On May 1st, we celebrate Beltane, the Gaelic Mayday Festival! It is one of the main Celtic seasonal festivals, and marks an end to spring and the beginning of summer.
Beltane traces its roots back to ancient and medieval times in Celtic lands, and today it is mainly recognized and celebrated in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. In this more modern era, celebrations include bonfires, with a Beltane Fire Festival being held in Edinburgh since 1988. Some also celebrate with a maypole, flower crowns, and May baskets.
If you want to learn more about the traditional Celtic calendar, check out The Turning of the Year, which examines the significance of particular times of the year and features re-tellings of various legends associated with them in Irish tradition. Also check out below for some more books to celebrate the beginning of summer!
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