E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bel’tane (2 syl.).
A festival observed in Ireland on June 21st, and in some parts of Scotland on May Day. A fire is kindled on the hills, and the young people dance round it, and feast on cakes made of milk and eggs. It is supposed to be a relic of the worship of Baal. The word is Gaelic, and means Bel’s fire; and the cakes are called beltane-cakes.
