In many ways St. Patrick’s Day is the most honest of all the major holidays. Whereas Christmas, Thanksgiving, Independence Day and Arbor Day all like
to disguise the fact that they’re about getting drunk with your relatives with pomp, circumstance and decorated foliage, St. Patrick’s Day is very clearly, very plainly and very loudly about getting drunk. Drinking on St. Patrick’s Day is so expected it might as well be required by law.High Crosses or Celtic Crosses as they are also known, are found throughout Ireland on old monastic sites. Along with the Book of Kells and the Book of Durrow, these High Crosses are Irelands biggest contribution to Western European Art of the Middle Ages. Some were probably used as meeting points for religious ceremonies and others were used to mark boundaries. The earliest crosses in Ireland were made of wood and metal and probably much smaller than the great stone monuments we see today. It was generally accepted that the Western Ossory group were amongst the earliest examples of High Crosses to be found in Ireland. Their design imitates the wood and metal crosses before them; but a recent study suggests they may not be 8th century but possibly mid 9th century. These crosses are found within a few miles of each other at Kilkieran, Kilree, Killamery and the finest examples at Ahenny. The majority of scriptural crosses are also believed to have been erected around the 9th century and there are several local groupings: the North Leinster group includes Kells, Monasterboice and Duleek; the Midlands group includes Clonmacnois and Durrow; and another distinct group of granite High Crosses are those of the Barrow valley that includes Castledermot, Graiguenamanagh, Moone and Ullard.
Fairies that dwell together in large societies are known as trooping fairies. The Tuatha de Danann is an ancient race of fairies descended from the Celtic goddess Danu. They are said to be a very wise and learned race. Legend says a battle ensued between humans and the Tuatha de Danann for dominion of Ireland. Humans ultimately won the battle, and the Tuatha de Danann retreated into a hidden location known as the Otherworld.Elves also dwell in the land of Faerie. Like trooping fairies, elves live together in groups. Although elves have magical powers like the fairies, they are much more similar to humans in manner and physical appearance. Leprechauns are the most well-known elves in the Irish tradition. They resemble small, hairy men dressed in green and wearing narrow-brimmed hats. Leprechauns are famous for guarding their pot of gold. Many tales tell of humans who encounter a leprechaun and try to acquire its treasure. Somehow, the leprechaun always manages to outsmart the human.Fenodyree are more benevolent elves. Known for their strength and large stature, these elves will offer their assistance to Irish farmers or maidens in return for a reward.Through the centuries, the fairies and elves of Irish lore have maintained their universal appeal. Authors in Ireland and around the globe continue to reiterate these stories. Some of the most well-known literary works to feature Irish fairies or elves include William Butler Yates' "The Celtic Twilight" and "Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry," and William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Fairies and elves also have appeared in modern films such as Disney's "Darby O'Gill and the Little People" and "Peter Pan."
CELTIC KNOTS
Celtic knots are perhaps the most famous work of art and recognizable in Celtic history . They started appearing in history after about 450 AD, the Celtic knots meaning is sketchy at best, because there is little written history documenting their purpose. However, the repetition of their appearance in history in partnership with other various human interpretations give us an idea , and allow us to infer some basic information relating to the meaning of Celtic knots . symbol of the Celtic knot , is also referred to as the mystic knot , or the endless knot . The more esoteric or spiritual meaning of this symbol eludes to beginnings and endings . In viewing these beautiful knots, we can not see a beginning or end , and thus we are recalling the timeless nature of our spirit. This translation harkens to our most primal self as we contemplate the infinite cycles of birth and rebirth in both physical and ethereal realms . A less spiritual representation is also related to the infinite nature of the nodes. Thanks to its infinite path , the Celtic knot can represent an uninterrupted life cycle . Some may use this symbol as a charm of sorts - ward against sickness or setbacks that might interfere with an otherwise calm and stable life . In this vein, these knots are used as emblems, which can be found in jewelry , clothing or furniture . In ancient times, gifts adorned with mystic knots would be given with best wishes of longevity, or luck with new endeavors.
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