The Celts measure their months strictly by the moon. They don’t have specific names for each month, but may name those that begin with one of their four festivals. For example, the month corresponding approximately to the Christian May is the month of Beltane.
| Day | Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Beltane | Full moon nearest May 3. | Start of summer. |
| Imbolc | Full moon following the first lamb of the spring, approximately first week of February. | Brigit and the start of spring. |
| Lughnasadh | Full moon following the first berry harvest, approximately the first week of August. | Lugh and the start of harvest. |
| Samhain | Full moon nearest November 4. | Harvest and death, and the dark of the year. |
The Celtic calendar is fixed to the moon, the stars, and the seasons. Samhain, for example, is the midpoint between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice, with the celebration occurring on the full moon nearest that point. And Imbolc and Lughnasadh are tied to the herds and the harvest, with Imbolc starting with the first births in the spring, and Lughnasadh starting with the first harvest in late summer. The Druids will set the official dates.
The three-day feast of Samhain marks the Celtic new year, and the Celtic assembly is traditionally held during the feast. The feast begins on the eve of Samhain and continues for the next two full days. During these feasts there will be places set for the dead to eat and to celebrate, and tales of both recently and long-deceased ancestors will be recounted.
Beltane is marked by the lighting of bonfires in high places. The shrines of Beltane are also used for warnings. The Druids keep these shrines manned by apprentice fienna and bards at all times.
