The
UL Calendar
| Months |
Seasons
& Solstices
|
January
- Faoilteach
February - Gearran
March - Màrt
April - Giblean
May - Cèitean
June - An t-Og-mhios
July - Deireadh-Samhraidh
August - Lùnasdal
September - An t-Sultain
October - Damhair
November - An t-Samhain
December - Dùbhlachd |
Meán
Geimhridh (21 December) winter Solstice
Meán Earraigh (21 March) spring equinox
Meán Samhraidh (21 June) summer solstice
Meán Fómhair (21 September) autumn equinox
Spring - Reabhairt
Summer - Samradh
Fall/Autumn - Foghar
Winter - Geamhradh
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Festivals
Deities
are often associated with the major festivals that mark the
turning points of the year. These days not only have ritual
significance, but are closely linked to the cycle of planting,
growing, harvesting, and storing crops, and are paralleled
in the life cycles of man and beast.
Samhain
(1 November) Sowan
Marks the beginning of the New Year. The dark months behgin;
seeds wait for new life to germinate. It is a time to take
stock and reflect; a time to honour the dead when margins
may be crossed more easily, allowing communication between
the human world and the spirit world.
Imbolc
(1 February) Imulk, Imbulk
Festival of the lactating ewes, sacred to the goddess Brighid.
A day of new beginnings when the first ploughing is often
undertaken.
Beltaine
(1 May) Byaltena
On this day the bright half of the year begins. A deeply significant
day, related to both fertility and death. Many customs and
practices grew up around Beltaine, including maypole and the
spiral dances, the setting out of gifts, such as milk, eggs,
and cider, for Otherworld folk, and, as at Imbolc, the dousing
and relighting of household fires.
Lugnasad
(1 August) Loonasa
A harvest festival developed from the funeral games held in
honour of the gods. Many practices are observed in order to
ensure a good and safe harvest. These often include the ritual
cutting of the last sheaf of grain. Games and competitions
are also popular.
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