What does Beltane celebrate?

As an expert in cultural studies with a focus on ancient and modern celebrations, I have a deep understanding of the significance and practices associated with various festivals. Beltane, a festival with a rich history rooted in Celtic traditions, is one such celebration that holds a special place in the hearts of many who honor the cycles of nature and the changing seasons.
Beltane, also known as "Beltain" or "May Day," is a significant event that marks the arrival of summer. It is traditionally celebrated on the first of May, or the day following, and it is one of the eight Sabbats in the modern Wiccan Wheel of the Year. The festival is named after the Celtic god Bel, a deity associated with light and the sun, and the Gaelic word "teine" meaning fire, symbolizing purification and the life-giving warmth of the sun as it reaches its zenith.
The celebration of Beltane is deeply connected to the themes of fertility and growth. It is a time when the earth is in full bloom, and the energy of life is at its peak. This is evident in the various customs and rituals that are performed during the festival. For instance, the Maypole, a tall pole adorned with ribbons, is a central feature of many Beltane celebrations. The Maypole represents the male principle, while the ribbons that are woven around it symbolize the female principle. The act of dancing around the Maypole is a ritual that honors the union of male and female energies, encouraging the fertility of the land and the abundance of crops.
Another important aspect of Beltane is the tradition of lighting bonfires. These fires serve multiple purposes. They are believed to have the power to cleanse the land and protect it from harm. Additionally, the fires are seen as a way to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune. Participants often leap over the flames as a symbolic act of purification and to ensure fertility and protection for the coming year.
The union of the May Lord and May Lady is a ritual enacted by some Wiccans during Beltane. This ritual is a symbolic representation of the divine union between the god and goddess of the Wiccan tradition. The May Lord, representing the sun and the masculine energy, and the May Lady, representing the earth and the feminine energy, come together in a ritual that is meant to bring balance and harmony to the natural world. This union is also seen as a way to ensure the fertility of the land and the continuation of life.
In modern times, Beltane has taken on new meanings and has been adapted by various groups and individuals to suit their beliefs and practices. For some, it is a time to honor the earth and all its bounty, while for others, it is a time to celebrate personal growth and the potential for new beginnings. Regardless of the specific interpretation, the essence of Beltane remains the same: it is a celebration of life, fertility, and the promise of the summer months ahead.
In conclusion, Beltane is a festival that holds great significance in the Celtic and Wiccan traditions. It is a time to honor the sun, the earth, and the life-giving energy that flows through all living things. Through rituals such as the Maypole dance, the lighting of bonfires, and the union of the May Lord and May Lady, participants in Beltane celebrations seek to connect with the natural world and ensure a fruitful and prosperous season to come.

Wiccans use the name Beltane or Beltain for their May Day celebrations. ... In general, the Wiccan Beltane is more akin to the Germanic/English May Day festival, both in its significance (focusing on fertility) and its rituals (such as maypole dancing). Some Wiccans enact a ritual union of the May Lord and May Lady.