liminality in celtic seasons and places

Question 1

four ancient celtic gaelic festivals

Answer 1

Samhain (end of harvest Nov 1st), Imbolc (st. brigids day feb 1st), Beltane (may day, may 1st), Lughnasadh (beginning of harvest aug 1st)

Question 2

avanton cone

Answer 2

1500-1250 BCE, ancient time keeper

Question 3

Samhain

Answer 3

marks the end of the harvest season, beginning of winter (dark half of the year, celebrated from oct 31 to nov 1st)

Question 4

what happens samhain in irish myth

Answer 4

Dagda marries Morrigan/nemain/badb catha
this renews fecundity of middle world and people
a liminal time

Question 5

liminal time

Answer 5

distance between middle world and otherworld was shortest, chance of encountering Sidhe is highest (eg. Samhain -> outside of old and new year) Ancestors could visit via candle to guide them home

Question 6

feast of all saints

Answer 6

celebrated Nov 1st, beginning 8th C

Question 7

all hallows eve

Answer 7

became Oct 31st, morphed with Samhain into halloween we know today

Question 8

trick or treat

Answer 8

to placate children in 19th C who were doing too many “tricks”