Inis Meain from Elisabeth Koopmans.
Celebrations….
Celebrating anniversaries is one thing people of Inis Meáin are good at.The first three days of February the month on which according the Celtic tradition the season of spring begins are respectively dedicated to Bríde (fostermother of the child Jezus), the holy Virgin Mary and Saint Blaise. At the primary school a couple of “Bridóg” (little Bride or the doll which is named Bride)had been made by the girls. In little groups Brídog was shown while going along the houses, doing a dance while singing a prayer in which people are advised to give something in change for a seven times better sleep a whole year long! At night there was Mass. Now the teenagers did their best on readings, songs, and playing music. They showed their self made cross of Bride out of straw. It is a symbole that wards off sickness from human beings and animals. On the following morning Mass was said with the theme of “Coinnli Beannaithe”(the blessed candles). If wished everyone got blessings for the coming year for renewal and healthyness.
With these celebrations the time of Christmas has been closed. Another year full of new possibilities lies ahead of us!
Anamchara. Click HERE