Rebuilding Lives in Northern Ireland
Posted in Irish Folklore on Nov 25th, 2013
According to the Celtic moon calendar, Oct 28- Dec 23 is known as ‘Reed Moon’. Reed is typically used to make wind instruments and at this time of year the haunting sounds of the reeds are heard when the souls of the dead are being called to the Underworld.
Posted in Irish Folklore on Nov 20th, 2013
It is bad luck to cut a baby’s fingernails before it is a year old. If you do so, he may grow up to be a thief. It is bad luck to shave on a Sunday morning as it encourages a toothache but this can be counteracted by carrying a haddock in your pocket for […]
Posted in Irish Folklore on Oct 31st, 2013
Samhain or Halloween was thought to be the time when the dead were free to mingle with the living. Masks were worn to hide from harmful spirits and fairies. ‘Soul’ cakes were small, round cakes given to beggars or ‘soulers’ on Halloween and in return they would pray for the departed souls of the relative […]
Posted in Irish Folklore on Sep 30th, 2013
The Celtic lands were full of fairy mounds. These were gateways to the hidden realms of the ‘Fair Ones.’ and humans were rarely allowed a glimpse of the magic folk. However, animals are most familiar with their activities as when they are seen staring off into space they are actually noting a fairy presence.
Posted in Irish Folklore on Aug 15th, 2013
The ancient Fianna under Finn McCool had to undergo tests before they were admitted. A would be warrior had to stand in a pit to his forehead and defend himself against other warriors with spears, armed with only a small shield. He had to run through the woods without disturbing a leaf or a twig […]
Posted in Irish Folklore on Aug 6th, 2013
Beautiful music heard far out at sea is a sign the Celtic mermaids (merrows) are near and a storm is coming. Merrows prefer human relationships and sometimes entice a human to live with them beneath the sea in Tir fo’ Thhuinn. Many Irish families claim merrow blood in their ancestry.
Posted in Irish Folklore on Jul 24th, 2013
It is reported that when Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen, arrived at Howth Castle she was told that the Baron could not be disturbed at dinner. This was terrible slight since the nobility were noted for their hospitality. Grace did not take this lying down. She seized the baron’s grandson and held him hostage demanding […]
Posted in Irish Folklore on Jul 21st, 2013
There once was very poor man with a large family. He told his wife he would leave her for seven years. This he did and came back in seven years. Nine months later his wife gave birth to seven sons. The man was desperate and decided to drown them. On his way he met a […]
Posted in Irish Folklore on Jul 19th, 2013
There is a strange Irish legend that Noah’s grandaughter somehow knew of the coming flood and decided to escape. She and a number of people sailed west. There was a storm and the fleet was wrecked leaving no survivors but herself and a few companions. They were washed up on a strange shore. It was […]
Posted in Irish Folklore on Jun 6th, 2013
In Celtic folk lore there is the Tale of the Enchanted Deer: Finn MacCool was hunting with his hounds when he came upon a doe. The hounds take chase but cannot catch the doe. It was as if she was enchanted. She follows Finn to his camp where she turns into a beautiful woman called […]
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