January, time of reflection. Inis Meáin

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The month of January we are living in now is a characteristic example in which one reflects on what is passed the year before. The name  derives from Janus with the two heads, one looking backwards, the other one looking forwards. The binding of the two is made by the moment, the present. On Inis Meáin one speaks about  Lá nollag beag (little Christmas) or New Year’s Day which is also called Lá na gCeapairí (day of the sandwich). In the last phrase you see these three moments of time span being united as well.

During this month we seem to be more able to reflect on what was, think on what is and dream on what future has in stock for us. It is this month which lies somewhat isolated between the month of December which is dominated by the warmth and happiness of Christmas and the busier months which lie ahead of us. The months in which other, more manual work perhaps, is waiting for us to take on.

Also the different skies during this time of year match with the quality of the month; it is amazing how tender the colour of blue can be in this month. Look also at the various shapes of the clouds and the intensity of them, we can admire now. Future lies ahead of us….

A couple of days ago I shared such a moment of reflection with someone else on the island. It was lovely to hear about life on Inis Meáin at the time population was much more dense than nowadays. It was nice as well to hear e.g. about places people used to meet one another where I use to walk now. And  to hear stories how daily life was organized then. We were chatting away until there was a knock at the door…

A young person came in eager to learn everything about Aran knitting.

Slán go fóill,

Elisabeth from INis Meáin.

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Returning of light. Inis Meáin, Aran Islands

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Every year again I find it amazing to experience the way light returns after a long span of time. I hardly can wait for this moment. But at the very point in time I think I cannot bear the darkness any longer, light returns. It even seems as if it has beaten the darkness all of a sudden…

sea lights aran islands

The sea lights

The increase and the decrease of light follows a mathematical curve. It is a period of one week during midsummer that the moment of sun dawn does hardly change. This also applies to sunset although this moment starts almost a week later!

Starting from the end of July sun dawn is shifting 10 minutes or more in a week’s time till the beginning of December. Sun set starts a week later, but shows a larger shift up to more than a quarter of an hour during a week in the second half of September.

cliffs aran islands

The cliffs splashed the waves

Although the actual shift in December is reduced to two or even one minute a week, the darkness deepens. People experience this as a long lasting period. Then Christmas arrives. At that very moment a change in daylight can be observed: it is as if the veil of darkness is lifted up for a moment. One can be relieved and be helped to endure the darkness which still will be lasting for another couple of weeks. Also the birds help, sitting on the electrical wires, by singing at sun dawn.

From mid January onwards we can encounter a remarkable lengthening of the day.

inis meáin, Aran Islands

Sun , Clouds, Sea and Rocks Inis Meáin

Here on Inis Meáin there is a lovely tradition on the fifth of January which is called Oíche na Coinnle beaga (night of the little candles). All the houses light 12 candles at sunset and put them at the window. These 12 candles represent the 12 holy nights which start at Christmas’ Eve and last till Lá Cinn an Dá Lá Déag (day of the 12) on the 6th of January. Promising flames marking the way towards the return of light.

light on stones inis meáin

light is returning,clearing the stones

Slán go fóill,

Elisabeth from Inis Meáin.

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Aran Islands Christmas Competition 2011. Winners.

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A great night was had in Joe Watty’s on Inis Mór last night.

The winners of our Christmas 2011 competition were picked from all the valid correct entries.

Master of ceremonies was the Celtic priest Dara Molloy.

dara molloy celtic priest

Dara Molloy

Each of the entries was assigned a number between 1 and 336.

The winning numbers were:

1st;   Ticket 293 (Winner )Mario Danneels, Raheeny, Dublin 5.
2nd;   Ticket 125 (Ru) *e**s**@**a**.com
3rd;   Ticket 170 (Ru) Jean Foley, Carrigaline, Co.Cork.
4th;   Ticket 074 (Ru) Karen Arthur,Ennis Co.Clare.
5th;   Ticket 066 (Ru) k***b@***i*.com

As entry was by email address we can’t identify all the winners by name yet. They have received an email notification and we’ll tell you who they are when all have replied. So check your e-mail now. Watch the Facebook page for updates.

1st prize is of course the great free overnight trip to Inis Mór with all the goodies. Thanks to all that entered. Thanks also to all the sponsors and especially Joe Watty’s for being the main sponsor again this year.

The 4 runner-up’s receive lovely Man of Aran Cologne and Ilaun perfume from the Burren Perfumery.

man of aran cologne and ilaun perfume

From the Burren Perfumery

Watch out for more great competitions and special offers over the coming months. Win an Aran sweater in our new competition starting tomorrow.

aran sweater

Click the link below for your chance to win a genuine Aran Sweater

 

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‎”Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.”
- Sean O’Casey