The Legends of Beltaine
The History and Traditions of Beltane
Bealtaine (Beel-teen or Bell-tayn)---called Beltane in England and Wales, and Bhealltainn
in Scotland---falls opposite Samhain on the Wheel of the Year. These were the two
most important Sabbats on the Celtic calendar, marking the beginning and end of the two
recognized seasons.
Even though this is a fertility Sabbat, one that celebrates life above all, some scholars
believe the holiday takes its name from the Irish Death God, Beltene. Another
possible derivative of the name might be from the Welsh God Beli, but he appears to be
more of a Sun Deity like Lugh, who would be honored at Midsummer or Lughnasadh rather than
in the spring. Other intriguing possibilities of the origin of the name are from a
little-known Celtic Fire God from Gaul called Belanos or Belios, or from the Phoenician
vegetation God Baal, a deity demonized by the new religion.
Still another explanation, and probably the most popular with pagans, is that the Sabbat's
name is derived from a word meaning "balefire." Even today, balefires are
lit all over Britian and Ireland on May Eve, just as they were in the past. In the
times of the High Kings of Ireland, it was illegal to light a balefire until the King had
lit one atop Tara, the seat of government. Many other cultures also sought out high
spots for their ritual fires, including the people of the Alps and of Germany. The
Royal Family of Britian still burns their Bealtaine balefire each May Eve in order to keep
the family line going.
It is tradition to take home a smoldering piece of the Bealtaine balefire to bring summer
blessings into your home. The first cook fires of the simmer season were once lit
with the with part of this fire. But note that the custom asks you to take part of
the balefire home, and not ask it as a gift. There was a strong taboo in Ireland and
Scotland against giving away any portion of the Bealtaine fire. It was basic belief
of most Europeans that faeries could not start their own fires, but must obtain them from
human sources. The Celts respected faeries, active at this Sabbat, and were sure
the Little People would come to the celebration disguised as humans to ask for a part of
the fire which, when freely given, would give the faeries some measure of power over the
giver.
