In addition to their agricultural significance, cattle also had a divinatory role at Beltane. The appearance of a white heifer was considered very auspicious, a manifestation of Bóand, goddess of inspiration and abundance who is credited with establishing the fertile Bru nà Boinne, the Boyne River Valley in County Meath, Ireland. Her presence signified an assurance of human health as well as the good health of the cattle. One of her particular associations is the white cow. In Nordic culture, Beltane was referred to as thrimilci—the day upon which cows could be milked three times in one day.
