Category: Celtic Legends

Celtic Legends, Halloween, Interesting Stories, Irish Legends, Irish Traditions

Top 10 Scary Irish Mythological Creatures

Kierand LLC

Addressing Scary Irish Mythological Creatures or Celtic Mythological Creatures is the topic of one of the most frequent inquiries that we receive in connection with Irish mythology.

However, once you’ve spent enough time reading about Irish folklore, you’ll know that there are quite a few Irish mythical creatures out there and that they differ in the sort of creatures that they are. This is something that you’ll know if you’ve spent any time reading about Irish folklore. Some of the animals that may be found in Irish mythology, such as the Pooka, are associated with a charming and humorous story, whilst others, are very terrible!

Since the beginning of Celtic mythology, old Irish creatures and demons have been used to scare members of the general public, particularly around the time of Halloween.

The Irish term for demon is “deamhan,” and it is surely widely utilized since bad powers, monsters, demons, and ghosts have long been feared in Celtic mythology. The word “deamhan” comes from the Irish language.

The ancient Celts believed in hundreds of different Irish legendary deities, but much like other nations, their society also had its share of demons. Some of the “monsters” who were worshiped in Celtic culture were, in fact, formerly gods who were subsequently recast as evil pagan beings when many Celts converted to Christianity.

The list of most terrifying beasts and spirits from Celtic mythology, just in time for Halloween.

  • Dearg Due – the Irish vampire
  • The Cailleach – the Celtic witch
  • Púca – the Irish Ghost
  • The Bánánach – Demons
  • Balor – Celtic demon king
  • The Sluagh – Celtic monster
  • Banshee – the Irish wailing ghost
  • Merrow– Sea fairy
  • The Dullahan – the Irish headless horseman
  • Ellén Trechend – Three headed monster

Dearg Due – the Irish Vampire

There is a vampire that dwells smack dab in the center of Ireland, but Dracula himself was created in Ireland (the monster was written about in Bram Stoker’s classic book, which was also written by an Irishman).

Dearg-due is an Irish word for a female demon that first seduces men and then drains them of their blood. The name literally translates to “red bloodsucker.” An Irish lady who was famous across the land for her beauty and who fell in love with a local peasant against her father’s disapproval is said to have been the subject of a tale that originated in Celtic culture.

Her father coerced her into entering into an arranged marriage with a wealthy guy who mistreated her, which led to her taking her own life in the end. She was laid to rest next to Strongbow’s Tree in Waterford, but one night she arose from her grave to exact her vengeance on her father and husband. She drank their blood until they were no longer able to breathe, and then she ate their bodies.

The vampire, who is now known as Dearg-due, comes to life once a year and uses her alluring appearance to entice men to their deaths. There is, however, a strategy that may be used to successfully combat Dearg-due. It is sufficient to construct a mound of stones on top of her grave in order to forestall the resuscitation of the dead. No, it won’t be enough to kill her, but at least it will buy you some time till the new year!

The Cailleach – Celtic Witch

The Cailleach, often known as the Celtic witch, is mentioned in a number of the old tales that have been passed down from generation to generation in Ireland. This particular school of witchcraft gets its name from the fact that its practitioners base their rituals and rites on numerous elements of Celtic folklore and mythology.

There are many legends told about the Cailleach, often known as the Celtic witch, in the folklore of Ireland. At Samhain, she would make her descent from the mountains, and from then until Beltaine, she would govern the earth. The oldest of all the tales comes from Celtic culture. The name Cailleach translates to “Old Wife,” and she is considered to be one of the most important figures in Celtic mythology. The Cailleach was worshiped as the goddess of the cold and the winds. The duration and severity of winter were both within the Cailleach’s control. She was also sometimes referred to as the Veiled One of the Queen of Winter. She is a heavenly hag and a creative goddess at the same time.

Púca or Pooka – the Irish Ghost

Púca is an Irish term that literally translates to “spirit” or “ghost,” and these legendary beings hail from Irish mythology. These legendary beings hailing from Irish folklore are fairies that are capable of assuming the form of a horse, goat, cat, dog, or hare. They are also capable of assuming a human shape, but one that retains certain animal characteristics such as a tail or ears.

They are said to have white or black fur or hair, and they are harbingers of both good and ill fortune, as well as communities that are either rural or sea. They may assist or harm these communities. They like playing tricks on people and will often try to get them to ride on their backs, after which they will take them on a wild and dangerous excursion before delivering them back to the location from whence they originally picked them up. It is stated that a rider may tame a Púca if they wear sharp spurs to either prevent themselves from being abducted by the monster or to direct it if they are already riding on its back. This story originates from the Irish tradition. It is stated that Brian Boru, the last High King of Ireland, was the only man who ever rode a Púca. 

