Celtic Stuff

SAN PATRICIOS - THE IRISHMEN WHO DIED FOR MEXICO

2005-09-17T12:35:00.000-04:00

“Saint Patrick's Battalion, "The San Patricios," a notable arm of the Mexican Army during the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848.

Dubious about why they were fighting a Catholic country and fed up with mistreatment by their Anglo-Protestant officers, hundreds of Irish, German and other immigrants deserted Taylor's army and joined forces with Mexico.

Led by Capt. John Riley of Co. Galway, they called themselves the St. Patrick's Battalion (in Spanish, the San Patricios) and fought against their former comrades in all the major campaigns of the war.

The history of the San Patricios is a woeful tale of angry, bewildered, naive, or calculating young men, from varied backgrounds, who deserted for a myriad of reasons and paid a fearful price.

The San Patricios, in the words of one Mexican general, "deserved the highest praise, because they fought with daring bravery." But eventually, Mexico surrendered, ceding almost half its territory to the United States.

Each San Patricio who deserted from the US side was interned after the war in Mexico and subsequently given an individual court-martial trial. Many of the Irish were set free, but some paid the ultimate price. Roughly half of the San Patricio defectors who were executed by the US for desertion were Irish.

There are ceremonies there twice a year, on September 12 which is the anniversary of the executions, and on Saint Patrick's Day. ”

Technorati tags: Mexican Irish

Cheers
Ric

Celtic Gold Pipers Wiley Swogger & Byron Boddy

2005-09-05T08:56:00.000-04:00

"Combined, we have over 50 years of piping experience. We are available, solo or duet, for weddings, funerals or for any special occasions. We are in the Portland metro area but are available for performances throughout northwest Oregon."

Cheers
Ric

Technorati tags: Celtic Pipers

Saving Celtic Spirituality

2005-09-03T10:22:00.000-04:00

“The intense interest today in Celtic spirituality is based on the belief that in those centuries of isolation, Celtic Christians developed a culture that was in many respects closer to the early church, and to "true Christianity," than any of the forms of institutionalized Christianity that replaced it. Some consider the "defeat" of Celtic Christians at Whitby a disaster of planetary proportions. Bradley quotes a 1998 speculation from The Plain Truth, the magazine of the Worldwide Church of God: If the Celts had won at Whitby, our world might be less materialistic and less steeped in consumerism. Our waters might be less polluted, our rain forests and ozone layer might still be intact, and our fellow creatures might be less endangered. Life might be simpler, less frantic, and happier.”

Interesting Article from Christianity Today Magazine on Celtic Spirituality in the Christian religion from Roman times to present.

Cheers
Ric

Technorati tags: Celtic Spirituality

Red Cross - Donate if You Can

2005-09-01T05:56:00.000-04:00

American Red Cross

DONATE if you can

Forrester School of Celtic Dance

2005-08-30T06:36:00.000-04:00

"The Forrester School of Celtic Dance is located in Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, in eastern Canada. It was established in 1965 under the direction of Eileen (Pottie) Forrester. The school has three branches, Sydney area, Glace Bay & New Waterford. The more experienced dancers train to become part of the performing & touring Scottish dance company with international experience."

Cheers
Ric

UW-Milwaukee: Center for Celtic Studies - Home Page

2005-08-29T22:10:00.000-04:00

“The Center for Celtic Studies provides interdisciplinary, international educational opportunities for UWM students. Our program includes on-campus instruction by UWM and visiting international faculty, as well as study-abroad options in Ireland, Great Britain, and Europe. We provide a wide range of course and research topics relating to cultures-both historical and modern--that share Celtic influence: the early Continental Celts and the Breton, Cornish, Galician, Irish, Manx, Scots, and Welsh peoples.

Students can concentrate their studies on the Celtic languages, both spoken and written, or they may choose to investigate the broader themes of the Celtic world, such as art, archaeology, literature, history, folklore, music and myth.

The Celtic world offers a dynamic forum for the combined study of language, culture, politics, education, and the arts. The Center for Celtic Studies provides enrichment to both UWM students and the community at large through the Certificate Program and the Center's many activities and resources.”

Technorati tags: Celtic Education

Cheers
Ric

Online Radio: The P-Celtic Languages

2005-08-28T15:51:00.000-04:00

As with the studying Q-Celtic languages, actually being able to listen and understand your chosen language is not an easy skill for those of us not exposed to the language regularly. This is an inherent problem with Celtic languages since there are few places in the world where the languages are actually strong, so even if you are in Wales and studying Welsh, you probably don’t get enough exposure. Fortunately the Internet does offer some options for both Welsh and Breton learners, though it does appear that Cornish learners are left out at this stage. Not surprisingly, the BBC has a good Welsh language site, but no Cornish site. In Brittany, it appears that Radio Kerne is the primary Breton language broadcaster with an online presence. Welsh is also represented by Radio Acen, which is geared specifically towards learners.

Technorati tags: Celtic Radio

Cheers
Ric

Celtic Tiger Live - Tour Dates, Tickets, VIP Packages

2005-08-27T22:17:00.000-04:00

"Images of Irish history fill the first half of the show which ends with the portrayal of the birth of modern Ireland as a nation state and a people who are constantly emerging from the jaws of defeat. The choreography, music and stage presentation combine to create a visionary interpretation of a people’s quest for freedom and the nobility of their spirit. The second half of Celtic Tiger builds on images of modern Ireland and celebrates new life in America and across the globe. The invincible spirit of the Celtic Tiger is the thread that draws the images together weaving a tapestry that is a celebration in dance drama.

Celtic Tiger has been described as a highly charged and innovative show with breathtaking special effects making it not quite a stage show and not quite a feature film but uniquely somewhere in between. Controversial and explosive, Celtic Tiger sets new standards in stage presentation and choreography. Celtic Tiger and its musical score are quantum leaps forward in an arena scale theatrical production."

Cheers
Ric

2005 Celtic Classic - Bethlehem, PA

2005-08-16T06:17:00.000-04:00

The 18th annual Celtic Classic is presented by Celtic Cultural Alliance, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of The Lehigh Valley.

Friday, September 23, 2005 - 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday, September 24, 2005 - 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday, September 25, 2005 - 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

The Celtic Classic is presented on the Historic Bethlehem’s festival grounds, along the Monocacy Creek and adjacent to the main shopping areas.

The Celtic Classic is a celebration of Celtic culture and heritage. As a part of this celebration, the following events and activities take place:

* Five stages of continuous entertainment featuring international, national and regional musical artists
* An authentic gathering of the clans
* The 8th Annual Celtic Classic Fiddle Competition
* The Celtic Classic Invitational Pipe Band Competition
* US National Highland Athletic Championships
* An international food court
* Drum Major competition
* Border collie exhibitions
* A diverse marketplace of Celtic crafts, merchandise and collectibles
* Celtic artisan demonstrations
* A living history area showcasing life in ancient times

William Butler Yeats

2005-06-13T06:28:00.000-04:00

It is the birthday of William Butler Yeats, born in Dublin (1865). He grew up at a time when Ireland was an English colony, and most members of the Irish Protestant upper-class were pro-British. The Catholic middle-class were in favor of Irish independence. It didn't help them get along that Catholics were denied equal access to education and jobs and government positions.

William Butler Yeats was brought up in a Protestant family, so he should have been pro-British, but he was actually more interested in mysticism. A friend of his took him to his first séance in 1886, during which, Yeats's whole body began to shake. He felt himself thrown back against the wall. It was terrifying, but it also confirmed for him the existence of the spirit world. He became interested in the occult. His father wanted him to become a scientist, but Yeats wrote to his father in a letter, "The mystical life is the center of all that I do and all that I think and all that I write."

He began wandering around in an old, dark cloak, studying fairytales and mythology and Buddhism, playing the part of a mystic poet. A woman described him as wearing seedy, black clothes with a big, black bow at his throat, muttering verse to himself with a wild eye.

It all changed when he met an Irish nationalist named Maud Gonne, who was also the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and then he became interested in Irish nationalism in order to impress her. He organized rallies for Irish independence and wrote nationalist plays and poetry.

Yeats came to believe that if he could just get in touch with the mythic history of the Irish people he could write about something that would tie the whole country together, Protestants and Catholics.

