Samhain - The Irish New Year.
Following the revels of Hallowe’en, the ancient Irish celebrated the festival of the dead - Samhain, which is pronounced sow-en, and is usually translated as “summer’s end.”
In Celtic lore, the year is divided into two halves associated with the dark and the light. The dark half begins at sunset on November 1st with Samhain and the cycle ends when the light half begins at sunset on May 1st, which is the festival of Bealtaine. Both festivals are closely linked, but in general, Samhain is considered to be the most important. MORE....
Following the revels of Hallowe’en, the ancient Irish celebrated the festival of the dead - Samhain, which is pronounced sow-en, and is usually translated as “summer’s end.”
In Celtic lore, the year is divided into two halves associated with the dark and the light. The dark half begins at sunset on November 1st with Samhain and the cycle ends when the light half begins at sunset on May 1st, which is the festival of Bealtaine. Both festivals are closely linked, but in general, Samhain is considered to be the most important. MORE....
VIKING DRINKING HORN - Carefully polished horns were used. These were often adorned with precious metals and jewelry-work at mouth and point. The drinkinghorn has become known as the only Viking drinking vessel to modern folk, however there is evidence that horns were reserved for high-status usage for rituals such as offering a stirrup-cup, the various öl festivities and seasonal celebrations, and the formal ale-feast of sumbel:
It seems that to be offered alcohol in a horn was a mark of status, although - the many references to drinking horns in heroic literature apart - clearer evidence comes from later sources including the Middle English romance of King Horn. At her bridal feast a king's daughter is carrying a ceremonial drinking horn round to the guests, but when she is accosted by a man she thinks is a beggar, she offers him instead drink in a large bowl as being more fitting to his condition.... Horns were the ceremonial drinking vessel for those of high status all through the period
It seems that to be offered alcohol in a horn was a mark of status, although - the many references to drinking horns in heroic literature apart - clearer evidence comes from later sources including the Middle English romance of King Horn. At her bridal feast a king's daughter is carrying a ceremonial drinking horn round to the guests, but when she is accosted by a man she thinks is a beggar, she offers him instead drink in a large bowl as being more fitting to his condition.... Horns were the ceremonial drinking vessel for those of high status all through the period
The Keeper of the mead Came carrying out the carved flasks, And poured that bright sweetness. A poet Sang, from time to time, in a clear Pure voice. - BEOWULF: 493-497
The 54th Grandfather Mountain Highland Games will be held July 9-12, 2009 at MacRae Meadows on Grandfather Mountain near Linville, NC.
To carry on and promote the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering of Scottish Clans, to foster and restore interest in traditional dancing, piping, drumming, athletic achievement, music and Gaelic culture..MORE
To carry on and promote the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering of Scottish Clans, to foster and restore interest in traditional dancing, piping, drumming, athletic achievement, music and Gaelic culture..MORE
"Beer turns thurst into a beautiful thing," goes an old German saying ... And thus it is, especially if the beer is a German brew, sublimely crafted and perfected over centuries, even millennia. Germany has one of the oldest beer traditions and greatest beer varieties in the world...MORE
All About German Beer Right at Your Fingertips!
EUROPEAN FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS
Best European Festivals
Irish Traditions
Scottish Traditions and Culture
Customs and Traditions in the UK
Dutch Traditions and Culture
Best European Festivals
Irish Traditions
Scottish Traditions and Culture
Customs and Traditions in the UK
Dutch Traditions and Culture
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