Traditionally, the Púca is celebrated at Samhain, the harvest festival that takes place when the harvests are brought indoors. Anything that is left in the fields after harvesting is set aside for the Púca and is not fit for human consumption. There were some farmers who would appease the Púca by leaving some of the harvests out for it to eat.

There are further legends connected to the Púca, and allusions may be found in a variety of forms of literature, including poetry, music, and more. You could also come across the term phouka or pooka being used to refer to it.

The Bánánach – Irish Demons

The Bánánach brings us right back to the eerie beasts of Celtic mythology with their next appearance. The Bánánach is a supernatural race that is mentioned in Irish mythology. They are said to be able to be seen haunting battlefields.

These terrifying screeching demons that lived in the air may have had the appearance of goats. They were linked to acts of murder and death.

Balor- Celtic Demon King

In Celtic mythology, Balor is the name of the evil version of the god of death. The malevolent monster had only one eye and a single huge leg, yet it held the title of King of the Fomori, a race of demons who inhabited the murky depths of lakes and oceans. Because Balor can murder someone just by glancing at them with his evil eye, he kept it closed most of the time so he wouldn’t have to keep stumbling across dead corpses all the time.

This is one of a few mythological monsters from Ireland that actually terrified me as a youngster after hearing tales about them from my pals. These Celtic creatures were claimed to be restless souls that were considered to be neither accepted in hell nor heaven, therefore it was believed that they were permitted to wander the countryside on their own.

The Sluagh

This is one of a few mythological monsters from Ireland that actually terrified me as a youngster after hearing tales about them from my pals. These Celtic creatures were claimed to be restless souls that were considered to be neither accepted in hell nor heaven, therefore it was believed that they were permitted to wander the countryside on their own.

According to folklore, the Sluaghs were bitter about their plight and would steal the soul of anybody they came into contact with if given the opportunity.

The Banshee- A wailing ghost

Banshee is an Irish word for a ghost that howls. The Banshee is a well-known Irish monster, and legend has it that it often works in conjunction with the Dullahan.

The banshee is a female ghost whose scream, if heard outside of a home, foretells the death of one of its occupants. It is one of the most known Celtic monsters, having made a guest appearance in “Darby O’Gill and the Little People” and all.

According to a number of retellings of the Banshee tale, the terrifying specter traveled accompanied the Dullahan in a dark cart that was pulled by six black horses. It is stated that the two of them would beat the horses with a human spinal cord.

But the majority of tales agree that the Banshee, on her own, was already terrible enough. Her appearance has been described as anything from an ugly old hag to a lovely young lady; yet, everyone agrees that the creature’s bloodcurdling howl will be heard three times before someone passes away.

Merrow – Sea Fairy

When it comes to monsters from myth and legend, Ireland is home to a handful that aren’t as terrifying as others that have been described. It seems that one of them is a Merrow. In Irish tradition, a merman or mermaid might take the form of a merrow. It is stated that in order for them to move freely between the water and dry ground, they must first don a magical cap, which derives from the Irish term murch.

The term is used in two different stories; in the first, a Kerry man steals a green-haired merrow’s red magical cap so that he might marry her, and in the second, a green-bodied hideous male merrow who entertains a fisherman at his house beneath the sea uses the term to describe himself.

The merrow is often referred to as sea fairies and is sometimes shown as having the upper body of a woman but the lower body of a fish. The male merrow did not come close to matching the beauty of its female counterparts. They were generally gentle, but they may become hostile against those who were rude to them or who scared them.

The Dullahan – the Irish headless horseman

The Dullahan is another fabled Irish monster, and its name, which literally translates to “dark man,” describes this creature well. This grim reaper is the equivalent of the headless horseman in Irish folklore and is often featured in modern works of fantasy literature as well as in video games.

The head of the Dullahan is carried under one arm as he rides a headless black horse with burning eyes. When he finally gets off his horse, a person will be killed. In some telling’s of this tale, the Dullahan is said to attack those he passes by hurling buckets of blood at them, while in others, it is said that he merely yells out the name of the person who is about to pass away.

Gold is the Dullahan’s Achilles’ heel, as is the case with most malevolent powers. Because the monster shies away from the material, lone travelers would be advised to bring some with them just in case they come across this headless monstrosity and find themselves face to face with it!

Ellén Trechend – Three headed monster

Ellén Trechend was a genuine monster with Celtic roots. In point of fact, it was a Celtic monster with three heads! Now, the appearance of Ellén Trechend varies from story to tale, much like the appearances of other Irish legendary beings. In some versions of the tale, the beast is described as having the appearance of a vulture, while in others, it is a dragon that breathes fire.