Maud Gonne had married somebody else—a soldier who was a hero of the Easter uprising in 1916. The Irish free state came about in 1921, and Yeats served as one of the first members of the new Irish senate.

It was William Butler Yeats who said, "The intellect of man is forced to choose perfection of the life or of the work, and if he take the second, must refuse a heavenly mansion raging in the dark."

From the Writer's Almanac by Garrison Keillor
Available by e-mail daily

Agricola’s Invasion AD 79 - 84

2005-06-12T20:51:00.000-04:00

"In AD 79 Agricola, the Roman governor of Britannia, sent a fleet to survey Scotland’s coast. As Agricola advanced, conquering southern Scotland by AD 83, the Caledonian tribes faced imminent invasion.
According to the Roman historian Tacitus, the Caledonians then 'turned to armed resistance on a large scale', attacking Roman forts and skirmishing with their legions. In a surprise night-attack, the Caledonians very nearly wiped out the whole 9th legion until it was saved by Agricola’s cavalry. "

Part of the BBC site on Scottish History

Cheers
Ric

Bloomsday

2005-06-11T08:15:00.000-04:00

"The 16th of June marks the 100th anniversary of “Bloomsday”: the date of the adventures of Leopold Bloom throughout the course of a single day in Dublin in the year 1904 as depicted in James Joyce’s landmark novel Ulysses.

We won’t attempt to summarize or analyze the story here, which after all is a fictional event, but rather consider some of its historic aspects.

16 June 1904 was significant to Joyce because it was on or about that day that he had his first date with his beloved Nora Barnacle, whom he would eventually marry. In writing the novel, Joyce set out to do more than plot a story: he deliberately sought to re-create, in exacting detail, the Dublin of his youth, the Dublin that he left for good a few months after that day in June 1904. In later years he would remark that if Dublin were to be completely destroyed it could be recreated as it was in 1904 from the information in Ulysses."

Interesting article on the celebrtion of Bloomsday.

Cheers
Ric

Feast of St. Columba

2005-06-09T15:22:00.000-04:00

On 9 June 597 St Columba died in Iona. Born in present-day Donegal, Columba moved to Scotland after victory over the Irish king Dermott at the battle of Cooldrevny in 561. His spritual father, St Molaisi, commanded that Columba perform the penance of bringing as many souls to the Church as he had caused to die. Two years later Columba founded a monastery on Iona which was to become one of the leading centres of Christianity in Western Europe, and the base from which Columba launched his successful mission to convert the Pictish nation.

Cheers
Ric

St. Petroc

2005-06-04T11:58:00.000-04:00

"St. Petroc was a Welsh nobleman who was educated in an Irish monastery and then sailed with a small band of followers to Camel estuary. He arrived in the estuary and built a church at Padstow with a Celtic monastery as a centre for spreading the Christian faith. In his travels he also started churches in Bodmin and Little Petherick, as well as in many parts of Britain, Wales and Brittany."

Cheers
Ric

Gregynog Music Festival

2005-05-22T13:13:00.000-04:00

"The Gregynog Festival, a music festival of an international standard, is held at Gregynog in the summer.

This year's Festival will take place between Friday 17 June and Saturday 2 July.

Tickets are available from Theatr Hafren.

Box Office - 01686 625007

Gregynog welcomes wheelchair users. There is ample free parking in the grounds - so why not bring a picnic to enjoy in the superb gardens. "

"Gregynog, hidden away in the peaceful Montgomeryshire countryside, is a centre for conferences, education and the arts. The Hall is surrounded by 750 acres of gardens, woodland and farmland, making Gregynog one of the most peaceful and relaxing venues imaginable. "

Cheers
Ric

Irish Connections Festival - June 10, 11, 12 2005

2005-05-17T06:32:00.000-04:00

"June 10, 11 & 12, 2005
At The Irish Cultural Centre of New England
200 New Boston Drive (off Route 138), Canton, Massachusetts
Tel: 781-821-8291 or 1-888-GO IRISH

....................

About the Festival
Featuring more than 400 singers, musicians, and dancers who will perform continuously throughout the three day event on several stages, the festival showcases the very best in local, national and international talent.

The annual Festival is one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast, with more than 35,000 welcome guests from the United States, Canada and Europe attending."

Time to make plans to go to New England!

Cheers
Ric

The Great Scottish Walk - Sunday 19th June 2005

2005-05-15T22:10:00.000-04:00

"The 2004 walk proved to be the best ever with 7,000 people walking through the historic streets of Edinburgh, whilst raising over 1 million pounds for various Charities.

This years walk will be even bigger and better than last years! With great events available such as HealthyLiving Golden Mile and the ever popular 6 & 12 mile walks. Additionally, there will also be the Scotland Health at Work event as well as a number of other team events available."

If your're in or near Edinburgh on Sunday June 19th why not go for a stroll?

Cheers
Ric

Celtic Art - missgien.net

2005-05-11T13:57:00.000-04:00

“Celtic art is considered the first great contribution to European art made by non-Mediterranean peoples. Its roots go back to the artisans of the Urnfield culture and the Hallstatt culture (8th-6th century BCE) at the beginning of the Iron Age. It flowered in the period of the La Tène culture.”

Interesting series of articles on Celtic Art. Part of a larger celtic site.

Cheers
Ric

The Grower Folk Festival 2005

2005-05-10T13:15:00.000-04:00

"Welcome to the Halfpenny Folk Club and Gower Folk Festival Web site!

This site is full of information about Folk Music in South West Wales and, in particular, about the Halfpenny Folk Club and the Gower Folk Festival. Both are located at venues on the beautiful Gower Peninsula; Britain's first designated area of outstanding natural beauty. The Folk Club meets at the Greyhound Inn, Oldwalls, Llanrhidian, Gower, every Sunday and the Folk Festival is based at the Gower Heritage Centre in Parkmill, Gower."

The Festival will be held on the weekend of the 10th, 11th & 12th June 2005 at the Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill, Gower

Cheers
Ric

Celtic Festival & Highland Games, Winston-Salem, NC 13-14 May 2005

2005-05-05T03:41:00.000-04:00

"The Fifth Annual Celtic Festival & Highland Games will be on 13-14 May at Bethahara Park in Winston-Salem, NC. All events are FREE.

Activities start Friday evening, 13 May, with Celtic music featuring Carl Peterson, Naomis Fancy and Ken Bloom of Mappamund. Food and drinks available for purchase.

Activities on Saturday, 14 May, include Parade of Tartans, Clan tents, Celtic vendors, food, amateur athletics, Irish, Scottish and country dancing, the North Carolina Highland Regiment, Deep River Pipe & Drums and Border Collie Demonstrations.

Main stage entertainment includes Carl Peterson, Isla Pipers, Atwater-Donnell, Al Pettaway and Amy White.

Many childrens activities are planned, including kilt, sashes and hat costumes, drill instructions, a childrens parade, colonial games and childrens athletic competition.

For additional information, Phone: 336-924-8191 or e-mail Chuck Hotchkiss at Hotchkiss@alltel.net"

Cheers
Ric

Spring in the air as Beltane attracts 8000 revellers

2005-05-03T06:03:00.000-04:00

From: Scotsman.com News - Scotland - Edinburgh

"MORE than 8000 revellers turned out on Calton Hill to celebrate the onset of summer at the Beltane Fire Festival.

More than 100 drummers and dancers joined in a fire-lit procession around the hill, led by the May Queen and her warrior women, all dressed in white."

Ah Celtic summer... Yesterday it rained, it hailed, and it was 6 degrees celcius.

Cheers
Ric

The Atrebates - Living history group

2005-04-30T09:42:00.000-04:00

"In the present day, 'Atrebates' is the name of a living history group, based at Butser Ancient Farm, nr Petersfield. During the year they are involved with demonstrating Celtic skills, and talking to the public about this fascinating bit of British history"

This is part of a larger site on the Roman Britain period. Lots of great information.

