21, the longest night of the year when the rebirth of the sun is celebrated; Imbolc, which honors a Celtic goddess, is held in February; Ostara (from where the word ``Easter'' derives) celebrates a Germanic goddess and the spring equinox; Beltane is the layman's Mayday, when crops are planted and the end of winter is celebrated; Litha is observed June 21, the longest day in the year; and Lughnasa commemorates the first harvest with a grain festival where athletic competitions often are held.