In a story referred to as the Cath Maige Mucrama, it is said that Ellén Trechend would emerge from a cave and go on a rampage that will cause much damage.

Next

 Newgrange: Winter Solstice and Celtic Spirals

Related Posts

  1. The Gray Man a Samhain Legend for Halloween
  2. The Irish Legend of the Banshee
  3. The Legend of the Selkies
Celtic Legends, Interesting Stories, Ireland, Irish Legends, Irish Traditions, News, Travel Ireland

The Origins of the Term ‘Black Irish’

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Occasionally, people may refer to people of Irish descent as “Black Irish.” But have you ever stopped to think about where it originates? The phrase “Black Irish” has been in use for hundreds of years, and several brands of Irish whiskey, including Mariah Carey’s Black Irish cream liqueur and Darker Still Spirits Company Black Irish Whiskey, have even named their product lines after the phrase. 

In spite of this, if you ask your coworker or your acquaintance what it means, they will most likely be at a loss for words. While it was most certainly used originally in a derogatory fashion, the term “Black Irish” is now considered a badge of honor. Just ask my black Irish husband, whose family name ironically, in Gaelic derives, from the word “dearg,” which means red.

What does the term black Irish mean?

The term “black Irish” refers to persons of Irish descent who are supposed to be descendants of the Spanish Armada, which sailed around the middle of the 15th century, and had dark hair and or eyes. The term is used among people of Irish descent and sometimes confuses people since it doesn’t refer to dark skin color.

Where Did the Term “Black Irish” Come From?

People of European descent in the United States came up with innovative methods to differentiate different ethnic European groupings and sub-groups from one another throughout times of significant immigration from Europe to the United States.

Because the vast majority of Irish people have light brown hair about 65 percent, and only 15 percent have black hair while the vast majority of Irish people have fair skin and either blue or green eyes. Classifying this subgroup with the term “black Irish” made it easy to differentiate them from other people of Irish descent.

This was a means of pointing out that black Irish people are different from the majority of people who have more traits that are more characteristically Irish, but funny enough, it should also be emphasized that the number of black Irish is more than the number of redheaded Irish.

Black Irish Celebrities and Public Figures

Here are a few examples of black Irish public figures and celebrities who are of Irish descent in Ireland. All of them have Irish heritage, and in the common parlance, all of them are referred to as being black Irish.

  • Colin Farrell
  • Enya
  • Paul Ryan
  • Lara Flynn Boyle
  • Peter Gallagher
  • Rob James Collier
  • Jennifer Connelly 
Celtic Legends, Halloween, Interesting Stories

The Irish Legend of the Banshee

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The Irish Legend of the Banshee

The image that comes to most people’s minds when they hear the word “banshee” is that of a floating ghostly figure that wails and is in general quite terrifying. You might also be familiar with the age-old concept that banshees are considered to be portents of impending death. The whole account of the Banshee may be found here.

220px-Banshee

The Banshee, pronounced bean-sidhe is the woman of the fairies and maybe an ancestral spirit appointed to forewarn members of certain ancient Irish families of their time of death. According to tradition, the banshee can only cry for five major Irish families: the O’Neills, the O’Briens, the O’Connors, the O’Gradys and the Kavanaghs. Intermarriage has since extended this select list.
Whatever her origins, the banshee chiefly appears in one of three guises: a young woman, a stately matron or a raddled old hag. These represent the triple aspects of the Celtic goddess of war and death, namely Badhbh, Macha and Mor-Rioghain.) She usually wears either a grey, hooded cloak or the winding sheet or grave robe of the unshriven dead. She may also appear as a washer-woman, and is seen apparently washing the blood stained clothes of those who are about to die. In this guise she is known as the bean-nighe (washing woman).
Although not always seen, her mourning call is heard, usually at night when someone is about to die.

Irish families of their time of death. According to tradition, the banshee can only cry for five major Irish families: the O’Neills, the O’Briens, the O’Connors, the O’Gradys and the Kavanaghs. Intermarriage has since extended this select list.
Whatever her origins, the banshee chiefly appears in one of three guises: a young woman, a stately matron or a raddled old hag. These represent the triple aspects of the Celtic goddess of war and death, namely Badhbh, Macha and Mor-Rioghain.) She usually wears either a grey, hooded cloak or the winding sheet or grave robe of the unshriven dead. She may also appear as a washer-woman, and is seen apparently washing the blood stained clothes of those who are about to die. In this guise she is known as the bean-nighe (washing woman).
Although not always seen, her mourning call is heard, usually at night when someone is about to die.