Cheers
Ric

1916

2005-04-24T08:39:00.000-04:00

"It's the anniversary of the Easter Uprising, in Dublin (1916). A band of Irish nationalists, led by poet Patrick Pearse, occupied the General Post Office and declared Irish independence from Great Britain. The English executed 15 rebels, including Pearse, who promptly became a great Irish martyr." - Garrison Keillor - The Writer's Almanac

Cheers
Ric

Celtic Origins

2005-04-20T06:14:00.000-04:00

"This site also explores the history of the Celts, their myths and legends, and recent archaeological discoveries from ancient times. We also share jokes, not necessarily Celtic in nature."

The site is a combination of very good articles on Celtic History (I especially liked the articles on Owain Glyn Dŵr in the Wales section), and it is also a MSN discussion group.

Cheers
Ric

Bannockburn

2005-04-14T13:28:00.000-04:00

"A night with Bannockburn is a real ex-pats nostalgia trip. Energetic versions of many well known Scottish and Irish songs and tunes, some great instrumentals and a few originals to stir the heart. All the band members regularly play straight ceilidhs too so an evening of formal dancing is just as easy."

Some great Celtic Music recommended to me by email - Thanks Ted!

Cheers
Ric

Saline Celtic Festival, Saline Michigan

2005-04-11T22:48:00.000-04:00

"The Saline Festival began as a result of the Sister City relationship between Saline, MI and Brecon Wales. It is a volunteer organization comprised of an executive committee, event chairs and many volunteers. Area residents are invited to become part of the organizational and volunteer efforts of the festival. We meet monthly at City Hall.We have an office in City Hall at 100 North Harris Street.

The Festival is a one day event that draws about 10,000 people."

Mark your Calendars for July 16 2005 for the 10th annual Saline Celtic Festival.

Cheers
Ric (in Michigan as I post this)

Celtic Cross Stitch

2005-04-09T09:37:00.000-04:00

"Welcome to our home on the web. Here at celtic cross stitch we produce high quality cross stitch kits and charts for beginners and experts alike, specialising in Irish and Celtic designs, and are particularly noted for our authentic historical collection of illuminated letters and other illustrations from the Book Of Kells."

I'm dangerously close to being a "knitting blog" here, but the designs are interesting, and who am I to judge someone's expression of Celticness?

Cheers
Ric

ASTERIX - The official Website

2005-04-05T22:12:00.000-04:00

These are truly my favourite "Celts". Explore the virtual Celtic village of Asterix and Obelix. Have a laugh. Enjoy yourself.

Cheers
Ric

Wallace 700

2005-04-03T13:13:00.000-04:00

"With Stirling’s unique place in William Wallace’s life and legacy, it’s fitting that this area should be backdrop to a summer of events remembering Scotland’s hero 700 years after his death."

Be sure to check out the Stirling Council's website for lot's of information on William Wallace and the Wallace 700 celebrations.

Cheers
Ric

Wallace's sword leaves Scotland for first time

2005-04-02T08:56:00.000-05:00

By
Gerard Seenan
Thursday March 31, 2005
The Guardian

"In a journey that spans seven centuries, the blood of at least a few Englishmen, and several thousand miles, the sword of William Wallace left Scotland yesterday for the first time - heading for an American railway station.

The Scottish national treasure was shipped to New York to take pride of place at an exhibition in Manhattan's Grand Central station to mark the city's Tartan Week celebrations."

If you're in the New York area why not take a look at the Tartan Week Celebrations?

Celtic Swords

2005-03-30T20:32:00.000-05:00

"Oakeshott calls the long iron sword of the La Tene cultures "the true ancestor of the knightly weapon of the Middle Ages." Having little in common with its predecessors, this sword was designed for a different fighting style. Warriors, having begun to fight in chariots, needed a longer blade in order to reach their enemy. Bronze was not a suitable metal to work with for these longer blades, so iron came into use. This period, sometimes called the Celtic Iron Age (from c. 500-0 B.C.), also saw the reappearance of the practice of fixing the hilt to the blade, a method tried and rejected in the Bronze Age."

The Ancient Edge site specializes in reproductions of Celtic style swords from the La Tene period.

Cheers
Ric

The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada

2005-03-28T07:49:00.000-05:00

"The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada has been actively promoting and preserving Celtic culture and heritage by offering instruction in traditional Celtic disciplines. The College is the only year-round institution of its kind in North America and is affiliated with the College of Piping in Glasgow, Scotland.

Prince Edward Island is a particularly appropriate setting for this unique educational facility given that seventy percent of the Island's population are descendants from Scots and Irish settlers. "

Nice place to visit if your visiting the home of Anne of Green Gables in PEI.

Cheers
Ric

Celtic Journeys

2005-03-27T08:48:00.000-05:00

(Available at Amazon Canada, US and UK)

Steve Raby, Lois Rabey Celtic Journeys: A Traveler's Guide to Ireland's Spiritual Legacy. Citadel Press; ISBN: 0806521619.

“I searched in vain for a long time trying to find a book like this one. Simply put, it is, without a doubt, the best travel guide that I have ever purchased. The authors of the book are regular visitors to Ireland and even lead "Celtic Journeys" tours through the country. Because of this, they have a unique "insiders" perspective on the people and on the history of the Emerald Isle, in addition to a healthy respect for the land itself, and for its ancient traditions. Whether you are seeking out pre-Christian archeological sites (stone circles, burial mounds, ancient fortresses), or early Christian places of pilgrimmage (abbeys, monestaries, churches, grave architechture), this book will accommodate your travel needs. The book also contains many general maps, and plenty of basic travel information. As a side note, I appreciated the sensitive way the book was written: with a healthy dose of respect for the places and the people that you will encounter on your travels. ” - Reviewer: berwynne from Lewisburg, PA USA

Cheers
Ric

Easter in Ireland

2005-03-25T08:18:00.000-05:00

It's Easter weekend and what better than some Irish Easter customs;

1.Clean house thoroughly Inside and out-whitewash applied.

2.Obtain New clothes.

3.Good Friday-do no work on the land just in the house.

4.Fast More than is Required on Good Friday.

5.Good Friday- Plant a small amount of crop seed to bring blessing on it all.

6.Shed no blood on Good Friday,work no wood,hammer no nail .

7.Maintain quiet on good Friday from Noon till three P.M.

8.Visit church-take off shoes-good Friday.Visit holy wells and graveyards.

9.Do not fish with nets or lines on Good Friday no fishing boat puts out to sea alternatively gather bia tragha-shore food-seaweed and shellfish for the Main meal.

10.Cut your hair on good Friday to prevent headaches in the year to come-trim finger and toe nails.

11.Water from the holy well will have curative properties on Good Friday.

12.A child born on Good Friday and baptized on Easter Sunday had gift of healing. (if a boy he should go into the ministry) die on good Friday go right the heaven.

13.Eggs laid on Good Friday-Mark with cross and each eat one on Easter Sunday.Eggs Hatching on that day will produce healthy chicks.

From Irish/Celtic Seasonal Celebrations

Cheers
Ric

Polperro, Cornwall, United Kingdom

2005-03-20T09:13:00.000-05:00

"Polperro is a picture book village with narrow, winding streets, cottages perched on steep slopes overlooking a tiny harbour - beautiful views, wonderful cliff-path walks, interesting shops, superb pubs and restaurants and lovely places to stay"

If you're planning a visit to the nations of the insular Celts make sure you remember Cornwall. Be sure to read up on the smuggling too!

Cheers
Ric

The Scottish Crannog Centre

2005-03-19T11:54:00.000-05:00

"A crannog is a type of ancient loch-dwelling found throughout Scotland and Ireland dating from 5,000 years ago. Many crannogs were built out in the water as defensive homesteads and represented symbols of power and wealth. The Scottish Crannog Centre features a unique reconstruction of an early Iron Age loch-dwelling, built by the Scottish Trust for Underwater Archaeology. This authentic recreation is based on the excavation evidence from the 2,600 year old site of 'Oakbank Crannog', one of the 18 crannogs preserved in Loch Tay, Scotland."

Interesting site about these unique Iron Age dwellings. Check out the featured events for special activities that are coming up in March and April 2005.

Cheers
Ric

Ireland

2005-03-17T06:47:00.000-05:00

Poem: "Ireland" by John Hewitt, from Collected Poems. © The Blackstaff Press.

Ireland

We Irish pride ourselves as patriots
and tell the beadroll of the valiant ones
since Clontarf's sunset saw the Norsemen broken...
Aye, and before that too we had our heroes:
but they were mighty fighters and victorious.
The later men got nothing save defeat,
hard transatlantic sidewalks or the scaffold...

