The ancient Celtic festival celebrated on May 1st, marked by bonfires and believed to protect livestock and ensure a good harvest.
From Irish Gaelic 'Bealtaine,' possibly from 'bel' (bright/fire) + 'tene' (fire), though etymology is debated. The festival marked the beginning of the pastoral summer season.
Beltane is one of the four great Celtic festivals—along with Samhain (Halloween), it still influences modern celebrations, and the bonfires lit on May 1st are direct descendants of ancient Celtic ritual fires.
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