A banshee is a spirit that does not have a physical body and can take any one of the following forms:

A stunning woman who was wrapped in a shroud.
A slender woman with a white outfit, long red hair, and a red lipstick.
A woman who is silver-haired and wears a long garment of silver.
A headless lady who is completely nude from the waist up and is carrying a dish of blood.
An elderly lady with eerie red eyes, a green outfit, and long white hair was standing there.
A geriatric lady who was clothed entirely in black and had long, gray hair. She wore a veil over her face.

Origins of the Banshee Folklore

According to historians, the first accounts of the Irish Banshee date back to the eighth century and were based on a ritual in which ladies sung a mournful song to express their condolences over the passing of a loved one. These ladies were known as “keeners,” and because they took alcoholic beverages as payment, they were considered to be sinners. As a result, they were condemned to a life as banshees as their punishment. It is said that if a Banshee is seen, she would quickly disappear into a cloud of mist while making a sound that is comparable to the sound of a bird flapping its wings. This is a part of the legend surrounding the Banshee. According to urban legend, banshees do not bring about death; rather, they just serve as a warning of impending doom.

Banshees Are Both Good and Bad 

There are a few banshees that had deep links to their family in life and remained to look after them after death. These banshees are the exception to the rule that banshees are monsters filled with hatred. When they make their appearance, these Banshees take the form of beautiful, entrancing ladies who perform a mournful, eerie song that is full of care and love for their family. This song can be heard a few days before a member of the family passes away, and in the vast majority of instances, the song can only be heard by the individual for whom it was written.

On the other hand, there is the Banshee, a terrifying creature that most of us are familiar with. She is furious and terrifying. These ladies, throughout the course of their lives, had reasons to despise their family, and now they emerge as grotesque and terrifying apparitions that are full with animosity. The howls that are coming from these banshees are enough to give you the chills all the way down to your bones, and rather than appearing to warn a member of the family, these banshees are rejoicing in the impending death of someone who they despised.

Celtic Legends, Interesting Stories

The Legend of the Selkies

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The Legend of the Selkies

Stories of seal people, also known as selkies, silkies, selchies, or roane, may be found woven throughout the mythology and folklore of several countries in Europe, including Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, and Scandinavia.

A selkie is a legendary creature from the ocean that is described as being half human and half fish. This creature is also known as the sea people, the seal people, and the mermaid. They are seals when they are in the water, but as they go on land, they lose their skin and take the appearance of humans.

It is believed that seal people are plagued with an unquenchable desire for what they cannot have. When they are in the water as seals, they crave to be on land, and when they are walking on two legs as humans, they yearn to be in the water. They are able to change from one creature to another by shedding their sealskin and then either putting it back on or putting it on for the first time.

The Mystery of the Selkie

The lore that surrounds selkies is rife with controversy over their place of origin. The black hair of the Spaniards is said to have reminded the natives like seals, which led to the legend that they washed ashore many years ago after being involved in a shipwreck. According to a different legend, the so-called seal people are actually Finns who paddle around in kayaks and dress in furs. There are many who believe that selkies are actually demons or angels that fell to their deaths and were turned by the water.

After the spread of Christianity across the countries, there is even the possibility that the seal people were intended to symbolize individuals who were stuck in purgatory, locked between two different realms. One of the most widely accepted explanations for their origin is that they are the resurrected souls of those who perished in watery graves and were allowed to reassume their human form for one night a year in order to celebrate by dancing on the beach.

Selkie Myth and Legend

It is a commonly held belief that tales of selkies, like many other myths from many civilizations, were invented as an attempt to explain something that could not otherwise be explained. There were certain infants who were born with webbed fingers and toes, faces that looked like those of seals, and scaly skin that had a fishy odor. These youngsters also occasionally had scaly skin. All of these things have been given names in the scientific community in recent times. There is a genetic illness known as syndactyly that causes webbed toes. Seal faces are the consequence of the extremely unusual medical phenomena known as anencephaly. Scaly skin was most likely caused by icthyosis, a genetic ailment that affects the skin.

It’s possible that the tales of the seal people were made up as an excuse to explain away the existence of women who did not appear to belong with the rest of society. They have characteristics that are comparable to sirens, mermaids, and mermen that are seen in other civilizations. However, for people who lived on the coasts of the seas and whose survival depended on the water and the gifts it provided, it seems natural for them to have believed legends of beautiful and mysterious creatures that shed their shiny seal coats and transformed into humans for a night of dancing under the moon. These people lived on the edge of the seas.