We Irish, vainer than tense Lucifer,
are yet content with half-a-dozen turf,
and cry our adoration for a bog,
rejoicing in the rain that never ceases,
and happy to stride over the sterile acres,
or stony hills that scarcely feed a sheep.
But we are fools, I say, are ignorant fools
to waste the spirit's warmth in this cold air,
to spend our wit and love and poetry
on half-a-dozen peat and a black bog.

We are not native here or anywhere.
We were the keltic wave that broke over Europe,
and ran up this bleak beach among these stones:
but when the tide ebbed, were left stranded here
in crevices, and ledge-protected pools
that have grown saltier with the drying up
of the great common flow that kept us sweet
with fresh cold draughts from deep down in the ocean.

So we are bitter, and are dying out
in terrible harshness in this lonely place,
and what we think is love for usual rock,
or old affection for our customary ledge,
is but forgotten longing for the sea
that cries far out and calls us to partake
in his great tidal movements round the earth.

From the Writer's Almanac by Garrison Keillor
Available by e-mail daily

Celtic Whiskey Shop

2005-03-13T07:38:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for another reason to visit Ireland, then this might be one of them...

“The shop divides into two halves (with a connecting passage), with 27 Dawson Street boasting the most comprehensive Whiskey range in Ireland with Irish, Scotch, World Whiskies (many rare & collectable) as well as other premium brown spirits. The aim is to provide a focus for an under appreciated yet integral part of our heritage and to help educate the consumer about the quality and diversity available. It is our goal to continuously expand and evolve our list so that as a Celtic Whiskey Shop customer, you can be confident that we have Ireland's largest selection of whiskies from around the world.

Although primarily a Whiskey Specialist, 28 Dawson St. boasts a ecletic range of wines. The wine selection has been put together with the aim of providing a predominantly non-brand driven range of interesting, value for money wines in a prime city centre location. The shop also sells a range of Champagnes, celtic ales, world beers, spirits, liqueurs as well as a small selection of Irish produced gourmet foods and chocolates.”

Celtic Whiskey Shop,
27-28 Dawson Street,
Dublin 2,
Ireland.
Tel. 01 675 9744
Fax. 01 675 9768
Email. info@celticwhiskeyshop.com

Cheers
Ric

J Dunbar Bagpipe Maker Ltd.

2005-03-03T08:03:00.000-05:00

Traditional bagpipe makers in St. Catherines Ontario. They specialize in the "Henderson" tradition of bagpipe making and refurbish and repair all makes of pipes.

You can order by phone fax or online.

J. Dunbar Bagpipe Maker Ltd.
113 Cushman Road, Unit #64
St Catharines, Ontario
Canada L2M 6S9

Cheers
Ric

Saint David the patron saint of Wales.

2005-03-01T07:17:00.000-05:00

“St. David is the only Welsh saint to be canonized and culted in the Western Church. He has been the patron saint of Wales since the 12th century, but very little is known about his life. He died in 589 or 601 after founding a monastery in the area of Pembrokeshire which now bears his name, and living an austere life devoted to God. He is first to be found in an Irish Catalogue of Saints dating from around 730 and by 800 his feast day was determined as March 1st.
”

Happy Saint David's Day everyone!!

Book Link
The Welsh Life of St. David, edited by D. Simon Evans, deals with 14th century Welsh texts based on earlier Latin versions of Rhygyvarch's Life. (U. of Wales Press, 1988, ISBN 0-7083-0995-X.)
(Available at Amazon US and UK)

Cheers
Ric

The College of Piping Est 1944

2005-02-28T12:35:00.000-05:00

"The College of Piping was established in 1944 and has been teaching pipers to play with 'art and delicacy' ever since. The founders were Seumas MacNeill and Thomas Pearston, their aim being to make the finest piping instruction available to as many people as possible at a price they could afford. Their early ideals hold good today.

Almost 60 years on and the College still operates as a genuine charity. Lessons are subsidised. Children who cannot afford instruction are taught free. Financial assistance with exams is given in needy cases.

No one is turned away provided they show a willingness to work and a yearning for the music of the great Highland bagpipe."

Great site with lots of information available for those interested in learning to Pipe.

Cheers
Ric

PlanetPipe.com

2005-02-26T08:17:00.000-05:00

This is a great site for those interested in Bagpipe music. There is a streaming radio station (you will need QuickTime to listen) so you can hear the pipes at all hours of the day. You can register to get more information on Piping and there is an online forum for discussions.

Cheers
Ric

Celtic Fiddle Festival Tour

2005-02-25T07:17:00.000-05:00

Celtic Fiddle Festival - Kevin Burke, Christian LeMaitre, André Brunet and Ged Foley are kicking off their national tour on Tuesday, March 1st at The Tractor Tavern in Seattle Washington. The band will be stopping in 17 cities in 20 days From Washington to West Virginia, California to Rhode Island and many states in between.

They'll be out promoting their new CD 'Play On' and will be hitting the stage in Portland, Oregon on March 5th to play at the Hollywood Theater where portions were recorded live in 2003!

Here's the entire tour so you have plenty of advance notice to pickup tickets and get out to see this stunning group of fiddlers! The Boston Herald calls them, "Exhilarating!"

March 1 - Seattle, WA - The Tractor Tavern
March 3 - Berkeley, CA - Freight & Salvage
March 4 - Santa Cruz, CA - Kuumbwa Jazz Center
March 5 - Portland, OR - Hollywood Theater
March 6 - Minneapolis, MN - Cedar Cultural Center
March 7 - Madison, WI - High Noon
March 8 - Milwaukee, WI - Shank Hall
March 9 - Chicago, IL - Martyr's
March 10 - Cedar Rapids, IA - CSPS
March 12 - Dayton, OH - Victoria Theater
March 13 - Charleston, WV - Mountain Stage w/ Natalie MacMaster
March 15 - Northhampton, MA - The Iron Horse
March 16 - Somerville, MA - Johnny D's
March 17 - Manchester, NH - St. Anselm College
March 18 - Cumberland, RI - Blackstone River Theater
March 19 - Philadelphia, PA - World Café Live
March 20 - New York, NY - Satalla

Visit the tour page for more information.

George Augustus Moore

2005-02-24T07:15:00.000-05:00

It's the birthday of Irish novelist George Augustus Moore, (books by this author) born Ballyglass, Ireland (1852). He's known for introducing Realist fiction to England with his book Esther Waters (1894). He also wrote confessions and memoirs, such as the Hail and Farewell trilogy (1911-14) and Confessions of a Young Man (1888).

His father was a member of Parliament and owned racehorses. He had wanted Moore to become a military man, but after his father died in 1870, Moore inherited some money and was free to move to Paris and live out his life as an artist. Moore said growing up he was "the boy that no schoolmaster wants." He said, "A man travels the world in search of what he needs and returns home to find it."

Up until 1876, Moore had planned on being a painter, and he studied at French art academies. He was good, but not good enough. He once said, "The lot of critics is to be remembered by what they failed to understand." Moore decided to educate himself by reading as much as he could, especially philosophy, while sitting in Paris cafés. He had to leave Paris for Ireland when his father's estate went into financial ruin, but the money problems taught him a lot about business and politics.

He would eventually become very anti-British in his views and he became more active in the Irish Revival. He worked with Yeats and the early days of the Abbey Theater. He also focused on bringing back the popularity of the Gaelic language.

From the Writer's Almanac by Garrison Keillor
Available by e-mail daily

Grandfather Mountain Gaelic Song and Language Week

2005-02-20T22:11:00.000-05:00

Repost from RDNATalk group on Yahoo
For immediate release:

Grandfather Mountain Gaelic Song and Language Week
Sponsor: An Comunn Gaidhealach, America (The Gaelic Society, America)

Dates for 2005: Sunday, July 3 through Friday, July 8
Location: Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk, North Carolina

Nearby attractions: Grandfather Mountain and the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games that are held this year from July 7 – 10, 2005

This year's Grandfather Mountain Gaelic Song and Language Week, sponsored by An Comunn Gàidhealach, America, will run from July 3th through the 8th in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina.

