We are celebrating Beltane, a pagan festival that marks the beginning of summer and is associated with fertility.
The pagan festival of Beltane, or May Day, is celebrated by lighting bonfires, dancing, and performing fertility rituals. In ancient times, villagers would light two bonfires to purify people and livestock and increase their fertility. This video has lots of information about Beltane.
The word ‘Beltane’ comes from the Celtic God ‘Bel’, which is an Irish word for fire. Beltane should always be celebrated by lighting bonfires. This practice fell out of favor during much of the 20th century. However, the Beltane fires were once again lit in Edinburgh in 1988, led by Angus Farquhar. In 1992 the mantle was taken up by the Beltane Fire Society, continuing this fiery festival.
Today we bring you three sapphic books with main characters who visit or live in Scotland.
