October is Rosary Month. On October 7, Irish Catholics commemorate the Blessed Mother’s Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. October was also the month in which Mary appeared to shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, for the final time, encouraging them to “say the rosary every day to obtain global peace.”
Halloween
Sep 22 2021Autumnal Equinox the Celebration of Mabon
Today is the first day of autumn. The fall equinox will occur today, September 22, 2021, at 3:21 p.m. Eastern. The Sun will be exactly above the Earth’s equator at that time, appearing overhead at noon as seen from the equator. Every year, around the same time, the Sun shines directly over the equator, distributing the same amount of light on both sides of the planet.The Legend of the Celtic Cat
In Celtic mythology, the Cat is a beast that is both adored and despised. Those in search of Otherworldly abilities sought him, but not in a kind or compassionate way. For those who were fearful of supernatural forces believed to exist outside of the church, the cat was a sign that the devil's hand was close at hand. This idea would eventually grow so widespread that merely possessing a cat would be seen as extremely hazardous.
In Celtic folklorethere is a magical set of cats or "fairy cats". In Scotland they are known as the cait sith. In Ireland they are called cait
- Categories: Irish Traditions , News , Interesting Stories , Celtic Holidays , Halloween , Celtic Legends
As children and adults around the world take part in the spooky festivities of Halloween on the night of October 31st, All Hallows Eve, few know of its ancient Irish Celticroots in the Samhain(Samain) festival.
Read more about Celtic Halloween Origins,
- Sep 26 2020
Celtic Halloween Myths and Legends
Celtic Halloween called Samhain in Gaelic is a traditional Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season. It also marks the beginning of winter also known as the "darker half" of the year because the days get dramatically shorter. Samhain is traditionally celebrated at sunset on October 31st and lasts until sunrise on November first. This is considered the halfway between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice. This time during Samhain was seen as a transitional time, when the vail between this world and the other side could be crossed without difficulty allowing Aos SÃ, or the 'spirits' like the 'fairies' into our world to create mischief. The Irish have many Celtic Halloween Traditionsto ward off these spirits.
Celtic Anti-Fairy Measures for Halloween
- Oct 04 2018
IRISH HALLOWEEN TRADITION - BARMBRACK
There are many Irish Halloween traditions in Ireland. One of my favorites is barmbrack. Barmbrack is at the very core of the Irish Halloween traditions. The Halloween Brack, much like Christmas pudding traditionally contained various objects baked into the sweet bread. - Oct 16 2017
The Origins of Halloween Costumes
On Halloween night children would dress up in scary costumes and go house to house. Phrases like "Help the Halloween Party" and "Trick or Treat" were the cries to be heard at each door.
This tradition of wearing costumes also dates back to Celtic times. On the special night when the living and the dead were at their closest the Celtic Druids would dress up in elaborate costumes to disguise themselves as spirits and devils in case they encountered other devils and spirits during the night. By disguising they hoped that they would be able to avoid being carried away at the end of the night. This explains why witches, goblins and ghosts remain the most popular choices for the costumes.
- Oct 16 2017
The Dullahan, the Irish Headless Horseman
Have you ever heard about "The Dullahan", the Irish Headless Horseman?The Irish legend of the Dullahan, or English translation "dark man" is unnerving. The Headless Horseman or Dullahan is the Irish foreteller of death. The Dullahan rides a jet black horse with flames shooting from its eyes, carrying his head under one arm. Irish folklore says that when he stops riding, a human dies.
There are many versions of this scary tale. Some say that the Dullahan throws buckets of blood at people he passes, while other say he simply calls out the name of the mortal that will soon die.
But as with most evil entities the Dullahan has a weakness. The Dullahan can not stand the sight of GOLD. - Oct 16 2017
The Pooka In Irish Folklore
The puca (Irish for spirit/ghost), pooka, phouka, phooka, phooca, puca or puka is primarily a creature of Celtic folklore. Considered to be bringers both of good and bad fortune, they could either help or hinder rural and marine communities.The Puca can have dark or staunch white fur or hair. The creatures were said to be shape changers which could take the appearance of horses, goats, cats, dogs, and hares. They may also take a human form, which includes various animal features, such as ears or a tail.
Image from Faeries by Brian Froud and Alan LeeRead more about Celtic Halloween Traditions and Origins. Shop Irish Halloween Gifts.
- Oct 04 2017
Irish Halloween Traditions
Samhain (pronounced SAH-win or SOW-in, Irish pronunciation for Samhain the Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the "darker half" of the year. Traditionally, Samhain is celebrated from 31 October to 1 November, as the Celtic day began and ended at sunset.
Colcannon for Dinner:
Boiled Potato, Curly Kale (a cabbage) and raw Onions are provided as the traditional Irish Halloween dinner. Clean coins are wrapped in baking paper and placed in the potato for children to find and keep.The Barnbrack Cake:
The traditional Halloween cake in Ireland is the barnbrack which is a fruit bread. Each member of the family gets a slice. Great interest is taken in the outcome as there is a piece of rag, a coin and a ring in each cake. If you get the
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