Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The History And Meaning of Celtic Crosses


In the Gaelic language, the distinctive, ringed Celtic cross of Ireland is known as the Cheilteach...along with ancient High Crosses, these stone carvings were made to honor the dead and mark hallowed ground. The beauty and symbolism of these strong and rugged stoneworks also celebrates spiritual rebirth through Christ. However, according to some historians, Celtic crosses have a touch of Pagan ancestry...the ringed center of each monument is believed to symbolize the sun (which the Pagans worshipped in their nature rituals). For historians who reject the Pagan explanation, the ring is believed to represent a halo...

Over time, any connection there might have been between the Celtic Cross and the Pagans faded into the mists of time...Ireland converted to Christ (through the efforts of Saint Patrick and others) and the ringed cross became a Holy symbol that will always be linked with Ireland and Christianity.

Since the sixth century A.D., these crosses have appeared in Irish churchyards. Their artistic design, which often includes animal symbols and/or woven patterns (known as Celtic interlace) , is reflective of the Insular Art period. In early medieval times, monks (and metalsmiths employed by wealthy citizens) were often the creators of masterpieces decorated with symbols and knot work – famous examples include the High Cross of Muiredeach at Monasterboice, jewelry such as the Tara Brooch, and ancient manuscripts such as The Book of Kells.

Today, many tourists enjoy seeing these historic crosses up close. Some enjoy the crosses for their beauty alone...however, for others (and there are many), who share faith and heritage with the Irish, seeing these poignant reminders of the past can be a transcendent experience. Celtic crosses have a resonant beauty...their strong, clean silhouettes can be exquisite at sunset or nightfall.

During the 15th century, these Celtic and High crosses were no longer commonly used to mark graves. However, during the 1800’s, Irish people began to seek out the crosses again, as a proper way to pay homage to lost friends and loved ones...

Today, the Celtic cross is still a powerful symbol that is revered for its meaning and design. You will find these crosses in churchyards (as is tradition), but you will also find delicate gold and silver Celtic Cross pendants that capture the essence of Insular Art. Even tattoos of Celtic and High crosses are prevalent nowadays. This timeless symbol of Irish pride, faith, and tradition will always be a part of Ireland and its people...

This article has been been written exclusively for The Celtic Rose by Leigh Maher, from the Celtic jewelry store: Irish Celtic Jewels, which specilizes in the sale of Celtic engagement rings and wedding bands

Monday, November 1, 2010

CONFESSIONS OF THE CLEANING LADY

In the spirit of the holiday, here's a little romp featuring faeries, four-footed creatures and two people looking for love in all the wrong places.  Set in the foxhunting country of Pennsylvania and Ireland, Confessions is a contemporary fantasy romance available as an ebook at www.thedarkcastlelords.com/confessions-of-the-cleaning-lady.htm.


Stowed away in the trunk of a pharmaceutical representative from Killarney, a band of feisty Irish faeries is released in the outlying suburbs of Philadelphia, where Malachi McCurdy sets up bachelor housekeeping.  In need of a housekeeper, he is introduced to Shawna Egan, unaware that "his" faeries have taken up residence in her oak tree.  Shawna, who was raised with tales of the Fair Folk but never realized she can see them, learns it the hard way when she cuts down the tree in which they made a home.  She gives them another and faeries always repay their debts.  But Shawna has secrets, and although she knows Mal is what she is seeking, will he want her after he has heard the confessions of the cleaning lady?

Friday, October 29, 2010

The Ancient Celts: A Samhain/Beltaine myth

Thank you, Miriam, for allowing me to post at The Celtic Rose.
I write Celtic historical romances with fantasy elements. My stories reflect my passion for history, storytelling and the supernatural. Inspired by the ancient Celts, my tales are filled with fierce warriors, bold women, magic, conflict and romance. My current home is in Arizona with my husband and two dogs.

The Celtic festivals of Samhain and Beltaine play an important part in my Dark Goddess trilogy. I also included a myth involving two goddesses that are linked to these important festivals. Samhain, which means ‘Summer’s End’ was celebrated by the ancient Celts on November 1st. This marked the end of the warm seasons with the reaping of the wheat fields and culling of the herds to prepare for the harsh winter. Beltaine means ‘Good fire’ and was celebrated May 1st to welcome back the sun and warmer months of plentiful food and milk.
 'The Cailleach' is believed to be a pre-Celtic earth goddess. She is one of the oldest and most powerful goddesses who personifies the cutting winds and harshness of the northern winter. She was worshipped by the ancient Celts as a winter goddess and a goddess of sovereignty. Her name means ‘veiled one’ and she ruled the winter months. In some stories Cailleach is the Crone. I chose her because she is a Celtic goddess known in Ireland and Scotland, which corresponded with the settings of my story. She is usually an old hag, but there are Irish myths that show her as a beautiful young maiden. In legends, she appears to the hero as a hideous old woman in her aspect of Sovereignty to test his heart for kingship. The one who kisses or mates with the old hag is rewarded—she changes into a beautiful maiden and bestows sovereignty on him. Only a true king is not fooled by appearances and can see beyond into one’s heart.