The ancient Celts lived in a world that was just as unpredictable as the water they sailed on. It may be turbulent and raging, yet it also has the capacity to be peaceful, abundant, and life-giving. The seal people are the embodiment of all that is kind and caring about the great oceans; but, they are also capable of shapeshifting and vanishing without a trace, qualities that make them the ideal protagonists for the tragic romance stories that populate mythology.

*Photo is a Statue of Selkie or Seal Wife in Mikladalur Faroe Islands

Celtic Legends, Ireland, Travel Ireland

What Are the Different Types of Fairies?

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What Are the Different Types of Fairies?

Travel to Ireland , Legends and Folklore

types of fairies , fairies

What exactly are fairies? And where exactly do fairies originate? When you question various people, you will receive different responses each time you do so. These mysterious figures have been interpreted as anything from gods to the souls of infants who have not been baptized to an ancient race of miniature humans. They are the protectors of animals and holy natural sites, yet at one time they may have been thought of as gods. They are the spirits of nature. I’ve always had the impression that the answer was somewhere in the middle. Additionally, as was discussed before, this is contingent upon the culture as well.

For any Irish lass there is nothing more captiviating than the faery world. Childhood facination with all things fairy including films that had fairies, fairy tale novels and fairy figurines of all shapes and sizes facinate kids and adults alike. But do you know there are more than a few different kinds of fairies. And that the land of the fay is far more gorgeously complex and perilous than ever envisioned! Pixies and garden fairies are the two types of fairies that are most often seen in popular culture and media. However, this does not account for brownies, elves, gnomes, dwarfs, and a great many more beings.

Fairy Types

– Nymphs: In Greek mythology, nymphs are described as being similar to fairies who live in nature. They typically take the form of stunning ladies and are linked to natural settings such as lakes, mountains, springs, or meadows in where they might be found.

– Hobgoblins: This fairy lives on farms, and since it loves the warmth of the fire, it may enter the house to be closer to one. Hobgoblins may be found in the countryside. They may be a nuisance on occasion, but other than that, they are normally of a nice disposition until they are insulted by someone. They are considered to be a member of the Brownie tribe.

– Elfs: In Norse mythology, there are two different kinds of elves: the Dark Elves and the Light Elves. Trolls are the common name given to Dark Elves in Scotland. In Danish folklore, male elves would sometimes take the form of elderly men, and if you approached too near to them, they would open their lips and make you ill with their breath. Young men were cautioned to stay away from the attractive elf lest he win their heart over and cause them to abandon their sweethearts who were dancing in the moonlight.

– Dwarves: This specific fairy is related with the folklore of Iceland and India. Dwarves are said to have lived underground and dug the earth for rich stones and metals. They gained the capacity to see through walls and became wise as a result of the magical stones they uncovered.

– Gnomes: Although many ancient legends associate gnomes with goblins or dwarves, gnomes were first categorized as earth elementals in the 15th century. This classification stuck with them until the 20th century. It was stated that Gnomes had incredible speed, but unlike other elementals, they did not possess everlasting souls. However, they did live far longer than humans. They are also well-known for the immense valuables that they preserve.

– Hobgoblins: This fairy lives in farms, and since it loves the warmth of the fire, it may enter the house to be closer to one. Hobgoblins may be found in the countryside. They may be a nuisance on occasion, but other than that, they are normally of a nice disposition until they are insulted by someone. They are considered to be a member of the Brownie tribe.

– Brownies: These lone fairies get connected to a house and reside in a dark corner of the home, in a closet, or in a hollow tree next to the home. – Brownies may be found in the United Kingdom. Brownies are helpful fairies who maintain order and cleanliness. It is said that they value it when you show your appreciation by providing them with a bowl of cream as a treat.

– Pixies: This kind of fairy is connected to the West Country in England and is referred to as a Piskie in Cornwall. Pixies may also be seen in Scotland. People in these areas virtually universally believed in pixies and piskies many centuries ago, and some of them even built “pisky pows” on their roofs to provide a type of ballroom for the fairies they thought lived there. Pixies are naughty creatures that are capable of bringing either good or bad fortune to human beings.

Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Legends, Irish Jewelry, Irish Traditions

St. Brigid Blessings and Prayers

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Saint Brigid’s cross made from straw stuck in window and blessed the house and protected it from fire and evil. Concept: religion, irish, traditional

A Traditional St. Brigid Blessing

Our wonderful Brigid’s Crosses were inspired by this beautiful heritage, imitating the delicate woven pattern of rushes in precious metals such as silver and gold. Also known as Bride, Bridget of Ireland, Bride of the Isles, and Mary of the Gael, she now reigns as one of the most recognized saints in Ireland.

“May the blessing of God and the Trinity be on this cross and where it sits, and on everyone who looks at it,” is a customary blessing for St. Brigid Cross.

