What's the difference between beltane and candlemas?

Beltane


Definition:

  • (n.) The first day of May (Old Style).
  • (n.) A festival of the heathen Celts on the first day of May, in the observance of which great bonfires were kindled. It still exists in a modified form in some parts of Scotland and Ireland.

Example Sentences:

  • (1) Some druidical Beltane fire flickered in Thurley's eyes and he snapped back at me, quick as a flint-tipped arrowhead fired from a Neolithic bow: "Museumification isn't a word!"

Candlemas


Definition:

  • (n.) The second day of February, on which is celebrated the feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary; -- so called because the candles for the altar or other sacred uses are blessed on that day.

Example Sentences:

  • (1) But for the French it has already passed: there, it is celebrated on 2 February, the feast of Candlemas, or La Chandeleur .

Words possibly related to "beltane"