There are many stories about Cailleach, but the one I focused on is the legend of Cailleach and Brigit. Brigit is a Celtic sun goddess and a member of the Tuatha de Danaan. Her associations with metalworking (fire) and light are appropriate for rituals welcoming back the sun, healing and inspiration. To the ancient Celts, she was a triple-aspect goddess of poetry, smith-craft and medicine. In pre-Celtic beliefs, she represents the Maiden—new beginnings. In her earliest incarnation, she was called Breo-Saighit (Fiery Arrow). She is known in Ireland, Scotland and Britain with variations of her name: Brigid, Bride, Brigantia. There are many stories about her as she is an enduring goddess and is still worshipped today as St. Brigit (Brigid). Her festival is held on Imbolc (Feb. 1st).
Brigit

In the myth I used for my trilogy, the two goddesses are imprisoned by the changing seasons and forced to ‘sleep’ during the months their reign ends. Cailleach ruled in winter months, awakening at Samhain. Her reign ended on Beltaine when Brigit awoke to rule the summer months. Cailleach’s awakening signaled the arrival of the dark half of the year, the long cold nights of winter, while Brigit’s awakening heralded the arrival of the lighter half of the year filled with warm summer days and endless sunshine. The part that interested me about this legend is that they may have been two different faces of the same goddess. I drew on this myth and put my own spin on it.
****
Blurb from Cat’s Curse, Book One: Dark Goddess Trilogy (Celtic historical romance/fantasy):
Enter Dark Age Scotland—a mysterious, dangerous & exciting place…
Blurb: Cardea is cursed to live an eternity as a blood drinker. Aedan mac Gabrain, prince of Dal Riata, trusts no one after suffering a curse that keeps him from touching any females. Can two tortured souls find love while battling a dark goddess determined to destroy them?
Kelley Heckart
'Timeless tales of romance, conflict & magic'
My book page at Awe-Struck
My author page on amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Kelley-Heckart/e/B002BMOQ3C/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Cat's Curse

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Trick or Treat!

Hi, Pat McDermott here, getting ready for lots of chocolate and cute little pixies ringing the doorbell. The origins of Halloween are rife on the blogs these days, so I’ll keep this brief. I suspect that millions of children preparing for Halloween are unaware of its Celtic/Irish origins in the Samhain (Sow-win) festival. Nearly 2,000 years ago, Samhain, the Celtic New Year, marked the end of summer and the start of winter. The boundary between the world of the living and the dead was at its thinnest at Samhain, and the Celts believed the spirits of their ancestors passed through that boundary.

In every Irish settlement, families honored their forebears by inviting them into their homes even as they warded off harm by dressing in costumes and masks to thwart evil spirits. While housewives prepared food for both the living and the dead, their farmer husbands inventoried food supplies and slaughtered livestock to augment their winter diets. The people allowed their household fires to go out, and they tossed the animals’ bones and other various sacrifices onto communal bonfires from which each hearth was ceremoniously relit.

The arrival of Christianity incorporated the Samhain celebration into the Christian calendar by renaming October
31st All Saints’ Day and November 1st All Souls’ Day. Several customs survived these name changes, including the wearing of costumes and masks. The Irish who emigrated during the 19th century famine carried their Halloween customs to America, where they melded with the harvest traditions of other cultures.

Best wishes for a fun and safe Halloween!

Pat's Web Site and Blog

Monday, October 25, 2010

America's Scottish Highland Games


Bagpipes, the Loch Ness Monster, castles, and whisky instantly bring Scotland to mind. Many American and Canadian citizens can trace their roots back to Scotland and is why many celebrate this knowledge by organizing, volunteering at, and attending Highland games.

My husband and I have attended the New Hampshire Highland Games from the time they started back in 1975, even before we married. In the early 1980s, my husband began his long stint as volunteer. I stayed home with the boys until the youngest showed an interest in his Scottish lineage. We then also volunteered. Marching bands, wonderful food, and colorfully dressed kilts amid the spectacular fall foliage of the New Hampshire’s White Mountains makes for a memorable day.

The NH games has turned into an annual three day event, now visited by over 50,000 people. We volunteer as a family and, even though my husband and I moved to the south, we still travel to the NH games annually where we offer our service in the information tent. Our sons join us there to help us sell official programs, hand out maps and schedules of events, and sell raffle tickets, the proceeds of which fund scholarships.