About the Brigid’s Cross

Brigid’s cross, like the shamrock and the harp, is a wonderful Irish symbol that may be traced back to Celtic folklore. The cross is weaved from left to right, following the position of the sun, on January 31st, the eve of St. Brigid’s day. It features a layered square in the middle and four arms extending out from it, each knotted at the ends.

St. Brigid’s Feast Day

St. Brigid’s Day is February 1st and traditionally the start of Spring in Ireland.

Prayer to St. Brigid

Dear St. Brigid, brilliant star of sanctity in the early days of our Irish faith and love for the omnipotent God Who has never forsaken us, we look up to you now in earnest, hopeful prayer. By your glorious sacrifice of earthly riches, joys and affections obtain for us grace to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His justice” with constant trust in His fatherly care. By your life of laborious charity to the poor, the sick, the many seekers for light and comfort, obtain for us grace to be God’s helpers to the utmost of our power during our stay on earth, looking forward, as you did, to our life with Him during eternity. By the sanctified peace of your death-bed, obtain for us that we may receive the fullness of pardon and peace when the hour comes that will summon us to the judgment seat of our just and most merciful Lord. Amen.

Celtic Legends, Ireland, Irish Traditions, St. Patricks Day

An Overview of the Irish Celtic Cross’s Origins, Symbolism, and Meanings

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The Celtic Cross is well-known as a representation of Irish culture across the world.
Discover more about the beautiful stone monuments’ distinguishing characteristics, origin, history, functions, symbolism, and significance.

Ireland’s countryside is peppered with crosses.

If you have traveled on vacation or visiting family to the lovely Emerald Isle then a Celtic stone cross is likely to be seen on your travels across the stunning Irish countryside. Symbolic of Ireland and everything Irish, Celtic crosses may be seen in nearly all of the country’s 32 counties. Celtic cross jewelry and other ornamental arts, both ancient and modern, pay homage to these exquisite stone crosses.

A Look at the Celtic Cross’ Symbolism and Meaning

Many people point to the cross’s form as the distinctive characteristic of the Celtic Cross.
The ring strengthens the cross structurally by supporting the cross’s arms.
This has led some researchers to believe that this cross’s shape is a continuation of an earlier, more delicate one.

As well as representing an angelic halo, others believe it signifies the sun or some other celestial body, such as Jupiter. The early Catholic missionaries and St. Patrick himself, according to Christian and Celtic mythology, both failed miserably in their efforts to win over the Celts to Christianity.

These Are the Four Unique Characteristics of the Celtic Cross

It is estimated that Ireland’s oldest high stone crosses date from the 8th to 12th centuries. Intricate carvings may be seen on the crosses themselves, with the earliest showing knot-work and the most recent incorporating biblical narrative and inscriptions. They dominate the Irish countryside and are awe-inspiring. Most early crosses are no more than eight feet tall, although some later ones are considerably higher. At 23 feet, the highest point, it’s intimidating. These ancient Celtic Crosses have a number of unique characteristics despite their wide range in Celtic cross design.

  • The Foundation: which may or may not be present. Usually a pyramid form, although it can also be carved to give the cross more height.
  • The Shaft: a cylindrical structure divided into panels on both sides, each containing a different design or piece of artwork representing a different character.
  • The Cap: Often absent, the Cap is a decorative element found on the cross’s upper arm.
  • The Head: You have your head, which is split into a core and several arms. To identify them, stone Celtic crosses commonly have a ring-shaped center on their heads.

What was the purpose of the Celtic Cross?

We’ll never know for sure why ancient humans began constructing such massive stone structures in the first place! High Crosses, also known as Celtic Crosses, are frequently seen at or near significant monasteries. Many were used for preaching, teaching Scripture, prayer, and penance, thus it’s possible they were utilized to demarcate boundaries or specific areas of the monastery. The more ornately carved crosses might have been an indication of the monastery’s riches and power. Many crosses are devoted to a particular event or patron saint, such as St. Patrick, or the Irish High Kings, who are remembered on them.

Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Legends, Irish Jewelry, Irish Traditions, Irish Wit & Wisdom, St. Valentine's Day

The Romantic Translation of Mo Anam Cara: Pronunciation and Meaning of Mo Anam Cara

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Mo Anam Cara translates loosely as “My Soul Mate” or “My Soul Friend“

Many people believe that the phrase Mo Anam Cara is translates to ‘my soul mate‘ but its accurately translates as ‘my soul friend‘ as anam is the Gaelic word for soul and cara the Gaelic word for friend.

How do you pronounce Mo Anam Cara and Anam Cara?

Mo Anam Cara is pronounced (muh aun-im-KAHR-ah) .

