The Feis of Celtia
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 Fleadh nan Mairbh
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The Feast of the Dead
The principal feast in Ireland was part of an assembly called the Feast of Tara. This was near the heart of the land and the place where the High King ruled. Throughout Ireland the hearth fires were extinguished until a new fire was lit, by the druids at Tlachtga, a hill about 12 miles northwest of Tara.
At the feast, the dead were invited to join the living. A place was set aside for them including food, which had been specially prepared. To eat that food would bar a person from ever attending a Samhain feast again. Even extending into death. Stories would be told of past events keeping the ancestors up to date. War would end until Beltane brought renewal back to the land. The world would begin to sleep for the winter. 
Samhain was a time for feasting, a time when thanks were given for the events of the past year. The cattle were driven from their summer pastures between two bonfires for protection and purification. Those cattle which couldn’t be kept for winter were slaughtered and the blood given as a gift for the land. All harvest must be gathered in because soon the plants would no longer be able to grow. The family would come together, working in harmony in preparation for the time ahead.
(from a post by Aife Niafer, 10/31/2002)
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The Dumb Feast (* Fedelm Cruithni, Oct 30, 2005 - 13:22 ) The Tables Are Set (* MacMorna Niafer, Oct 30, 2005 - 11:50 ) Samhain - 2005 (* MacMorna Niafer, Oct 28, 2005 - 22:47 ) lol...runs over to get started. {n/t} (* Caileadair Morna, Nov 1, 2003 - 21:29 ) I thought it was just me who was in the dark (* Vortigern Aedui, Nov 1, 2003 - 21:28 ) me too! ok....who put out the lights?? {n/t} (* Caileadair Morna, Nov 1, 2003 - 21:27 ) Dare I say... I'm in the dark! *laughs* n/t (* Voluptua Amytas, Nov 1, 2003 - 21:24 ) yikes...wha' happened?? {n/t} (* Caileadair Morna, Nov 1, 2003 - 21:22 ) decides to nibble... (* Caileadair Morna, Nov 1, 2003 - 20:57 ) And I'll have a bit myself! (* Voluptua Amytas, Nov 1, 2003 - 20:53 ) Coming right up! (* Voluptua Amytas, Nov 1, 2003 - 20:51 ) I think I will (* Vortigern Aedui, Nov 1, 2003 - 20:49 ) Ah, but we'll miss all the fun... (* Voluptua Amytas, Nov 1, 2003 - 20:48 ) The good thing about this pig is (* Vortigern Aedui, Nov 1, 2003 - 20:46 ) I think if I eat anything else... (* Caileadair Morna, Nov 1, 2003 - 20:45 ) To whom does the Hero's Portion belong? n/t (* Voluptua Amytas, Nov 1, 2003 - 20:44 ) *Looking dubious* Vort... we've already seen how you count! n/t (* Voluptua Amytas, Nov 1, 2003 - 20:41 ) Okies, who wants some of Mr. Pig here? (* Voluptua Amytas, Nov 1, 2003 - 20:40 ) Only where it counts*WEG* (* Vortigern Aedui, Nov 1, 2003 - 20:40 ) turnip slaw?? *ugh*.... *lol* {n/t} (* Caileadair Morna, Nov 1, 2003 - 20:39 )| 20 more |
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