Gaelic song classes covering a range of traditional forms will be offered, including waulking or milling songs and mouth music. Scottish Gaelic language classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced speakers will also be offered. Teachers this year will be Mary Ann Kennedy, a founding member of Cliar and well known BBC radio broadcaster; Màiri Sine Chaimbeul, a native Gaelic speaker, member of the faculty at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the 2004 and 2005 ACGA National Mòd judge; and Jamie MacDonald, a member of the faculty at St. Frances Xavier College in Nova Scotia and founder of the North Carolina Mòd and the Grandfather Mountain Song and Language Week. Mary Ann and Màiri Sine will teach both Gaelic song and language while Jamie will teach beginning Gaelic.

There will also be plenty of opportunities outside of class to practice speaking Gaelic with other students and instructors. Additional activities include evening cèilidhs, Gaelic videos, a silent auction, and hikes in the beautiful surrounding mountains. A Gaelic mòd, or singing competition, will be held on the Saturday following the workshop at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. Participants in the Gaelic Song Week are urged to stay for the
Highland games and compete in the mòd.

The workshop is housed at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Participants stay in one of the school's charming spacious dormitories and three nutritious meals a day are provided by the college food service. Fees for the week are $410 for ACGA members and $445 for non- members. There is a $25.00 discount if final payment is postmarked by May 15. This price includes all instruction, room, and meals from Sunday evening dinner through Friday lunch.

The workshop concludes just as the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games are getting underway down the road at MacRae Meadows on Grandfather Mountain. As usual there will be a Gaelic tent at the games, and the North
Carolina Gaelic Mòd will take place on Saturday at 3:00 PM.

Contacts: Cam MacRae at acmacr2@uky.edu or Libit Woodington at LibitW@aol.com.

For more information see the Grandfather Mountain Song and Language Week information at www.acgamerica.org.

Gourmet Irish Cuisine at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

2005-02-19T12:11:00.000-05:00

"Irish Gourmet is not an oxymoron anymore. Learn how the new chefs of Ireland use the country's traditional ingredients in their own style for meals that honor Ireland's heritage and are on a par with many fine restaurants of mainland Europe. Cooking demonstration and samples included."

Tue., Mar. 15, 2005
6:30-8:30pm
Location: Pandl's Bayside
Instructor: Jim Pandl
Fee: $42
Program No. 8122-2291
Note: 8825 N. Lake Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53217

You can register on-line.
Not a bad way to spend a night if you're in or around Milwaukee

Cheers
Ric

Happy Valentine's Day

2005-02-14T08:18:00.000-05:00

A Red, Red Rose
By Robert Burns

My love is like a red, red rose
That's newly sprung in June:
My love is like the melody
That's sweetly played in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in love am I:
And I will love thee still, my dear,
Till a' the seas gang dry.

Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun:
And I will love thee still, my dear,
While the sands o' life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only love,
And fare thee weel a while!
And I will come again, my love,
Thou' it were ten thousand mile.

Imbolc - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2005-02-01T08:09:00.000-05:00

"Imbolc is one of the eight solar holidays or sabbats of Neopaganism. Originally it was a pagan Irish festival celebrated on 1 February (and the evening before). Today modern pagans either celebrate in on the 1st or 2nd, the 2nd being more popular in America, perhaps because of a confusion with Candlemas. In the southern hemisphere it is celebrated in August. The name, in the Irish language, means 'in the belly' (i mbolg), referring to the pregnancy of ewes, and is also a Celtic term for spring. Another name is Oimelc, meaning 'ewe's milk'; also Brigid, referring to the Celtic goddess of smithcraft, to whom the day is sacred."

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia anda good place to start ones search for Imbolc.

Cheers
Ric

Talismans for Imbolc

2005-01-31T16:16:00.000-05:00

"Many of the folk customs associated with Imbolc and St. Brigid’s day in Ireland and the Scottish Highlands center on the preparation of talismans to be used for protection and healing throughout the year."

Article by Francine Nicholson on Celtic Well eJournal site.

Cheers
Ric

BBC - Religion & Ethics - Imbolc

2005-01-28T15:26:00.000-05:00

"Imbolc (pronounced 'im'olk' also known as Oimelc) comes from an Irish word that was originally thought to mean 'in the belly' although many people translate it as 'ewe's milk' (oi-melc).

Imbolc was one of the cornerstones of the Celtic calendar. For them the success of the new farming season was of great importance. As winter stores of food were getting low Imbolc rituals were performed to harness divine energy that would ensure a steady supply of food until the harvest six months later."

The feast is fast approaching, what are you going to do?

Cheers
Ric

Happy Rabbie Burns Day!

2005-01-25T10:06:00.000-05:00

It's the birthday of Robert Burns, (books by this author) born in Alloway, Scotland (1759). He's the man who wrote the lines: "Oh, my luve's like a red, red rose, / That's newly sprung in June; / Oh, my luve's like the melodie / That's sweetly played in tune."

He only published one book in his lifetime, Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect (1786), but many of the poems were set to music and are still sung today in Scotland and around the world. A few years after his death, friends began to gather on his birthday to celebrate his life, and the event slowly grew in size and became a Scottish tradition. This day is now a Scottish national holiday.

Bonie Doon

Ye flowery banks o' bonie Doon,
How can ye blume sae fair?
How can ye chant, ye little birds,
And I sae fu o' care?

Thou'll break my heart, thou bonie bird,
That sings upon the bough;
Thou minds me o' the happy days
When my fause luve was true.

Thou'll break my heart, thou bonie bird,
That sings beside thy mate;
For sae I sat, and sae I sang,
And wist na o' my fate.

Aft hae I roved by bonie Doon
To see the wood-bine twine,
And ilka bird sand o' its luve,
And sae did I o' mine.

Wi' lightsome heart I pu'd a rose
Frae aff its thorny tree;
And my fause luver staw my rose
But left the thorn wi' me.

From the Writer's Almanac by Garrison Keillor
Available by e-mail daily

Robert Burns Tribute - The Supper

2005-01-23T13:32:00.000-05:00

"Robert Burns Tribute - Burns Supper, Haggis, Poems and more...

Burns Suppers have been part of Scottish culture for about 200 years as a means of commemorating our best loved bard. And when Burns immortalised haggis in verse he created a central link that is maintained to this day."

2 days to go... I can hardly wait.

Cheers
Ric

Burns Night Recipes

2005-01-20T08:57:00.000-05:00

Only 5 days left!

This site is an order of service for a traditional Burns Supper. It includes recipes for some traditional supper dishes.

"Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it;
But we hae meat and we can eat,
And sae the Lord be thankit."

It is part of Tom Kreitzberg's excelent Haggis page.

Cheers
Ric

Rabbie Burns Night Supper Hamper, on eBay

2005-01-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Only 7 days to get ready...

"Enjoy your Burns Night supper with all of the essential ingredients in this hamper which will ensure your Burns Night is extra special."

How can you turn down Haggis and Mashed Neeps?

Cheers
Ric

Understanding Robert Burns: Verse, Explanation and Glossary

2005-01-17T08:58:00.000-05:00

"The poems of Robert Burns are known throughout the world, but are rarely understood. For too long lovers of his poetry and songs have struggled with the meaning of many of the bard's words. Following the success of George Wilkie's Select Works of Robert Burns, this expanded volume of Burns's poetry, with 138 poems, captures the same ethos as the original."

Book by George Scott Wilkie. Poetry by Robert Burns, Neil Wilson Publishing
(Available at Amazon Canada, US and UK)

Only 8 days until Rabbie Burns Day! A good resource to catch up the meaning of his poetry.

Cheers
Ric

Burns Night: My Supper With Rabbie

2005-01-16T20:45:00.000-05:00

Only 9 short days left to go...

Gie him strong Drink until he wink,
That's sinking in despair;
An' liquor guid to fire his bluid,
That's prest wi' grief an' care;
There let him bouse an' deep carouse,
Wi' bumpers flowing o'er,
Till he forgets his loves or debts,
An' minds his griefs no more.

This site is a wonderful collection of all kinds of information on Burns Suppers put together by Bennett Fischer of Brooklyn, N.Y.

It has a wealth of information for anyone planning, or asked to speak at a celebration on the Immortal Bard.

