This is a fire festival, and in ancient times on this day, the hearth fire, which burned all year, was allowed to go out, and the hearth was cleaned. On Beltane, a large community fire was made, and many rituals were performed around these fires. Cattle were driven past the fire, to ensure a fertile and safe year, couples leaped over the fire to ensure fertility. After the festivities people would take a burning brand from the community fire, and rekindle a new fire in the hearth at home.

Dance around the May Pole (a phallic symbol) was common, as was the collection of wild flowers, which were woven into the hair of young women. Fertility rites were performed, as this was a celebration of the divine marriage and sexual union of the God and Goddess. This Great Rite is today performed symbolically. At Beltane the Goddess changes her aspect from Maiden to that of Mother.

Symbols of Beltane include the cauldron (Goddess) and May Pole (God). Herbs of this festival include hawthorn, honeysuckle, St John's Wort, and flowers in season.