What does Beltane mean in Irish?
Beltane (/ˈbɛl.teɪn/) is the Gaelic May Day festival. Beltane is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and is associated with important events in Irish mythology. Also known as Cétshamhain (“first of summer”), it marked the beginning of summer and it was when cattle were driven out to the summer pastures.
What is another name for Beltane?
Beltane, also spelled Beltine, Irish Beltaine or Belltaine, also known as Cétamain, festival held on the first day of May in Ireland and Scotland, celebrating the beginning of summer and open pasturing.
How do you really pronounce Samhain?
Samhain is usually pronounced in its Irish version. So the correct pronunciation of Samhain in Irish is Sau-ihn. The first part, -Sau, is pronounced like the “sow”, the female of a pig. The second syllable, -ihn, contains an “i” that is pronounced somewhat midway between an “i” and an “e” sound.
Is Beltane Irish or Scottish?
Beltane Has Scottish Gaelic Roots The earliest known mention of Beltane (formerly spelled beltene, belltaine, and beltine) is in an Old Irish dictionary commonly attributed to Cormac, a king and bishop who lived in Cashel, Ireland, toward the end of the first millennium.
Why is Beltane important?
Beltane is a Celtic word which means ‘fires of Bel’ (Bel was a Celtic deity). It is a fire festival that celebrates of the coming of summer and the fertility of the coming year. These rituals would often lead to matches and marriages, either immediately in the coming summer or autumn.
How do you pronounce Beltane?
Beltane or Beltaine (pronounced /ˈbɛltən/, origin Old Irish) is the anglicised spelling of Bealtaine (Irish pronunciation: [ˈbʲalˠtˠənʲə]) or Bealltainn ([ˈbʲalˠtˠənʲ]), the Gaelic names for either the month of May or the festival that takes place on the first day of May. In Irish Gaelic, the month of May is known as Mí Bhealtaine or…
What is the significance of Beltane?
Beltane is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and is associated with important events in Irish mythology . Also known as Cétshamhain (“first of summer”), it marked the beginning of summer and was when cattle were driven out to the summer pastures.
What is Beltane holiday?
Beltane is an ancient Celtic holiday, celebrated on May 1st. It was a fertility festival; a day when the Celts celebrated nature’s ability to reproduce.