Category Archives: Folk traditions

God in a bottle in South Australia – twice!

Posted on August 18, 2021 by sarthure

It was only a few years ago that I first heard about the extraordinary creations known as God-in-a-bottle. So I won’t be surprised if you are crinkling up your nose in a puzzled sort of way right now. Let me … Continue reading →

Posted in Art and archaeology, Folk traditions, Ireland, Irishness, Material culture, South Australia | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

May Day flowers

Posted on May 1, 2021 by sarthure

Today is May Day. For many people it’s International Workers’ Day, but it’s also the ancient spring festival of Bealtaine, celebrated during my childhood as the beginning of an entire month dedicated to Mary. And even though I’m living in … Continue reading →

Posted in Around the world, Folk charms, Folk traditions, Folklore, Ireland, Irishness | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on May Day flowers

Leprechauns in Adelaide for Saint Patrick’s Day 2021

Posted on March 11, 2021 by sarthure

I had started writing something completely different in preparation for 17 March and then I found the object pictured below. Isn’t it perfect? It was in an op shop, in a dusty plastic bag. It cost me $3.99. Which may … Continue reading →

Posted in Folk traditions, Ireland, Irishness, Material culture, South Australia | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Culchie Day in the big city

Posted on December 8, 2020 by sarthure

Today is 8 December. It’s a holy day of obligation, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and when I was a child it was a day off school. Traditionally, this was the day that the country people went to Dublin … Continue reading →

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Turnip carving? It must be Halloween

Posted on October 28, 2020 by sarthure

I’ve written before about Halloween, citing a spine-tingling poem and stories of children stolen by the good people. I loved this time as a child, that feeling of uncertainty, that strange things could happen on this one night when the … Continue reading →

Posted in Folk traditions, Halloween, Ireland, Irishness, South Australia | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments