English Explanatory Dictionary

Beltane

English dictionary entry

Meanings

name
  1. The first day of May (since 1752); May Day, a Scottish quarter day, sometimes associated by Christians with the nearest Church Feast, the Invention of the Cross (3 May), and Whitsunday (15 May).
  2. An ancient Gaelic/Celtic May Day holiday celebration, at which large bonfires were built on the hilltops, revived by Celtic neopagans.

Word forms

Beltane Bealtine Bealtaine Beltaine Beltene Beltein Beltin Bealtuinn

Etymology

From the Celtic *belo-tanos (“bright fire”).

Related words

Hallowmas Candlemas Lammas Whitsunday
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