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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

Christmas - Candle - card
  • Christmas - Candle - card
  • Christmas - Candle - card
  • Christmas - Candle - card
SKU CC09
€3.50
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The Christmas candle

The Christmas candle has been a long time tradition in Ireland and was seen as a light to welcome the stranger. In ancient Ireland, light was a symbol of renewal in the darkness, as witnessed when the dawn rays enter the chamber of Newgrange (Brú na Bóinne) in the winter solstice. The grandmother represents the wisdom of the old year, passing on her knowledge to the young and indeed in our ancient folklore, the Cailleach, was a Goddess of winter, the wise sovereign Goddess who passed her baton to Brigid in the Spring.

Illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna