Irish Etymology
"By hook or by crook": coined when Oliver Cromwell planned to attack Waterford by taking ships around Hook Head or marching through the village of Crooke in 1649...although he failed.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Irish Thought for May 30...
Irish Food
Colcannon
This starchy, hearty Irish favorite combines mashed potatoes with shredded kale or cabbage, along with onions. It's a simple but very filling side dish, and its inexpensive and easily found ingredients have made it a staple.
Colcannon
This starchy, hearty Irish favorite combines mashed potatoes with shredded kale or cabbage, along with onions. It's a simple but very filling side dish, and its inexpensive and easily found ingredients have made it a staple.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Irish Thought for May 28...
Irish Trivia
Certain laws in medieval Ireland gave grounds for a man to divorce his wife if she was a thief or criminal, sullied his honor through infidelity, or if she simply "made a mess of everything."
Certain laws in medieval Ireland gave grounds for a man to divorce his wife if she was a thief or criminal, sullied his honor through infidelity, or if she simply "made a mess of everything."
Monday, May 27, 2013
Irish Thought for May 27...
Quotations
"Well, it takes all kinds of men to build a railroad."
"No sir, just us Irish."
-from the movie Dodge City (1939)
"Well, it takes all kinds of men to build a railroad."
"No sir, just us Irish."
-from the movie Dodge City (1939)
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Irish Thought for May 25...
Limericks!
There was Young Lady whose chin,
Resembled the point of a pin;
So she had it made sharp,
And purchased a harp,
And played several tunes with her chin.
There was Young Lady whose chin,
Resembled the point of a pin;
So she had it made sharp,
And purchased a harp,
And played several tunes with her chin.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Irish Thought for May 24...
Irish Musicians
My Bloody Valentine
An alternative rock band from Dublin, founded in 1983 by Kevin Shields (guitar and vocals) and Colm Ó Cíosóig (drummer), and later expanded to include Bilinda Butcher (guitar and vocals) and Debbie Googe (bass). As the band's music evolved, their use of distortion, droning rifts, and reverb resulted in a sound that became very influential in UK movement known as shoegazing.
My Bloody Valentine
An alternative rock band from Dublin, founded in 1983 by Kevin Shields (guitar and vocals) and Colm Ó Cíosóig (drummer), and later expanded to include Bilinda Butcher (guitar and vocals) and Debbie Googe (bass). As the band's music evolved, their use of distortion, droning rifts, and reverb resulted in a sound that became very influential in UK movement known as shoegazing.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Irish Thought for May 23...
Irish-American Celebrities
John Ford
Famed Hollywood movie director John Ford was born Sean O'Feeney in 1894, in Spiddal, County Galway. An American film director, Ford was famous for both his westerns such as Stagecoach, The Searchers, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, and adaptations of such classic 20th-century American novels as The Grapes of Wrath. His four Best Director Academy Awards is a record, and one of those films, How Green Was My Valley, also won Best Picture. In a career that spanned more than 50 years, Ford directed over 140 films (althouh nearly all of his silent films are now lost) and he is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers of his generation.
John Ford
Famed Hollywood movie director John Ford was born Sean O'Feeney in 1894, in Spiddal, County Galway. An American film director, Ford was famous for both his westerns such as Stagecoach, The Searchers, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, and adaptations of such classic 20th-century American novels as The Grapes of Wrath. His four Best Director Academy Awards is a record, and one of those films, How Green Was My Valley, also won Best Picture. In a career that spanned more than 50 years, Ford directed over 140 films (althouh nearly all of his silent films are now lost) and he is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers of his generation.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Irish Thought for May 22...
Irish Movies
Patrick
This TV documentary attempts find the fascinating truth in the popular legends of St. Patrick. Gabriel Byrne provides the voice of St. Patrick, while Liam Neeson supplies the narration. Patrick was not only filmed entirely in Ireland, but it also features commentary from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt (Angela's Ashes). Directed by Pamela Mason Wagner.
Patrick
This TV documentary attempts find the fascinating truth in the popular legends of St. Patrick. Gabriel Byrne provides the voice of St. Patrick, while Liam Neeson supplies the narration. Patrick was not only filmed entirely in Ireland, but it also features commentary from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt (Angela's Ashes). Directed by Pamela Mason Wagner.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Irish Thought for May 21...
Irish Curses
May those who love us, love us.
And those that don't love us,
may God turn their hearts.
And if He doesn't turn their hearts,
may He turn their ankles,
so we'll know them by their limping.
May those who love us, love us.
And those that don't love us,
may God turn their hearts.
And if He doesn't turn their hearts,
may He turn their ankles,
so we'll know them by their limping.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Irish Thought for May 20...
Irish Folklore
The Grey Man
The Far Liath, often called the Grey Man, is the fairy personification of fog. He delights in causing confusion, covering both the land and sea with his opaque cloak to hide rock formations so that ships smash into them, and to obscure the road so that travelers tumble over cliffs. Cruel and malicious, the Grey Man often casts his illusions in the higher altitudes and mountain paths, or blankets coastal lighthouses to cause as much mayhem as he can.
The Grey Man
The Far Liath, often called the Grey Man, is the fairy personification of fog. He delights in causing confusion, covering both the land and sea with his opaque cloak to hide rock formations so that ships smash into them, and to obscure the road so that travelers tumble over cliffs. Cruel and malicious, the Grey Man often casts his illusions in the higher altitudes and mountain paths, or blankets coastal lighthouses to cause as much mayhem as he can.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Irish Thought for May 19...
Irish Proverbs
Everyone praises his native land.
And us Irish-Americans know that we praise our heritage land too (if not more)!
Everyone praises his native land.
And us Irish-Americans know that we praise our heritage land too (if not more)!
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Irish Thought for May 18...
Irish-American Facts
By 1855, according to New York Police Commissioner George W. Matsell, himself an Englishman, having been born in Liverpool, England, in 1806, almost 17 percent of the police department's officers were Irish born (compared to 28.2 percent in the city) in a report to the Board of Alderman. In the 1860s more than half of those arrested in New York City were Irish born or of Irish descent but nearly half of the city's law enforcement were also Irish. By the turn of the century, five out of six NYPD officers were Irish born or of Irish descent. As late as the 1960s, even after minority hiring efforts, 42 percent of the NYPD were Irish-Americans.
By 1855, according to New York Police Commissioner George W. Matsell, himself an Englishman, having been born in Liverpool, England, in 1806, almost 17 percent of the police department's officers were Irish born (compared to 28.2 percent in the city) in a report to the Board of Alderman. In the 1860s more than half of those arrested in New York City were Irish born or of Irish descent but nearly half of the city's law enforcement were also Irish. By the turn of the century, five out of six NYPD officers were Irish born or of Irish descent. As late as the 1960s, even after minority hiring efforts, 42 percent of the NYPD were Irish-Americans.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Irish Thought for May 17...
Quotations
If we could make chains with the morning dew
The world would be like Galway Bay.
Let's walk over rainbows like leprechauns.
The world would be one big Blarney stone.
-John Lennon, "The Luck of the Irish"
If we could make chains with the morning dew
The world would be like Galway Bay.
Let's walk over rainbows like leprechauns.
The world would be one big Blarney stone.
-John Lennon, "The Luck of the Irish"
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Irish Thought for May 16...
Irish-American Heroes
Often considered one of the greatest managers in professional baseball, John McGraw won ten pennants for teams such as the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Giants. (Okay, I had to look this up because I am not the most sports-savvy person, but I could swear NY Giants was football. Turns out the Giants were baseball from 1883 until 1957 - when the team moved to San Francisco...yay I learned something sport related today!)
Often considered one of the greatest managers in professional baseball, John McGraw won ten pennants for teams such as the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Giants. (Okay, I had to look this up because I am not the most sports-savvy person, but I could swear NY Giants was football. Turns out the Giants were baseball from 1883 until 1957 - when the team moved to San Francisco...yay I learned something sport related today!)
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Irish Thought for May 15...
Irish Proverbs
If a cat had a dowry, she would often be kissed.
If you have a few minutes, I encourage you to read about Jiggle Jam as the concert recently got a wonderful write up. I am especially excited to see the guitars on display. Dan Regan designed the guitars for available to decorate and I decorated the first guitar to be displayed at Jiggle Jam as an piece to inspire artists. I love seeing kids rocking out on the guitars throughout the concerts!
The article is found at http://americanprofile.com/articles/jiggle-jam/ and below are some rocking lads.
If a cat had a dowry, she would often be kissed.
If you have a few minutes, I encourage you to read about Jiggle Jam as the concert recently got a wonderful write up. I am especially excited to see the guitars on display. Dan Regan designed the guitars for available to decorate and I decorated the first guitar to be displayed at Jiggle Jam as an piece to inspire artists. I love seeing kids rocking out on the guitars throughout the concerts!
The article is found at http://americanprofile.com/articles/jiggle-jam/ and below are some rocking lads.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Irish Thought for May 14...
Irish Writers
Brain O'Nolan
Born in Strabane, Brian O'Nolan was a satirist and novelist best known for his books The Third Policman and At Swim-Two-Birds, written under the pseudonym Flann O'Brien. He also used the name Myles na Copaleen for a novel he wrote, called An Béal Bocht (Irish for the poor mouth).
Brain O'Nolan
Born in Strabane, Brian O'Nolan was a satirist and novelist best known for his books The Third Policman and At Swim-Two-Birds, written under the pseudonym Flann O'Brien. He also used the name Myles na Copaleen for a novel he wrote, called An Béal Bocht (Irish for the poor mouth).
Monday, May 13, 2013
Irish Thought for May 13...
Irish-American Movies
In America
As seen through the eyes of the elder daughter, an Irish family immigrates illegally in Hell's Kitchen in New York, where they find support among the other occupants of their rundown tenement. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress for Samantha Morton, and Best Supporting Actor for Djimon Hounsou. Starring Paddy Considine, Samantha Morton, Sarah Bolger, Emma Bolger, and Djimon Hounsou. Directed by Jim Sheridan.
In America
As seen through the eyes of the elder daughter, an Irish family immigrates illegally in Hell's Kitchen in New York, where they find support among the other occupants of their rundown tenement. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress for Samantha Morton, and Best Supporting Actor for Djimon Hounsou. Starring Paddy Considine, Samantha Morton, Sarah Bolger, Emma Bolger, and Djimon Hounsou. Directed by Jim Sheridan.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Irish Thought for May 12...
Irish-American Writers
Henry James
Henry James was an American-born writer, regarded as one of the key figures of 19th-century literary realism. Among James' masterpieces are The Portrait of a Lady, in which a young American woman finds that her upbringing has ill-prepared her for the schemes of two American expatriates during her travels in Europe. Washington Square is a deceptively simple tragicomedy that recounts the conflict between a dull but sweet daughter and her brilliant, domineering father. In The Wings of the Dove an inheritance destroys the love a young couple. James considered The Ambassadors his most "perfect" work of art. James' most famous story is "The Turn of the Screw," a ghost story in which the question of childhood corruption obsesses a governess.
Henry James
Henry James was an American-born writer, regarded as one of the key figures of 19th-century literary realism. Among James' masterpieces are The Portrait of a Lady, in which a young American woman finds that her upbringing has ill-prepared her for the schemes of two American expatriates during her travels in Europe. Washington Square is a deceptively simple tragicomedy that recounts the conflict between a dull but sweet daughter and her brilliant, domineering father. In The Wings of the Dove an inheritance destroys the love a young couple. James considered The Ambassadors his most "perfect" work of art. James' most famous story is "The Turn of the Screw," a ghost story in which the question of childhood corruption obsesses a governess.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Irish Thought for May 11...
Irish Toasts
An old Irish recipe for longevity:
Leave the table hungry.
Leave the bed sleepy.
Leave the table thirsty.
This recipe made me sad. I was struck with the following thought: Was this recipe something a person randomly concocted or was this recipe born from the hardships that so many in Ireland faced? In other words, was this a way to turn hardship into something positive?
An old Irish recipe for longevity:
Leave the table hungry.
Leave the bed sleepy.
Leave the table thirsty.
This recipe made me sad. I was struck with the following thought: Was this recipe something a person randomly concocted or was this recipe born from the hardships that so many in Ireland faced? In other words, was this a way to turn hardship into something positive?
Friday, May 10, 2013
Irish Thought for May 10...
Limericks!
There was an Old Person of Hurst,
Who drank when he was not athirst,
When they said, "You'll grow fatter,"
He answered, "What matter?"
That globular Person of Hurst.
There was an Old Person of Hurst,
Who drank when he was not athirst,
When they said, "You'll grow fatter,"
He answered, "What matter?"
That globular Person of Hurst.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Irish Thought for May 9...
Irish-Americans by the Numbers
According to the U.S. Census Bureau data in 2009, 32 percent of people reporting Irish ancestry hold a bachelor's degree or higher academic degrees, as compared to 28 percent for the whole United States. Ninety-two percent had a high school diploma, compared to 85 percent nationally.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau data in 2009, 32 percent of people reporting Irish ancestry hold a bachelor's degree or higher academic degrees, as compared to 28 percent for the whole United States. Ninety-two percent had a high school diploma, compared to 85 percent nationally.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Irish Thought for May 8...
Irish Blessings
May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.
Jiggle Jam Needs Your Help!!!
May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.
Jiggle Jam Needs Your Help!!!
I feel guilty asking you, but you are the hardest workers I have and you know all the ropes, so you make it so easy. Several of you may have helped the last couple of years at Jiggle Jam, and I am sending out a plea for help again.
This is our sixth year and we haven't built the loyal volunteers we have at Irish Fest.
I need help in the tent for activities (and bingo etc), if all of you can get just two or three friends to come down for a bit, it would save the day for me.
Hours are May 25 8:30 - 7 PM and May 26 9:30 - 5. You wouldn't believe how easy those hours are compared to our Irish Fest Hours.
Let your friends know, I need help and this has great service hours and lots of fun, the young ones running around are just as cute as they can be, our average age is about 2-8.
Anyway, some of you 7th and 8th graders, this is a great class project if you can rally your friends (and don't forget about the free ticket you will get for your little brother or sister!!!!)
You can either go to the website http://www.kcjigglejam.com/ and click on volunteer. Or please contact me at schmegs24@hotmail.com. Just send me an email with Jiggle Jam as your subject and I will set you on the path to participating in this great event!!!!!!
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Irish Thought for May 7...
Irish-American Celebrities
Judy Garland
American actress and singer Judy Garland, through a career that spanned 45 of her 47 years, attained international stardom as an actress in musical and dramatic roles, as a recording artist, and on the concert stage. After appearing in vaudeville with her sisters, Garland was signed to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer as a teenager. There she made more than two dozen films, including nine with Mickey Rooney and the 1939 film with which Judy would be most identified, The Wizard of Oz. After 15 years, Garland was released from the studio but gained renewed success through record-breaking concert appearances, including a critically acclaimed Carnegie Hall concert, a well-regarded but short-lived television series, and a return to actin beginning with a critically acclaimed performance in A Star is Born.
Judy Garland
American actress and singer Judy Garland, through a career that spanned 45 of her 47 years, attained international stardom as an actress in musical and dramatic roles, as a recording artist, and on the concert stage. After appearing in vaudeville with her sisters, Garland was signed to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer as a teenager. There she made more than two dozen films, including nine with Mickey Rooney and the 1939 film with which Judy would be most identified, The Wizard of Oz. After 15 years, Garland was released from the studio but gained renewed success through record-breaking concert appearances, including a critically acclaimed Carnegie Hall concert, a well-regarded but short-lived television series, and a return to actin beginning with a critically acclaimed performance in A Star is Born.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Irish Thought for May 6...
Quotations
I have a thing for red-haired Irish boys, as we know
-Sandra Bullock
I have a thing for red-haired Irish boys, as we know
-Sandra Bullock
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Irish Thought for May 5...
Irish Trivia
The largest island off Ireland's coast is Achill Island, a 56 square-mile rock boastin dramatic moors and cliffs.
The largest island off Ireland's coast is Achill Island, a 56 square-mile rock boastin dramatic moors and cliffs.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Irish Thought for May 4...
Irish Etymology
"Beyond the pale": originated in Ireland in the 14th century to describe outlandish behavior. The Pale was the area of Ireland under British control, and people living on its outskirts were considered outlaws.
"Beyond the pale": originated in Ireland in the 14th century to describe outlandish behavior. The Pale was the area of Ireland under British control, and people living on its outskirts were considered outlaws.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Irish Thought for May 3...
Irish Curses
You will be defeated in every engagement you take part in and in every assembly, you attend you will be spat on and reviled.
-St. Patrick
You will be defeated in every engagement you take part in and in every assembly, you attend you will be spat on and reviled.
-St. Patrick
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Irish Thought for May 2...
Irish Food
Cruibins
Cruibins are pig's feet, also known as trotters. They are often boiled with carrots, onions, and spices until the meat is tender. Dipped in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried, cruibins are a popular late-night snack in pubs or from stands outside of drinking establishments, as the greasy, salty pork helps to soak up excess alcohol.
I would like to mention how proud I am of some Irish dancers from our great city (read below to find out why). And, big shout outs to those Irish Kids' Club members who danced in this event.
The Irish dance community in Boston is in shock over the news that one of its cherished students, seven-year-old Jane Richard of Dorchester, lost a leg in the terror attack at the Boston Marathon on Monday afternoon. Jane Richards brother Martin, eight, was killed in the explosions, and her mother Denise suffered a serious brain injury. Her father Bill Richard and eldest brother Henry, 12, were unharmed. The Richard family is beloved in their heavily Irish Dorchester hometown, and Jane has been an enthusiastic student at the Clifden Academy of Irish Dance in Milton since she turned three. “She is just a beautiful little girl. We taught her since she was a baby, pointing her little toe,” a tearful Eileen Dillon Dinn, owner of the Clifton Academy, told the Irish Voice. “We are just in a state of shock and disbelief. The Richard family is lovely. They went to the marathon as a happy family, and then this
The Kansas City Irish Dance Community along with many other Irish Dance Communities across the Unites States had a “DANCE OUT” for Jane and the Richard’s Family on April 26.
“The outpouring of love and support over the last week has been tremendous. This has been the most difficult week of our lives and we appreciate that our friends and family have given us space to grieve and heal,” Bill and Denise Richard said in a statement. “A private Funeral Mass was celebrated on April 25th with immediate family. We laid our son Martin to rest, and he is now at peace. We plan to have a public memorial service in the coming weeks to allow friends and loved ones from our community to join us for a celebration of Martin’s life.”
The Kid’s Club salutes our Irish Dancers, they are very special young people and so loving, and we are so proud of them every single day but just a bit more this past weekend.
Cruibins
Cruibins are pig's feet, also known as trotters. They are often boiled with carrots, onions, and spices until the meat is tender. Dipped in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried, cruibins are a popular late-night snack in pubs or from stands outside of drinking establishments, as the greasy, salty pork helps to soak up excess alcohol.
I would like to mention how proud I am of some Irish dancers from our great city (read below to find out why). And, big shout outs to those Irish Kids' Club members who danced in this event.
The Irish dance community in Boston is in shock over the news that one of its cherished students, seven-year-old Jane Richard of Dorchester, lost a leg in the terror attack at the Boston Marathon on Monday afternoon. Jane Richards brother Martin, eight, was killed in the explosions, and her mother Denise suffered a serious brain injury. Her father Bill Richard and eldest brother Henry, 12, were unharmed. The Richard family is beloved in their heavily Irish Dorchester hometown, and Jane has been an enthusiastic student at the Clifden Academy of Irish Dance in Milton since she turned three. “She is just a beautiful little girl. We taught her since she was a baby, pointing her little toe,” a tearful Eileen Dillon Dinn, owner of the Clifton Academy, told the Irish Voice. “We are just in a state of shock and disbelief. The Richard family is lovely. They went to the marathon as a happy family, and then this
happened. We don’t know what to say.” Jane, Dillon Dinn said, loved to dance and learn all the new moves. Dressing up in fancy Irish costumes and wigs also filled her with delight. The little girl was on the sidelines at the recent Irish World Dance Championships in Boston, cheering on her fellow students and dreaming that someday she too would get the chance to compete. “She’s a beauty, always smiling,” said Dillon Dinn, adding that Jane would attend class every Tuesday at the Milton-based school not far from Dorchester. “Jane really lives to dance.”
The Kansas City Irish Dance Community along with many other Irish Dance Communities across the Unites States had a “DANCE OUT” for Jane and the Richard’s Family on April 26.
