Beltane

Beltane(pronounced bell-tane), which is one of the two major holidays because it starts off the Goddess Season, is also known as May Eve, Walpurgis (pronounced wall-purr-jis), and Walpurgisnacht,which
occurs on April 30^th (hence the name May Eve).  Beltane is named after the CelticGod Bel  meaning "bright one".
This  Sabbats the time in which  the God takes the Maiden Goddess in sacred marriage.

The best known symbol of Beltane is the Maypole, a phallic symbol planted deep in the earth.  People would dance around the Maypole holding ribbons secured to the top winding around in a spiral.  such as the spiral of life.  

A young woman is traditionally crowned as May Queen  and is often called the Greenwood Goddess.  King is then chosen symbolizing the God. Many times Handfastings and what is sometimes called Greenwood marriages occur on Beltane.  A child born from conception on Beltane are considered Merry Begot and are blessed children of the God and Goddess belonging to all who live around them.

The cross-quarter festival was celebrated by bonfires, Bel-fire.  Cattle were driven over the fire for luck and good milk yield.  People now often jump over the Bel-fire themselves to bring good luck and prosperity for the year.