Cheers

A Celebration of Celts

2005-01-13T20:26:00.000-05:00

"Welcome to Celebration of Celts, One of the largest Pan-Celtic event on the East Coast.

Celebration of Celts is pleased to announce that the 2005 festival will be held on SATURDAY, MAY 7th, 2005 at the Chatham Fairgrounds in Columbia County New York.."

Another Celtic Festival a little closer to home this time.

Cheers
Ric

The Australian Celtic Festival-Glen Innes NSW

2005-01-12T06:16:00.000-05:00

“The festival is now very much a national event and bridging on the international, attracting people from as far as Scotland,” festival committee chairman Howard Eastwood says. “It's the opportunity for Australians to come together to pay homage to their Celtic heritage or simply to enjoy all things Celtic.”

If you're planning to be down under in late April, you might want to put this festival on your schedule. April 29 to May 1 2005.

Contact the Australian Celtic Festival:
Telephone: (02) 6732 5624 Fax: (02) 6732 4311

Cheers
Ric

Celtic Learning and Travel Services

2005-01-09T18:48:00.000-05:00

"Welcome to The Celtic Experience 2005 - Ireland, England and Scotland, our TENTH successive year of academic summer programs. For July 2005 we continue to offer fully accredited high school credit courses in English, Geography and History in Cork and Dublin, in IRELAND, London, ENGLAND and in Edinburgh, SCOTLAND."

This is where I wish I was in highschool again. This organization offers summer credit courses while studying in Ireland, England, or Scotland. How cool it that?

Cheers
Ric

Industrial Art - Gundestrup Cauldron

2005-01-08T10:09:00.000-05:00

My Friend Rufus has recently discovered her Welshness and being an artist she has jumped in with both feet and has reproduced some Gundestrup Cauldron images in clay. Photos available on her site. They are very good. As is all her art.

Cheers
Ric

Complete Cattle Raid of Cooley, Irish and English

2005-01-07T23:51:00.000-05:00

"The Cattle-Raid of Cooley (Táin Bó Cúalnge) is the central epic of the Ulster cycle. Queen Medb of Connaught gathers an army in order to gain possession of the most famous bull in Ireland, which is the property of Daire, a chieftain of Ulster. Because the men of Ulster are afflicted by a debilitating curse, the seventeen-year-old Cuchulain must defend Ulster single-handedly. The battle between Cuchulain and his friend Ferdiad is one of the most famous passages in early Irish literature."

This site presents the complete story in original Gaelic and English translation side by side. Well done presentation of the early 20th century translation and transcriptions of the tale.

Cheers
Ric

Scarlett Rose's Celtic & More

2005-01-05T22:10:00.000-05:00

If you are interested in some wonderful Celtic inspired art in the form of quilt patterns, then Scarlet Rose's "Celtic & More" online store is a great place to visit. I partricularly like the Cetic Cross desin by Three Swans. Enjoy.

Cheers
Ric

Haggis Recipes

2005-01-03T09:54:00.000-05:00

"Haggis "is typically served on Burns Night, January 25, when Scotland celebrates the birth of its greatest poet, Robert Burns, who was born in Ayrshire on that date in 1759. During the celebration, Burns poems are read, and the haggis is addressed by a member of the party, ceremonially, in the form of verses from Burns' poem, 'Address to a Haggis.' A typical meal for Burns Night would include Cock-a-Leekie, Haggis with Tatties-an'-Neeps, Roastit Beef, Tipsy Laird, and Dunlop Cheese."

Oh, and did I mention that whisky is also served?"

Tom Kreitzberg has put together a wonderful page devoted to all things Haggis, and it's a good thing too! Burns supper is on it's way and it's time all good Scots think on a wee bit o' haggis.

Cheers
Ric

Celtic Connections 2005

2005-01-02T12:06:00.000-05:00

"Celtic Connections is now regarded as the most established and biggest winter music festival in the world. With some 300 events across nine city-centre venues, a top line-up of music talent from around the globe plus some exciting new acts, this year's festival looks set to be one of the best ever."

If you're in the neighbourhood of Glasglow later this month, drop by and get a earfull of some great Celtic music.

Cheers
Ric

The New Year Ba Game

2005-01-01T10:48:00.000-05:00

"It's probably the ultimate hangover cure: join a whirling scrimmage of men, on a windswept Northly Scottish isle, in a game with shadowy rules, looking for a ball that can be exhaustingly elusive."

Spot the Ba, a Ne'er Day Tradition since 1850...

Happy New Year

Cheers
Ric

Hogmanay In Edinburgh

2004-12-31T09:37:00.000-05:00

"Hogmanay itself is December 31st. But Edinburgh's Hogmanay winter festival runs from December 29 to January 1, known as Ne'er Day, inclusive."

If you can't be there, you can at least dream about it... Lot's of good pictures in the Gallery.

Happy Hogmanay Everyone!

Cheers
Ric

Did You Know? - New Years Eve - Hogmanay

2004-12-29T15:04:00.000-05:00

"What does Hogmanay actually mean and what is the derivation of the name? Why do the Scots more than any other nation celebrate the New Year with such a passion? Why should a tall dark stranger be a welcome first foot visitor after midnight, carrying a lump of coal and a slice of black bun?"

Interesting site explores the background of te Scottish New Year's celebrations and customs.

Cheers
Ric

New Year in Wales.

2004-12-28T08:52:00.000-05:00

"In Wales the boys of the village at around 3 or 4 am on New Year's morning. They would go from house to house using an evergreen twig to sprinkle over the people and then each room of their house. This was believed to bring good luck.

On New Year's Day children from Wales rise early to make the rounds to their neighbors singing songs. They are given coins, mince pies, apples and other sweets for singing. This must be done by noon or the singer will be called fools."

From the FatherTime site, New Year's Traditions around the world.

Cheers
Ric

Áine Minogue - Celtic Winter Traditions

2004-12-27T09:22:00.000-05:00

"The journey of winter is upon us; and traveling through the countries, through Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany and England, where Yule, New Year, Hogmagog, Christmas and the Winter Solstice have uniquely interlaced over time; each finding its own way to stand on the edge of nature while she sleeps"

A wonderful music and poetry site of the artist Áine Minogue.

Cheers
Ric

The Christmas Archives: Christmas Customs in Wales

2004-12-25T08:04:00.000-05:00

"Welsh Customs are very interesting. The three main customs are the Plygain, Mari Lwyd, and Calenigg. Most have died out except as customs observed by a few. Plygain music is popular on recordings still, and several places around Wales still have the service."

Good overview site of a Welsh Christmas, with links to books and other resources.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Cheers
Ric

Tomorrow is Sowans Nicht

2004-12-23T08:33:00.000-05:00

"Sowans Nicht, 24 December - Christmas Eve in some parts of Scotland is called 'Sowans Nicht' from 'sowans' - a dish made from oat husks and fine meal steeped in water. And branches of a rowan tree were burnt on Christmas Eve to signify that any bad feeling between friends or relatives had been put aside for Yuletide."

Another Scottish Holiday Tradition brought to you by the good people at The Capital Scot.

More Irish Christmas Traditions

2004-12-22T11:44:00.000-05:00

"Ireland, like most countries, has a number of Christmas traditions that are all of its own. Many of these customs have their root in the time when the Gaelic culture and religion of the country were being suppressed and it is perhaps because of that they have survived into modern times."

The Celtic Attic site is a wonderful collection of Celtic Information as well as a place to buy items of Celtic inspiration.

'Nollaig Shona Duit'

Cheers
Ric

Celtic World - Winter Solstice

2004-12-21T04:55:00.000-05:00

"Other names: Alban Arthan (Modern Druid), Christmas (Christian), Deuriuos (Gaulish), Yule (Norse/Saxon) or Mabon (Wiccan). Also Saturnalia (Roman).

The Winter Solstice takes place on or about December 21 and marks the longest, darkest night of the year. To many ancient European groups prior to the Celts, this was probably a festival of waxing solar light. Little is known about how the Celts themselves celebrated this event, however.