This annual celebration has turned into a major undertaking and the Board of Directors and office staff work tirelessly to coordinate the many entertainment venues, clan representatives, venders of food and goods, and hundreds of volunteers, in order to bring the sights, sounds, and flavors of Scotland to New England.

Volunteering every hour of the three days is too much to ask of anyone, since there is so much to do and see, so my husband and I gather several hardy individuals to share the load. This affords everyone with time to either go watch the sheep dog trials, taste the shortbread, scones, bridies, meat pies, shop the venders, or listen to rock bands. No one wants to miss the athletes as they toss the caber, a tree length wooden pole or throw a heavy hammer long distances.


Many states, communities, and organizations host their own Highland games and Scottish festivals. They welcome everyone…a Scottish lineage or kilts are not required! If you enjoy harps, bagpipes, Highland dance, wonderful food and a sea of brightly colored wool (and is there anything more sexy than a man in a kilt?) please visit a Highland games or Scottish festival soon.



A native New Yorker, Nancy Lee Badger graduated college in northern New Hampshire where she raised a family. She now writes fulltime and lives with her husband in North Carolina. She loves everything Scottish. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, Fantasy-Futuristic & Paranormal Romance Writers, Sisters in Crime, and Celtic Heart Romance Writers. She also writes contemporary and romantic suspense as Nancy Lennea.



DRAGON’S CURSE is Nancy’s historical paranormal, set in old Scotland. It is available from Whispers Publishing.
The Buy Link:http://bit.ly/93hRiM
Her Website: www.nancyleebadger.com
Her Blog: www.RescuingRomance.nancyleebadger.com

Thursday, October 21, 2010

CELTIC WOMEN





Celtic Women & Women in Celtic Literature



Women have had many roles in various cultures. The Celtic women were a major exception to what was going on in Ancient times. Although there were other cultures out there, those who worshipped and valued women, the Celtic women stood out as women who fought in battle, owned land, and were teachers. Many of the models we draw upon for women in this modern-day age came from basic rights that Celtic women had in the past. It would be interesting to see what life would be like for women if we did not have history to call back as a witness to the past with cultures such as the Celts.

Celtic culture has stood out for many reasons in ancient history. The Celts and the women within their culture were an interesting and inspiring model for what modern day women would come to represent. Many of the rights and opportunities that women now have may actually have stemmed from this ancient culture so long ago. The ancient world was a different place for women in some cultures, but it seemed that in the Celtic culture women had succeeded. The Celts were made up of many tribes stretching from the British Isles to Gallatia. The Celts had many dealings with other cultures that bordered the lands occupied by these peoples, and even though there is no written record of the Celts stemming from their own documents, we can piece together a fair picture of them from archeological evidence as well as historical accounts from other cultures. http://www.ibiblio.org/gaelic/celts.html

According to many written accounts and accounts in Celtic literature, we find many of the everyday roles for women in Celtic society. Many of the accounts that are heard of are of brave women who fought in battle such as the famous account of Bodecia or women who served as priestesses in society to help their communities. Boadicea was quite the exception; a woman born of a royalty, she was married to a client king from a tribe of the Iceni. Most believe the client king was put there because he had helped Romans conquer Britain during 43 A.D. Boadicea conjures images of an emancipated female who had taken her revenge and showed her people what a woman could do (Ellis). This account is interesting because it is one of the many accounts of women who fought back and fought in battle. Many women in other cultures were not allowed such a privilege. It also diverts from the role that women are remembered for such as tending to the children and the home. Women in Celtic society were more than just the caretakers of the home and the children. They had many rights, some of which included becoming a priestess, owning land, and the right to divorce. Although many cultures or Celtic tribes did not have the same rights, many consider the Celts of the Gaelic area to be more privileged than that of those the British Isles (Ellis).

Being a female and a woman meant a lot in ancient times. Most ancient cultures celebrated the woman as being the bringer of life. Druids were the elite priest caste of the Celts. In ancient Celtic society the Druids and Druidesses composed an intellectual elite, whose knowledge and training placed them as priests of the Celtic religion. Their training normally lasted over twenty years and consisted of the memorization of literature, poetry, history, and Celtic law as well as astronomy. The Druids mediated for their people, performed sacrifices, interpreted omens, and presided over religious ceremonies. They believed that the soul did not die with the body, but passed on to another (Minor). Druids had many responsibilities, but their main duty became to advise Kings and Queens. Dreams and prophecies were questioned by royalty for their significance and interpreted events in various kingdoms. As a result, the power of the Druids and Druidesses was very great for not only were they the sole priests of Celtic religion, but they also held great sway in political matters (Minor).

