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Beltane

   Also found in: Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.07 sec.
Bel·tane  (bltn, -tn)
n.
1. An ancient Celtic feast marked by the lighting of bonfires and the performance of various rites of purification.
2. The day on which this feast was held, usually May 1.
[Middle English, from Scottish Gaelic bealltainn; see bhel-1 in Indo-European roots.]
Beltane [ˈbɛlteɪn -tən]
n
(Myth & Legend / European Myth & Legend) an ancient Celtic festival with a sacrificial bonfire on May Day. It is also celebrated by modern pagans
[from Scottish Gaelic bealltainn]


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21, the longest night of the year when the rebirth of the sun is celebrated; Imbolc, which honors a Celtic goddess, is held in February; Ostara (from where the word ``Easter'' derives) celebrates a Germanic goddess and the spring equinox; Beltane is the layman's Mayday, when crops are planted and the end of winter is celebrated; Litha is observed June 21, the longest day in the year; and Lughnasa commemorates the first harvest with a grain festival where athletic competitions often are held.
PAGANS SEEK ACCEPTANCE, HELP COMMUNITY by Daily News (Los Angeles, CA)
May is the month when the pagan/New Age Beltane revellers descend upon Edinburgh; perhaps he will have more to say then.
New Cardinal affirms faith commitment by Catholic Insight
When Constantius, a handsome Roman officer, is chosen to be the mate of a carefully selected Avalon priestess at the Beltane festival, Eilan, smitten by his good looks, secretly takes her place.
Priestess of Avalon by Dole, Pat / Kliatt
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