History Archives - Page 5 of 13

The Celtic Origins of Lammas

This contemporary more life-like Corn Dolly comes from Wiltshire and was hand fashioned from wheat stalks and raffia then dressed in colourful ribbons, as was often the tradition with Corn idols at the festival of Lammas in England.

Did the Christian First Fruits feast of Lammas originate with a Celtic harvest festival full of fraternizing, frolicking, and ritual sacrifice?

Was the Irish Hero Cú Chulainn Actually a Comet? [Cosmic Cú Chulainn Part 1]

Halley's Comet in 1066 depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry

The cosmic Cú Chulainn theory posits that the Irish hero Cú Chulainn, the Irish god Lugh, and King Arthur are all representations of Halley’s Comet. But is it true?

Differences Between Irish and Celtic Mythology

CELTIC COGNATES chart showing parallels between different Celtic deities

No, they’re not the same thing. But Irish mythology and Celtic mythology are related—uncovering how may reveal even bigger truths about these two storytelling traditions.

The Celtic Origins of May Day

Did the flower-filled festival of May Day originate with the Celtic fire festival of Beltane? Does the maypole actually represent a sacred tree? You’re about to find out.

The Pagan Origins of St. Patrick’s Day

"Patrick casting down cromm cruach and the twelve smaller idols" 1911 (source: Wikimedia COmmons)

Why is St. Patrick’s Day celebrated on March 17th? Turns out there’s much more to the story than most people realize.

Is The Banshees of Inisherin Based on Irish Mythology?

poster from banshees of inisherin film depicting two men standing in front of the ocean with a dog

Uncover potential hidden references to Irish mythology and folklore in the award-winning 2022 Irish film The Banshees of Inisherin

Book Giveaway: Saint Patrick in Your Pocket

image of book cover, saint patrick in your pocket, on shamrock background

Introducing the latest book in my Celtic Pocket Guides series, Saint Patrick in Your Pocket: 20 Questions With the Apostle of Ireland

5 Imbolc Rituals for Welcoming Spring [Video]

cover image 5 imbolc rituals showing a brigid's cross, bonfire, and spring flowers

Here’s how to celebrate Imbolc like an ancient Celt according to Gaelic history, mythology, and folklore. While many modern pagans celebrate their own iterations of Imbolc, this video is an attempt at getting back to the festival’s roots.

Whom Do Banshees Visit? Visitation Rites of the Banshee [Video]

image of three encircled banshees, visitation rites of the banshee

Whom do banshees visit? Which families do they haunt? Turns out Irish folklore severely limits which households banshees can hover over and howl by.

Physical and Sonic Characteristics of the Banshee [Video]

image of three encircled banshees, one with red hair, text says physical and sonic characteristics of the banshee

What do banshees look like? What do banshees sound like? While pop culture interpretations of the banshee typically paint her as a grotesque, shrieking she-demon, Irish folklore tells a much more nuanced story.