Beltane

bel'tan, an ancient festival observed by the Druids on the first day of May. The origin of the name is unknown, but it is supposed to have been formed from two words-Beal, the chief deity of the Druids, and a word meaning fire. At Beltane, a great fire was kindled on some elevated spot in honor of the sun, whose returning warmth after the desolation of winter was thus celebrated. It was the custom to extinguish all fires in houses, and to relight them from the embers of the Beltane. The other great festival of Druidical worship was Samhin, meaning "fire of peace," held on Hallow-eve. At this time, the judicial functions of the order were discharged. Public bonfires were also a part of the celebration. Hallow-eve is still called Samhin in some places in Scotland, and the name Beltane is used to designate Mayday, or sometimes Whitsunday.

Ours is no sapling, chance sown by the fountain, Blooming at Beltane in winter to fade. -Scott.