Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Interfaith Group

hrmjustin

(71,265 posts) Thu May 1, 2014, 04:52 PM May 2014

Beltane 2014: Facts, History And Traditions Of The May Day Festival

Antonia Blumberg

May 1 marks the Celtic and neopagan festival, Beltane, also referred to as May Day. As spring is underway and summer approaches, many neopagans and Wiccans around the world celebrate Beltane. Here are some facts and traditions to know:

?3
1. Beltane is one of four major Celtic sabbats, along with Samhain, Imbolc and Lughnasadh.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/01/beltane-2014_n_5246485.html?utm_hp_ref=religion

3 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Beltane 2014: Facts, History And Traditions Of The May Day Festival (Original Post) hrmjustin May 2014 OP

Thanks for this. rug May 2014 #1

That is true. Huffington post is good at highlighting interfaith holidays. hrmjustin May 2014 #2

And a happy Beltane to those who keep the feast. okasha May 2014 #3

rug

(82,333 posts)

1. Thanks for this.

Reply to hrmjustin (Original post)

Thu May 1, 2014, 06:08 PM

May 2014

We usually only hear about the pagan festivals surrounding the solstices and Halloween.

hrmjustin

(71,265 posts)

2. That is true. Huffington post is good at highlighting interfaith holidays.

Reply to rug (Reply #1)

Thu May 1, 2014, 06:22 PM

May 2014

okasha

(11,573 posts)

3. And a happy Beltane to those who keep the feast.

Reply to hrmjustin (Original post)

Thu May 1, 2014, 10:07 PM

May 2014

The four solar feasts--the equinoxes and solstices--are sacred to the god. The four cross-quarter days listed in the article are sacred to the goddess, and have been adapted by Christianity as special holy days dedicated to Mary: Purification/Candlemas; the beginning of May, with the whole month dedicated to her; Assumption; and Mary as Queen of All Saints.

Reply to this discussion