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Loughcrew Equinox

The Loughcrew cairns, Oldcastle, Co. Meath, Ireland, are approximately 5,400 years old (Older than the pyramids of Egypt). Each Spring and Autumn Equinox the rising sun lights the passage chamber of Cairn T, the rays hitting the highly decorated back stone.

Many stories are connected to this prehistoric site including that of the Cailleach or witch/goddess. According to the Legend, the Loughcrew cairns were formed by the Cailleach throwing rocks from her apron, jumping from hill to hill. It is said that she tripped and died and is buried on Patrickstown, one of the hills. The area, known today as Sliabh na Caillí or Mountain of the Witch, reflects this age-old story.

 

 

 

The Art of Irish Lore

Samhain - Prints
  • Samhain - Prints
  • Samhain - Prints
  • Samhain - Prints
  • Samhain - Prints
SKU A3CC01S
€15.00
* Type & Size of Print:




Samhain

Halloween as we know it today originates from Ireland, the county of Meath laying claim to where it was first celebrated. In ancient times there were four main festivals to mark the passage of each year, Imbolc (February 1st), marking the beginning of Spring, Bealtaine (May 1st), the start of summer, Lughnasa (August 1st), the first harvest and Samhain (October 31st -November 1st). 

Samhain was the end of summer, the beginning of the winter and was a very significant festival in the ancient Irish calendar. It was a time to prepare for the dark days ahead and on that night it was thought that the veil between this world and the next became blurred. Spirits of the dead were thought to walk amongst the living and the Aos Sidhe (fairy people) could also roam, especially the Púca (a shape shifting mischievous fairy). People often dressed up and wore masks as a means to scare the evil spirits that might wander and bonfires were lit across the countryside. 

Many traditions have built up around this time including the eating of Barm brack, a fruit cake often with a ring and other items hidden inside which supposedly can tell your future and amongst children, playing games such as apple on a string and bobbing for apple became popular. Still children and adults dress up but now for fun rather than for ritual. The festival was brought to the USA by emigrants leaving Ireland where it gained huge popularity and indeed the carving of pumpkins was imported back into Ireland from America to replace the traditional carving of turnips or Jack O’Lanterns. 

 

Illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna