Beltane Fires and Samhain Horrors

When I was writing my folk horror novel The Jack in the Green, I knew I wanted to blend ancient and modern to create a new horror story. As I so often do, I looked to the Celtic calendar for some inspiration.

30th April/1st May:
Beltane, or Fire Festival, which has its origins in pagan and druidic practice. The name Beltane is derived from Belenus (a Celtic sun deity) and when translated means ‘the fires of Bel’. Fire Festival is celebrated on May Eve and traditionally marked the bringing ou...