Tag Archives: Samhna
Samhain (1 Mí na Samhna): The First Day of Winter Posted by róislín on Oct 29, 2010
(le Róislín) Not only was Samhain the first day of the traditional Celtic year – it was also the first day of winter, fitting neatly with the rest of the laethanta trascheathrún (cross-quarter days) san fhéilire Ceilteach. The others are Imbolc (1 Feabhra/February, now usually called Lá Fhéile Bríde), Bealtaine (1 May), and Lughnasa (aka…
Samhain (November 1st) and Lá Caille (January 1st): Two New Years! Posted by róislín on Oct 27, 2010
(le Róislín) I suppose one could see this as an opportunity for two ways of celebrating the New Year. The traditional Celtic New Year was November 1st, recognized as Samhain [SOW-in] but not celebrated today as the official New Year. The January 1st version of New Year’s Day is Lá Caille (lit. day of Calends)…
More on the Word(s) “After” (i nGaeilge) Posted by róislín on Oct 20, 2010
(le Róislín) There’s a lot to cover with the word “after” in Irish, and this mionsraith will just be able to give some key examples. “Ina dhiaidh sin” (after that), you’re on your own. Well, maybe not entirely. We might revisit the idea “tar éis tamaill” (after a while), but I’m going allow time for…
An Chéad Lá den Earrach (The First Day of Spring) – Not! Posted by róislín on Mar 21, 2009
(le Róislín) Shortly after St. Patrick’s Day, we welcome in an tEarrach (the Spring). Or do we? We may be accustomed to thinking of March 20th or 21st as the beginning of Spring, but there is actually a lot of controversy in English as to whether Spring starts on the first of the month or…