balancing your inner masculine and feminine energies.

Fertility & Garden Magic

Plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables as a ritual of fertility and growth.

Decorate your home or altar with blossoms, garlands, and wreaths.

Ecstatic Celebration

Dance, drum, sing, or revel in the sensual joy of being alive.

Express passion and creativity through art, music, or lovemaking.

Modern Ideas for Celebrating Beltane

Decorate your altar with flowers, ribbons, honey, and red or green candles.

Craft flower crowns or wreaths to wear or hang as blessings.

Host a feast with friends featuring honey cakes, fresh fruits, and mead.

Meditate on the areas of your life that need passion and rekindled fire.

Journal about what you wish to bring into full bloom this year.

Closing Thought

Beltane is the festival of passion and creation, reminding us to embrace joy, sensuality, and the sacred union of energies. It teaches us that to be alive is to celebrate, to dance with the fire of the heart, and to honor the fertile abundance of both Earth and Spirit.