“The outpouring of love and support over the last week has been tremendous. This has been the most difficult week of our lives and we appreciate that our friends and family have given us space to grieve and heal,” Bill and Denise Richard said in a statement. “A private Funeral Mass was celebrated on April 25th with immediate family. We laid our son Martin to rest, and he is now at peace. We plan to have a public memorial service in the coming weeks to allow friends and loved ones from our community to join us for a celebration of Martin’s life.”
The Kid’s Club salutes our Irish Dancers, they are very special young people and so loving, and we are so proud of them every single day but just a bit more this past weekend.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Irish Thought for May 1...
Irish Folklore
The Lianhan Shee
The Lianhan Shee is a formidable fairy. She is the femme fetale of the fairies, using her power to gain dominion over mortal men. It is thought that if a mortal man can refuse her, she will become his slave...but if he succumbs to her magical desire, he is hers for eternity. Because of her irresistible attractiveness, most men cannot turn her away, and then they live only for her pleasure, sacrificing all else, until this frenzy destroys them. The Lianhan Shee lures men to follow her into the world of fairies, and the men follow even though they will die to reach that realm.
Also, today is a special day because it is Beltane Day. Beltane or Beltain (pron.: /ˈbɛlteɪn/) (also Beltine or Beltaine)[1] is the Gaelic May Day festival. Most commonly it is held on 30 April–1 May, or halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. In Irish it is Bealtaine ([ˈbʲal̪ˠt̪ˠənʲə]. . It is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals; along with Samhain, Imbolc and Lughnasadh.
Beltane is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and it is associated with important events in Irish mythology. It marked the beginning of summer and was when cattle were driven out to the summer pastures. Rituals were performed to protect the cattle, crops and people, and to encourage growth. Special bonfires were kindled, and their flames, smoke and ashes were deemed to have protective powers. The people and their cattle would walk around the bonfire, or between two bonfires, and sometimes leap over flames or embers. All household fires would be doused and then re-lit from the Beltane bonfire. Doors, windows, byres and the cattle themselves would be decorated with yellow May flowers, perhaps because they evoked fire. In parts of Ireland, people would make a May Bush; a thorn bush decorated with flowers, ribbons and bright shells. Holy wells were also visited, while Beltane dew was thought to bring beauty and maintain youthfulness. Many of these customs were part of May Day or Midsummer festivals in other parts of Great Britain and Europe.
The Lianhan Shee
The Lianhan Shee is a formidable fairy. She is the femme fetale of the fairies, using her power to gain dominion over mortal men. It is thought that if a mortal man can refuse her, she will become his slave...but if he succumbs to her magical desire, he is hers for eternity. Because of her irresistible attractiveness, most men cannot turn her away, and then they live only for her pleasure, sacrificing all else, until this frenzy destroys them. The Lianhan Shee lures men to follow her into the world of fairies, and the men follow even though they will die to reach that realm.
Also, today is a special day because it is Beltane Day. Beltane or Beltain (pron.: /ˈbɛlteɪn/) (also Beltine or Beltaine)[1] is the Gaelic May Day festival. Most commonly it is held on 30 April–1 May, or halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. In Irish it is Bealtaine ([ˈbʲal̪ˠt̪ˠənʲə]. . It is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals; along with Samhain, Imbolc and Lughnasadh.
Beltane is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and it is associated with important events in Irish mythology. It marked the beginning of summer and was when cattle were driven out to the summer pastures. Rituals were performed to protect the cattle, crops and people, and to encourage growth. Special bonfires were kindled, and their flames, smoke and ashes were deemed to have protective powers. The people and their cattle would walk around the bonfire, or between two bonfires, and sometimes leap over flames or embers. All household fires would be doused and then re-lit from the Beltane bonfire. Doors, windows, byres and the cattle themselves would be decorated with yellow May flowers, perhaps because they evoked fire. In parts of Ireland, people would make a May Bush; a thorn bush decorated with flowers, ribbons and bright shells. Holy wells were also visited, while Beltane dew was thought to bring beauty and maintain youthfulness. Many of these customs were part of May Day or Midsummer festivals in other parts of Great Britain and Europe.
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