One of the most popular Neolithic sites in areas inhabited by the Celts is Newgrange, whose builders situated it so that on the morning of the Winter Solstice the Sun shines into the passage to light the Burial Chamber. Newgrange is often identified with Brugh na Boyne, but this title also may include the nearby sites of Dowth and Knowth. In Irish myth, Brugh na Boyne first was the home of Boann and An Dagda and later that of Aongus Og, the Irish god of youth and poetry. This site figures in many Irish myths and while mostly associated with Aongus Og, it is sometimes thought to be the tomb of Lug Lamfhota. The Great Trilithon of the most well-known Neolithic monument, Stonehenge, frames the setting Sun at both the Winter and Summer Solstices."

Celtic World is a wonderful site created by Lisa A. Paitz Spindler. It has a wealth of information about Calendars, Deities, and the peoples of the ancient Celts. Well worth a read.

http://www.applewarrior.com/celticworld/

Cheers
Ric

Celtic Holiday Traditions

2004-12-20T07:59:00.000-05:00

Christmas In Wales

Caroling is particularly popular in Wales where it is called eisteddfodde and is often accompanied by a harp. In some rural areas a villager is chosen to be the Mari llwyd. This person travels around the town draped in white and carrying a horse's skull on a long pole. Anyone given the "bite" by the horse's jaws must pay a fine.

Chritsmas in Scotland

The Scots celebrate Christmas rather somberly and reserve their merriment for New Year's Eve which is called Hogmanay. This word may derive from a kind of oat cake that was traditionally given to children on New Year's Eve. The first person to set foot in a residence in a New Year is thought to profoundly affect the fortunes of the inhabitants. Generally strangers are thought to bring good luck. Depending on the area, it may be better to have a dark-haired or fair-haired stranger set foot in the house. This tradition is widely known as "first footing."

Christmas in Ireland

St. Stephen's Day is celebrated in Ireland in a different way, but is similar to Boxing Day in that it also has to do with the solicitation of money. Young men is extravagant dress, sometimes wearing masks, parade noisily through the streets in the Wren Boys' Procession. They carry long pole on top of which is attached a holly bush. The bush supposedly contains a captured wren, and for whose sake the young men beg for money.

From the Christmas Around the World web site

The Games Room - Magpie/Brandub

2004-12-19T08:47:00.000-05:00

"Magpie is a slightly original version of the ancient Irish game of Brandub whose rules are pretty well known thanks to Linnaeus, the great naturalist, who picked up those of a closely related game in Finland."

This is a wonderful site that has a lot of simple interactive games. Lot's of information on Early Irish games s avaliable by following the link to the article by E.V. MacWhite.

Not a bad way to spend a afternoon of bad weather with the kids.

Cheers
Ric

Ancient Origins: Yule

2004-12-18T11:45:00.000-05:00

"O! Mistletoe!
Also known as the golden bough. Held sacred by both the Celtic Druids and the Norseman."

This is a nice little article on mistletoe. It is part of a larger article about Yule on the same site.

Consider it a little Celtic Christmas joy!

Cheers
Ric

Nova Scotia Flag

2004-12-16T07:36:00.000-05:00

"No one can deny the absolute legality and validity of the ancient and true arms of Nova Scotia, and they are not only the oldest but the grandest of all the arms borne by the British Dominions beyond the Seas.
John A. Stewart (1916)

Like Nova Scotia's arms, its flag is grand and old. The question of whether it is the grandest of the flags flown by the provinces is best left to individuals; certainly Quebec's flag is its equal in elegant simplicity of design and compelling symbolism. Well, is Nova Scotia's flag the oldest flag in the country? Judging by a legion of newspaper articles, books, and tourist brochures, the issue has long been settled to the satisfaction of the Bluenoses. For others, however, there is a fascinating story to be told of the only flag used by a province to have developed a significant mythology."

Nova Scotia is the heart of the Scottish region of Canada. In some of the villages of Cape Breton the language of Gàidhlig can still be heard. It is a vibrant Celtic Culture and one of the modern Celtic Nations.

Cheers
Ric

Welsh Flag

2004-12-14T21:22:00.000-05:00

The origins of the Welsh Dragon were undoubtedly the Roman "draconi" standards of the cohorts, which were far more numerous than the legions, particularly after the gradual withdrawal of the latter. "... the people who were left behind when the legions withdrew forever must most naturally have thought of the Dragon as the symbol of that Roman civilisation to which they belonged and which they were now defending against the ravages of the barbarian invaders. It is generally agreed that resistance to the Saxons was first organized by Romans, or Romanized Britons, presumably on Roman lines ... For their battle standard no emblem was more natural than the familiar Dragon of the Roman cohort."

Y Ddraig Goch (the red dragon) is the national flag of Wales, and has been officially recognised as such since the 1950s. The white-over-green field is in the livery colours of the Tudors, the Welsh dynasty that once sat on the English throne.

Cheers
Ric

Ireland

2004-12-12T08:53:00.000-05:00

"The oldest known reference to the use of the three colours (green, white and orange) as a nationalist emblem dates from September 1830 when tricolour cockades were worn at a meeting held to celebrate the French revolution of that year - a revolution which restored the use of the French tricolour. The colours were also used in the same period for rosettes and badges, and on the banners of trade guilds. There is also one reference to the use of a flag 'striped with orange and green alternately'. However, the earliest attested use of a tricolour flag was in 1848 when it was adopted by the Young Ireland movement under the influence of another French revolution. Speeches made at that time by the Young Ireland leader Thomas Francis Meagher suggest that it was regarded as an innovation and not as the revival of an older flag."

This is the flag of the Republic of Ireland, Poblacht na hÉireann, adopted in 1937 as the national flag after being the flag of the Irish Free State.

Cheers
Ric

Ulster Flag

2004-12-11T09:33:00.000-05:00

"It is not really known what the origin of the 'red hand' is but it is associated with various Ulster lineagaes. A poetic dispute from the 16th century is extant which indicates that Síol Rúraí (McGuinnesses) and the northern descendents of Niall Naoighiallach (O'Neills) claimed the exclusive right to use the red hand as a symbol. It is significant that the red right hand is widely found in Irish heraldry, especially in Ulster, e.g. in the arms of the O'Neills, McCartans, O'Donnellys, O'Dunlevys, and McGuinnesses. It is clear that the human hand was a basic element in pagan Irish imagery."

This is the popular flag of Ulster. There is much discusion as to it's validity both politically and historically.

Cheers
Ric

Flag of Brittany

2004-12-05T08:52:00.000-05:00

"The Breton flag is called Gwenn-ha-Du, which means 'white and black'. The Bretons often say that it is the only black and white flag in the world, which is wrong (see for instance the flags of Fribourg and Ceuta), but surely it is the only flag in the world that in a parade shall be carried at arm's length over the head. The dimensions of the flag are not really fixed. They vary from 9:14 cm to 8:12 m. The flag is not only used by cultural associations or autonomists but really by everybody, and this quite often: you can even see it on town halls in the region. Because of the absence of legislation concerning regional flags in France the flag is also flown on sail and fishing boats. This is tolerated, but the French flag must also be flown. The design of the ermine spots can vary but the most frequently seen is that on the above drawing."

The flag of the Celtic region of France

Cheers
Ric

Scottish Corpus of Texts and Speech

2004-12-03T06:54:00.000-05:00

"At present there is no other electronic archive specifically dedicated to the languages of Scotland. Our resource provides valuable material not only for language researchers, but also for those working in education, government, the creative arts, media and tourism, who have a more general interest in Scottish culture and identity. It would provide important data about English as used in Scotland, and also Scots, in its many varieties, Gaelic, and the principal community languages."

A great resource for anyone studying the languages of Scotland.

This link comes from Peperami Hot from the Blog Pep Talk

Cheers
Ric

Happy St Andrew's Day!

2004-11-30T09:53:00.000-05:00

"Saint Andrew is the Patron Saint of Scotland, and St. Andrew's Day is celebrated by Scots around the world on the 30th November. The flag above is the Cross of St. Andrew, and this is widely displayed as a symbol of national identity."

Great Entry from the blog Pep Talk

Cheers
Ric

Flag of Galicia

2004-11-27T22:01:00.000-05:00

"From the 17th century, the Galician flag begins to appear in the publications, mirroring the arms: white, with a yellow cup at center surrounded by six crosses couped. There is no evidence to support the existence of the current flag before our century. The current white flag with blue stripe descends from the old flag of the Corunna Navy Commandancy. It was first adopted by the emmigrants and later by peninsular Galicia.

