BEL-TAN, or BEL-TANE, a superstitious custom formerly observed in the Highlands of Scotland, being a kind of rural sacrifice, performed by the herdsmen on the 1st of May. It seems to have been a remnant of some Oriental superstition relative to the worship of Baal or the Sun, and derived from Druidical times. Some account of this festival may be found in Pennant's Tour, General Stewart's Sketches, and in almost every work which treats of the Highlands. The Beltane of the Irish is celebrated on the 21st of June.