LEGENDS

Customs and beliefs of the Gaels from Ireland and the Highlands are various and interesting. We want to give here a list of the most important traditions with a short explanation.

DEISEIL: There were lots of practices dealing with the power of the sun to bring luck, blessings and fortune to people and buildings: for example, the Celts used to circle houses three times. They also carried fire around infant three times.

QUARTER DAYS: These days were the Old Celtic festivals of some divinities: they were considered powerful days for divination and lucky days to begin journeys and new activities, but there was also a taboo if you gave away fire in a form of a kindling. Also the first Monday of the Quarter was considered very lucky and divination practices were carried out on these days.

MOON PHASES: Moon had a particular importance and the Celts thought that it could influence the actions of people: with the waxing moon, they sowed and planted, when the moon was waning, they ploughed and reaped.

WATER: Water had magic characteristics: it could heal and preserve life, springs were very beneficial, because they carried water from the heart of Earth. Wells were very common in Scotland, they were considered shrines of divination.

THE SEA: Many superstitions surround it, for example certain birds can be either good or bad omens if seen at sea and when rowing a boat you must start from the right hand side.

ANIMALS: There is a wealth of folklore concerning animals. For instance the serpent in Scotland symbolizes wisdom and the Earth Spirit. The most common “fairy animals” are the selkies, or seal people, and the kelpies or water horses.

TREE

Certain trees are considered to be under the protection of the “fairies”.

The ROWAN is the supreme tree of protection, and is used in many domestic and agricultural implements. It is common to plant a rowan near the front of the house.

The HAZEL is associated with divination, especially of water.

The ELDER is a protective tree and is given a great relevance in folklore.

The WILLOW and the ALDER are beloved by water spirits.

The IVY is protective of milk.

Many plants are said to have magical properties, for example The Shamrock

STONES: Many standing stones are reputed to have healing powers. Stones are especially good for curing women who cannot have children.

ELF BOLTS: They were considered lucky if found. Cattle were given water to drink in which an elf bolt had been dipped.

The KNOCKING STONE was a large lump of stone, hollowed out, in which corn bruised.

FAMILY CHARM STONE: The most famous charm stone was that of the Braham Seer, Kenneth Mackenzie, who lived in the 17^th century. It was a small stone with a hole in the center: when he looked thought it he cold see into the future.

THE BULL OF LIR

One famous legend tells about the four children of king Lir who were turned into swans for 400 years by their jealous stepmother.

Since those days it’s illegal to kill swans in Ireland.

THE BULL OF COOLEY (THE CATTLE RAID OF COOLEY)

It’s a story based on events which took place around 500 B.C in Ireland, it’s about the Red Branch Knights of Ulster and the hero Cuchulainn.

This story appears in the earliest written version in the Book of the Dun Cow, dating from the 12^th century.

FAIRIES, LEPRECHAUNS AND BANSHEES

The fairies lived under mounds of earth, or “fairy forts” and if you touched one of these it would bring you bad luck.

The Leprechauns are the little men, who have green tunics. They sit under trees and if you caught one of these he would lead you to a pot of gold but you shouldn't take you eyes off him!! He would vanish into air with his gold!

Finally, the Banshee was a female spirit with long flowing hair who frightened the people and is feared even today, because when she goes into the houses it’s a sign of the imminent death of someone within.

THE CAILLEACH: meaning old woman or the nighmare. Many place names are named after her.

URUISGS: they are spirits of the forest with a ragged, hairy appearance. Uruisgs are wild and savage and they will help households they attach themselves to and work for little reward, but they are easily offended.

HIGHLAND SECOND SIGHT: ”Dha Shealladh”. The Highlanders are known for this gift but few will speak openly about it, for they have such a superstitious fear of it. Visions usually come only uninvited and consist of seeing a person’s double or seeing the moment of someone ‘s death. Those with a second sight can also see events happening to living people who are great distances away at that particular time.

INVOCATIONS: traditional invocations play an important role Highland life, and are recited on significant occasions.

THE EVILEYE: ”Droch shuil”. This is a very potent Highland belief, which clearly has its origins in the Celtic legend of the Evil Eye. It is believed that certain people have the ability to blight things at which they cast their gaze. Stone urns are powerful antidotes for the Evil Eye, another way to fight this is to drink three mouthfuls of water which has been poured over silver.

(Merico Alessandra - Silvia Boschiero- Sara Lattanzio - Irene Predieri, 3^B internaz )