The Galician flag is usually 3 modules long and 2 wide. The shade of blue of the stripe is usually an intense sky blue or light cobalt. This would be the national civil flag. The so-called state flag, the one that must be used in official ceremonies, would contain also the coat-of-arms in the centre."

This is the flag of the Celtic Region of Spain.

Cheers
Ric

Cornwall Flag

2004-11-26T06:36:00.000-05:00

"The black flag with the white cross is the banner of Saint Piran, and is now recognized as the 'national flag' of Cornwall.

Saint Piran is the patron saint of tin-miners. Tin was formerly the most important element in the economy of Cornwall. Is is said that Saint Piran derived his colours from his discovery of tin, a white metal in the black ashes of his fire. Another story tells that the colours stand for the ore and the metal, although Cornwall was of course famous for tin long before the beginning of the Christian era"

Cheers
Ric

Manx Flags

2004-11-23T21:13:00.000-05:00

"Why the three leg (Trie Cassyn) symbol was adopted by the Isle of Man is unknown, but its existence can be traced as far back as the thirteenth century. It was first used as the coat of armours or armorial bearings by island kings from Norway. By the fourteenth century the symbol was to be found on the Manx Sword of State and by the Seventeenth century it was to be seen on the coinage of the Isle of Man"

Site details history of Manx flags

Cheers
Ric

The Emerald Diamond

2004-11-22T23:37:00.000-05:00

"Synopsis - 'The Emerald Diamond' is a documentary about baseball in Ireland. They've been playing baseball in Ireland for just over a decade and they've come a long way. Ten years ago, they had no fields, very little equipment, very few players and - from what I've been told (by them), they weren't that good. Today, Ireland has a strong youth and adult league and a National Team that just won the Bronze medal at the Euro Championships. The team is made up of native Irish (from the Republic and the North), Irish-Americans (both living in Dublin and living in the US) and a naturalized citizen originally from Cuba."

An Irish-American filmmaker has begun production on a documentary chronicling the short, but colorful history of Irish baseball.

Cheers
Ric

Origin of the Name of Henderson

2004-11-22T20:55:00.000-05:00

"The Name Henderson is the modern version of an ancient Scottish patronymic; that is, a name derived when children of the first generation are known as their father's sons (Henry's sons). In the next step, it becomes a single name (Henrison) and then the name becomes a permanent surname."

Interesting site from Nova Scotia about the Henderson clan. This is interesting to me because my mother's family are Hendersons.

Cheers
Ric

The Scottish Pages

2004-11-17T06:53:00.000-05:00

"Antiquarian & Secondhand Scottish Books"

Looking for an out of print hard to find title? These people may be able to track it down. The site design is spartan but the book listings are decently done.

Cheers
Ric

Big Bad Dad Goes to Ireland (November 2004)

2004-11-16T21:03:00.000-05:00

This is a photoblog of a person's golf trip to Ireland. It is interesting in that there are some photos of the Guinness Factory in Dublin and some other interesting pics.

Cheers
Ric

Scottish Saltire Flag

2004-11-13T08:49:00.000-05:00

"It has been believed by generations of Scotsmen that the national flag, the white saltire on a blue background, the oldest flag in Europe, originated in a battle fought here in Athelstaneford in the Dark Ages between the Picts and Scots on the one side and the Angles of Northumbria on the other."

This is a small article by Nancy MacCorkill. It is part of a much larger site of Scottish material. The navigation is a little difficult, but the information is interesting.

Cheers
Ric

Lest We Forget - The Royal British Legion Scotland

2004-11-11T10:22:00.000-05:00

"The Royal British Legion Scotland is the prime ex-Service organisation and one of Scotland's best known and most highly respected charitable organisations."

The D-Day landings were one of the most important dates in recent history, with a massive Scottish contribution. Nearly 500 Scottish soldiers from the 51st Highland Division died on the first day of the D-Day landings, while service casualties from north of the Border throughout the liberation of Europe ran into the thousands.

Cheers
Ric

Irish Piper's Blog

2004-11-10T16:36:00.000-05:00

"I've just begun learning to play the Irish (Uilleann) pipes. This blog is a record of what the experience is like. I also love Ireland: it's culture, music, geography, pubs, people... Here's a blog that explores all that and more. If you have a sense of humor and love Ireland and celtic stuff, hang around, the water's warm. "

A blog about one piper's experiences. Interesting Read. Say Hi to Tony for me.

Cheers
Ric

Soldiers' Monument

2004-11-10T09:14:00.000-05:00

This is a Celtic Cross errected in New Scotland int the town of of Mahone Bay Nova Scotia.

"It is the Celtic Cross, the cross of the old Scottish Race so appropriate for our New Scotland and our N.S. Highlanders. The Circle of Eternity is around its arms, but on it are not the Runic devices of olden time but symbols that speak to us of the late great strife. On the face of the Cross is boldly carved the mighty sword not of violence or conquest or of mere might, but that of Justice piercing the head of the Serpent that writhes about it. Guile and injustice and brutal force strove for the mastery, but the God of Justice gave the victory to us."

Lest we Forget.

Cheers
Ric

Ancient language clings to life at tip of Britain

2004-11-08T09:44:00.000-05:00

"LISA Simpson, the spiky-haired US cartoon character, may just be the spark that revives an ancient language and fuels a tiny political movement at the tip of Britain's southwest coast.

The sister of bad-boy Bart and daughter of bumbling Homer will appear in a special episode of 'The Simpsons' shouting out support for the independence of Cornwall in the nearly dead language of ancient Cornish as an alternative broadcast to British Queen Elizabeth's traditional Christmas address."

This one comes from my good friend Rufus. Pop Culture meets Ancient Celtic Languages.

Cheers
Ric

Neocelts: A Modern Celtic Religion

2004-11-07T20:19:00.000-05:00

"Celtic Reconstructionism is becoming a popular movement among those who want to practice a religion that is Celtic in nature but not based on the Wiccan ritual model. "

Interesting article by John Machate about the modern time practice of a Celtic Religion.

Cheers
Ric

Astronomy - Did the Celts see a comet impact in 200 B.C.?

2004-11-06T23:21:00.000-05:00

"At another site, we unearthed impact-related minerals along with Celtic artifacts. The artifacts seem to have been strongly heated on one side. This pushes the earliest date for the impact to the late Celtic period, between 480 b.c. and 30 b.c. Radiocarbon dates from ash samples we removed from layers in several craters are not yet available. "

Interesting article about the comet impact at the Chiemgau site in Bavaria and what effect it may have had on local Celtic culture there.

Cheers
Ric

CELTIC History: The Ancient Celtic Warriors of Europe

2004-11-06T08:28:00.000-05:00

"Purpose: A brief history of the Ancient Celts, Warriors, weapons and their early society, including their battles. Later chapters will give details on Celtic warriors, battles and migration to all areas. Also, we will learn of Celts in Greece, Egypt, Rome, Gaul, Britain, the Picts, Scots, Irish and Romano-Britons (Welsh related) and some of their decisive moments in history and battle. "

This is an interesting 16 part series of articles on Celtic Warriors, their history and traditions.

Cheers
Ric

Scottish Parliament

2004-11-04T08:57:00.000-05:00

"When the Scotland Act 1998 was passed it led to the establishment of the first Scottish Parliament since 1707. This devolution settlement was the result of many years of campaigning for devolved government in Scotland . In this section you can learn about the history of the Scottish Parliament from the twelfth century and the path to devolution from the 1970s onwards."

Learn all about the Scottish Parliament. Check out the section in the "Scots" language as it is very funny to read.

This link came by way of Pepperami Hot. many thanks.

Cheers
Ric

Famous Scots - King MacBeth - Or how to choose a King

2004-11-02T04:49:00.000-05:00

"The mayhem was largely due to the ancient practise of choosing Scottish kings called tanistry (or thanistry as in thane). Under tanistry, succession was not strictly heriditary: rather, noblemen chose kings from a large pool of potential kings called tanists - any one of whom may have a legitimate claim to the throne through ancestry or marriage."

And we thought American Elections were hard....

Cheers
Ric Knight