Bealtaine

I read a poem called Bealtaine from Kate Delahunty's Verses from Ireland and wanted to learn more about the holiday in the poem's subject. To understand the word's meaning -taine means "fire" and usually is referred to as the ancient custom of purifying cattle the eve of the holiday by driving them between two bonfires. In old, Druid Ireland this holiday would have been held at the beginning of summer and in the poem they say it is held on the first of May. The poem informs that the holiday included dancing and feasts as many holidays do. This ancient, mystical holiday must have been very exciting for all who participated in it.