Anam Cara or Anamchara is pronounced (aun-im-KAHR-ah]

The ancient Celts believed in a soul that radiated about the body. They believed that when two individuals formed a deep and lasting bond that their souls would mingle. Therefore, each person could be said to have found their “anam cara“, or “soul friend“.

What does Anam Cara mean?

Anam is Gaelic for ‘soul’, and cara is Gaelic for ‘friend’. To say ‘my soul friend’ you would say ‘mo anam cara.’ The phrase comes from the Celtic belief that souls can be connected spiritually, and can create a strong bond. Anam cara can be used to describe a friendship and a love between family, friends and partners.

It is said that there is a Celtic belief that when two souls share a unique connection they are stronger together than they are apart.

There is an existing compound word known as anamchara that literally means “soul friend.” But this really doesn’t work as “soulmate” in either definition.

Anamchara is traditionally used to refer to one’s confessor or spiritual advisor.  Originally, it was used to refer to the spiritual advisor a young monk would be assigned when he joined the monastery.

Mo Anam Cara Trinity Band by The Irish Jewelry Company

Mo Anam Cara Jewelry

Aran Infinity Claddagh Ring

Mo Anam Cara jewelry is featured in a variety of jewelry styles such Irish rings, pendants, bracelets, and brooches in various precious metals such as Gold and Silver. It is also since as an inscription on or hidden as a romantic message inside claddagh rings and Celtic wedding bands. Mo Anam Cara jewelry makes an ideal gift for that very special person in your life.

Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Legends, Interesting Stories, Ireland, Irish Jewelry, Irish Traditions

The Irish Harp: The True Emblem of Ireland

Kierand LLC

Most people if asked what is the symbol of Ireland would probably answer the shamrock. But they would absolutely be wrong. The true symbol of Ireland is the ancient Irish harp.

The Irish Harp Pendant by The Irish Jewelry Company

The National Symbol of Ireland

The Irish Harp is the national symbol of Ireland. The traditional instrument is featured on Irish coins, the Presidential Seal, the Irish passport and the Irish coat of arms. Scholars have found that the Irish harp’s popularity with the Irish people dates back to the 1500’s. However the Irish Harp can only be considered the national symbol of Ireland when it’s in ‘left facing’ form.

Only a left facing harp is the registered symbol of Ireland, why is that you ask? Blame that beloved Irish beverage company Guinness. In 1922, when Irish officials tried to register the harp as the national trademark, they were advised it could only register the rights to a left facing harp because Guinness had already registered a right facing harp as the Guinness mark and had been trading under it since 1862!

Irish Brooch by The Irish Jewelry Company

The Celtic Harp

The Celtic harp is a wire strung instrument with a triangular frame. The Celtic harp also known as the Irish Harp is traditional to Ireland and Scotland. It is known as cláirseach in Irish Gaelic and clàrsach in Scottish Gaelic. The Celtic harp is an ancient instrument associated with the ruling class and required skill and much practice to play.

The Royal Harp for for an Irish King

Trinity College’s Trinity Harp

Ireland’s national emblem is actually based on the Brian Boru Harp. Irish legend says Brian Boru played the harp the night before the Battle of Clontarf. This Irish harp is also known as the Trinity Harp, and is on display in Trinity College Dublin’s Long Room. You know the place. Its the beautifully dramatic old library of Trinity College that holds a collection of 200,000 the oldest books with the gorgeous barrel ceiling used in numerous movie scenes.

Celtic Legends, Ireland, Irish Wit & Wisdom

Six Fascinating Mysterious Celtic Women of Irish Folklore

Kierand LLC
Mysterious Celtic woman

Ancient Irish folklore has many stories of beautiful and strong Irish women of the past. Celtic women have often been depicted as holding positions of great importance, and highly valued in a very male dominated Celtic tribal society. Irish women have been venerated as a goddesses, saints, as warriors even royalty and at the same time they have been portrayed as someone to fear. I am sure the truth about ancient Irish women in Irish mythology and folklore lies somewhere between fantasy and reality.   

Grace O’Malley, the 16th Century Pirate Queen of Ireland…

Grace O’Malley was born in Ireland in around 1530. She was the daughter of Owen O’Malley. O’Malley was a wealthy nobleman and sea trader. When O’Malley died Grace inherited his large shipping and trading business. Grace O’Malley commanded a dozen ships and thousands of men. Grace’s vast empire of ships stretched from Connaught on the Irish coast to Africa. Through the daring of her piracy, Grace nearly bankrupted the English treasury-and her outright defiance brought embarrassment to Queen Elizabeth I.

