What fire-related activity is central to Beltane celebrations?

Bonfires are central to traditional Beltane celebrations. Communities lit special fires whose flames, smoke, and ashes were believed to offer protection and promote good fortune as summer began.

Historical accounts describe cattle being driven between or around Beltane fires before they were taken to summer pastures. The practice was intended to guard the animals against disease and other dangers. In some traditions, people also passed between the fires, leapt over flames or embers, or relit household fires from the communal blaze.

The fire custom appears in early Irish literature. The tenth-century Sanas Cormaic, or Cormac’s Glossary, describes druids kindling two fires and moving cattle between them. The text gives legendary explanations for the festival’s name, but its account shows that Beltane was associated with protective fire rituals many centuries ago.

Torches may feature in modern processions, and lanterns or fireworks can appear at contemporary events, but they are not the defining traditional activity. The characteristic Beltane fire is the bonfire, often connected with a community gathering, feast, music, and May flowers.