One can only imagine the kind of power and influence a female druid had upon her clan or community in which she served. ’There are many stories told about female druids and their influence on the people around them. Druidesses are most often mentioned through fictional references such as the myth of Finn. He was raised by a druidess or "wise woman" (term that refers to a "female seer”) along with another woman by the request of his mother and their "bondwoman,” Muirna. "The druidess and the wise woman taught Finn war craft, hunting, and fishing (the survival arts), and also acted as guards and advisors, warning him of danger" (Green). Being a female and a druid had its advantages. Women were the ones that taught men the survival skills such as hunting, fishing, and fighting. Women were that important to the Celtic culture. We still see this today in certain cultures around the world, although minimal traits of what used to be still exist.
There are also many accounts of extraordinary women who stood out for being women in Celtic culture; such is the story of St. Brigid. While Boadicea was known for her courage, strength, and willful nature to fight against the Romans, Brigid had a softer side and showed the power of women in another way. Bridget was born at Faughart, near Newry, Co. Down to a Druid named Dubhtach and his bondwoman, who was soon sent away after her birth. Bridget’s father raised her in Druid symbolism and "according to the Rennes Dinnsenchus, she was a ban-druÍ, a female Druid, before she converted to Christianity" (Ellis).
Now Brigid’s story remains because she was the first female druid to then convert to Christianity. Although it meant the downfall of druidism, Brigid became a female priest and then the first female bishop. Brigid was the hope of what women could accomplish in Celtic society when history would change the outlook of their culture. Brigid was also responsible in changing and merging old Celtic traditions with the new Christian traditions. Bridget went on to found orders with Celtic traditions. Her first overlooked the Liffey and was placed within the shade of an oak tree. She called her church, "the church of the Oaks," which was also near the pagan fortress of Dún Ailinne. According to the Life of Bridget written by a monk in her following in 650 AD, both men and women were abundant in the community. Peter B. Ellis, a Celtic scholar, suggests that Bishop Conlaed and she were lovers at some point. According to customs of the time, his suggestion is not that preposterous (Minor). As a result, by the High Middle Ages women could neither rule a kingdom or serve in a position of authority in the Church. Women's high status had been effectively wiped out by the two 'invasions' and women became like ancient Roman women, possessions of their men (Minor). Now we see how interesting, intriguing, and how influential women were to Celtic society. What these Celtic women in their society had been privileged to would change with the birth of Christianity and the world would be covered in darkness until the seeds of the past came to grow in the future.

References:
Ellis, Peter Berresford. Celtic Women: Women in Celtic Society and Literature. London: St. Edmundsbury, 1995.

Green, Miranda J. The World of Druids. Slovenia: Thames and Hudson, 1997.

Minor, R. Margaret, (wd). The Power of Women in Celtic Society: Female Druids. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.http://www.unc.edu/celtic/catalogue/femdruids

The Celts Retrieved November 19, 2007, from http://www.ibiblio/org/gaelic/celts.html


Denise
twitter: denisealicea & thepenmuse

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Cynthia's Irish Travelblog

The day I arrived in Ireland was the day I found my heart’s home.

I’ve been in love with all things Irish since I was in my early teens, so naturally I was thrilled to finally spend 10 days there last summer, part of a three-week visit to England, Wales and Ireland. It was hard to contain my excitement as we left the ferry, the Jonathan Swift, in Dublin and drove to our first destination, the lovely village of Feakle in County Clare.

The cottage we stayed in could have belonged to Siobhán Desmond, heroine of my novel, In Sunshine or in Shadow,  with its stone walls, thatched roof, and the lovely warm hearth. When we arrived, the fire was burning merrily, and the wonderful, sweet scent of peat filled the room and warmed our hearts.


I’d made a list of places to see before I left, and one of the first was Bunratty Castle, a spectacularly beautiful castle dating back to medieval times, complete with winding staircases and amazing views from the battlements. The best part of the castle, for me, was the folk park, designed to look like a Nineteenth Century Irish village. And it was there I found Tom Flynn’s cottage. Loop Head House was the cottage of a fisherman/farmer, just like Tom Flynn, a minor character in In Sunshine or in Shadow who plays a major part in the love story in my upcoming release, Coming Home.

But the highlight of my trip had to be the day I visited another castle, Dunguaire Castle, in Kinvara, Galway.

The cover of In Sunshine or in Shadow features a lovely castle on a brooding autumn day. The minute I saw that picture, I loved it, but all I knew was that it had been taken “somewhere in Galway.” But shortly after reading the book, an Irish friend of mine identified it as Dunguaire, so naturally that had to be one of my must-sees.
How can I describe my reaction to finally seeing the castle I’d begun to think of as “mine?” A thrill, of course, but more than that. It was joy and sadness and excitement and something very close to tenderness. I “knew” this castle. It was a part of me, as no other place had ever been, or ever could be. It was me, somehow, and in some strange way, it was the people of Ballycashel. And as we toured the castle, all the way up to the towering battlements, I found myself imagining the battles that had been fought for this beautiful land, and the lives and loves of the people of this place.

And I wished I could stay forever!