International Talk Like a Pirate Day or ITLAPD is on September 19. It is a parodic holiday created in 1995 by John Baur (Ol’ Chumbucket) and Mark Summers (Cap’n Slappy), of Albany, Oregon, U.S. Remember Grace O’Malley on September 19th, International Talk Like a Pirate Day and give her an Arghhhh!

Aoife, the Wife of King Lir and the Children of Lir….

The Children of Lir… Long ago there lived a King named Lir who lived with his four children, Fionnuale, Aodh, Fiachra and Conn and his beloved wife who would son die. After grieving for his wife King Lir married Aoife. Aoife was very jealous of King Lir’s love for his four children. She used her magic to turn the children into swans. As swans they were condemned to spend 300 years at Lough Derravaragh, 300 years at the Sea of Moye and 300 years on the waters of Irrus Domann. The only way to break the spell was a blessing from a monk. Finally, after 900 years of suffering they heard church bells and returned to shore. There the spell was finally broke by St. Patrick. Unfortunately, they were so old they died soon after the spell was broken and joined their parents in heaven. The story of the Children of Lir is one about the strength of the parental child bond.

The Legendary Irish Princess Isolde …

The Irish princess, Iseult of Ireland (also Iseult La Belle or Iseult la Blonde, “Iseult the Fair”), is the daughter of King Anguish of Ireland and Queen Iseult the Elder. She is a main character in the Tristan poems of Béroul, Thomas of Britain, and Gottfried von Strassburg and in the opera Tristan und Isolde by Richard Wagner. Iseult is first seen as a young Irish princess who heals Tristan from his wounds.

According to Arthurian legend, Iseult (also “Isolde”) was the adulterous lover of Sir Tristan. Sir Tristan was a handsome Knight of the Round Table. Iseult was an Irish Princess who fell hopelessly in love with Tristan. But Sir Tristan was sent on behalf the King of Cornwall to win Iseult’s hand in marriage for King Mark of Cornwall. This romantic tragedy was used as the basis of “Tristan and Isolde” by Richard Wagner, an acclaimed opera.

The Banshee …

The Banshee, bean-sidhe (woman of the fairy may be an ancestral spirit appointed to forewarn members of certain ancient Irish families of their time of death. According to tradition, the banshee can only cry for five major Irish families: the O’Neills, the O’Briens, the O’Connors, the O’Gradys and the Kavanaghs. Intermarriage has since extended this select list.


Whatever her origins, the banshee chiefly appears in one of three guises: a young woman, a stately matron, or a raddled old hag. These represent the triple aspects of the Celtic goddess of war and death, namely Badhbh, Macha and Mor-Rioghain.) She usually wears either a grey, hooded cloak or the winding sheet or grave robe of the unshriven dead. She may also appear as a washerwoman and is seen apparently washing the blood-stained clothes of those who are about to die. In this guise she is known as the bean-nighe (washing woman).
Although not always seen, her mourning call is heard, usually at night when someone is about to die.

The Two Brigids; the Saint and the Goddess

Saint Brigid – The Patron Saint of Ireland …

Saint Brigid was born Brigit, and shares her name with a Celtic goddess from whom many legends and folk customs are associated. St. Brigid, also known as “Mary of the Gael“, is a patroness Saint of Ireland. Born the daughter of a powerful Irish Chieftain St. Bridget or also spelled Brigid became a nun completely devoted to relieving the misery and hardship of the poor.

The Saint Brigid’s Cross

The traditional woven cross is said to have originated during a visit St. Bridget made to a dying Chieftain in which she wove it from rushes on the floor to show the significance of Christian faith. The woven rush cross has become synonymous with St. Bridget known as the Saint Brigid’s Cross.

Saint Brigid is also the Patron Saint of the LAOH. The LAOH stand for THE LADIES ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS. The Ancient Order of Hibernians is an Irish order, and it was organized in The United States of America in New York City in the year of 1836. Her feast day, known as St. Brigid’s day is February first.

Celtic Goddess Brigid…

The Celtic Goddess Brigid is an Irish goddess of spring, dating back to pre- Christian Ireland.  She is a venerated deity whose name means exalted one derived from ancient Gaelic word brig.  Her name is also said as Brighid or Brighit. Brigid is the daughter of the Dagda, and therefore one of the Tuatha de Dannan. The Tuatha Dé Danann, the people of the Goddess Danu, also known by the earlier name Tuath Dé “tribe of the gods”, were one of the great ancient tribes of Ireland. She is known as the Goddess of Healers, Poets, Smiths, Childbirth, and is the Inspiration for the Goddess of Fire and Hearth and a patron of warfare or Briga. Brigid said to be gentle, yet she is extraordinarily strong and stern.