Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 1, 2026 is:
Beltane • \BEL-tayn\ • noun
Beltane refers to the Celtic May Day festival.
// Beltane falls each year approximately halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice.
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Examples:
“On May 1, we celebrate what began as the ancient Celtic holiday of Beltane. ... It started at sundown April 30, when, according to Celtic lore, the evil spirits that had wreaked havoc on humans since Halloween had a last fling before the dawning of May 1 cast them into their annual six-month exile...