Beltane

alternative Bealtine · alternative Bealtaine · alternative Beltaine · alternative Beltene · alternative Beltein · alternative Beltin · alternative Bealtuinn

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).

   And quhair it be tainted that they big, and the Birdes be flowin, and the nest be funden in the Trees at Beltane the trees sal be foirfaulted to the King (bot gif they be redeemed fra him, throw them that they first perteined to) and hewin downe, and siue schillings to the King is unlaw.

   1424, James I of Scotland, The lawes and actes of parliament maid be King James the first and his successours kinges of Scotland, Edinburgh edition, Robert Waldegrave, published 1597, page A3

2. An ancient Gaelic/Celtic May Day holiday celebration, at which large bonfires were built on the hilltops, revived by Celtic neopagans.

   For it was approaching that uncanny time of year, the festival of Beltane, when the auld pagans were wont to sacrifice to their god Baal. In this season warlocks and carlines have a special dispensation to do evil, and Alison waited on its coming with graceless joy.

   1902, John Buchan, The Outgoing of the Tide