Beltane

['beltein]

Definition

(n.) The first day of May (Old Style).

(n.) A festival of the heathen Celts on the first day of May, in the observance of which great bonfires were kindled. It still exists in a modified form in some parts of Scotland and Ireland.

Typed by Deirdre

Definition

n. an ancient Celtic heathen festival held in the beginning of May when bonfires were lighted on the hills: the first day of May (O.S.)—one of the four old quarter-days of Scotland the others being Lammas Hallowmas and Candlemas.—adj. in Beltane games &c.

Edited by Dinah