Beltane

Beltane was mentioned in the Charmed novel The Legacy of Merlin by Niall. It was an ancient rite of fertility. Before the time of King Arthur, it was practiced every midsummer's day. It celebrated the union of the Sun God and the Queen of Summer. A man is chosen to represent the Sun God and a woman to represent the Summer Queen. They are prepared with spells and chants fo twelve days before. Then on Midsummer's day, they are anointed with the ritual oils, clad in the ritual robes, and brought to the standing stones. The purpose of the rite is to make a child; to renew the year at the moment when it starts to wane; to continue the cycle of life.

King Arthur banned the ritual when he came to power as it required a human sacrifice. A wicker giant is built and the sacrifice is imprisoned within the giant. It is later set alight along with the sacrifice.