The Wiccan Wheel divides year into two primary seasons: summer and winter. These seasons reflect the agricultural cycles. Beltane, usually celebrated at the beginning of May, marks the beginning of the season of planting, ripening and harvest. Samhain, occurring at the beginning of November, marks the end of harvest when the earth returns to its winter sleep.

Beltane means “bright fire” in Gaelic. Not a great deal is known about ancient Beltane celebrations in pre-Christian Europe, but very likely they involved the lighting of bonfires to herald the arrival of summer. There are tales of villagers “jumping the beltane fire” to bring fertility and good fortune, and of farmers driving their livestock between two blazing Beltane fires in order to ensure the health and fecundity of the animals. Across Northern Europe, sacred rites were likely performed in the newly planted fields to guarantee a bountiful harvest. The earth was fully awake again and bursting with new life. Beltane was a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving.

Some Beltane celebrations appear to have occurred on eve of May, with festivities often lasting through the night. Other traditions marked the arrival of summer at dawn. To this day, for example, Morris Dancers around the world greet the dawn on May 1st with dancing and music, usually gathering in parks or open spaces where they can see the rising sun.

Symbols traditionally associated with Beltane include: the Green Man and the May Queen, the decorated May Pole, Garlands, and May Baskets ( which are filled with flowers and gifts representing the earth’s fertility).