Tag Archives: folklore

The view at Loughcrew

Posted on November 11, 2016 by

I went to Loughcrew a few days ago to see the passage tombs. It’s not too far from my home town of Trim. You can visit Loughcrew any time you like during daylight hours, walk around the outside of the cairns, … Continue reading →

Posted in Around the world, Folk traditions, Folklore, Ireland | Tagged , , , ,

Raggy tree in Riga? Maybe, maybe not

Posted on June 20, 2015 by

I’ve been in Riga in Latvia for a few days, enjoying the Baltic sun. And on the first evening, in a park near the Freedom Monument, I came across a tree decorated with ribbons. Although I immediately jumped to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Around the world, Fairy trees, Folk traditions, Folklore | Tagged , , , , , , ,

Raggy trees, an Irish pishogue

Posted on June 12, 2015 by

A pishogue, in the Irish tradition, is a charm or superstitious practice. And there are many associated with trees, including raggy trees, adorned with physical proof of enduring traditions. Here are just two of them, one at Fore, County Westmeath, … Continue reading →

Posted in Around the world, Fairy trees, Flora, Folklore, Ireland, Travelling | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Keeping the traditions alive – St Brigid’s crosses

Posted on February 25, 2014 by

The month of February is associated with St Brigid, one of Ireland’s patron saints, and whose feast day is celebrated on 1 February. She was a contemporary of St Patrick, renowned for her holiness and goodness. One of the legends about … Continue reading →

Posted in Folk charms, Folk traditions, Folklore, Ireland, Migration | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Hawthorn (no, not the AFL team)

Posted on February 11, 2014 by

The hawthorn, also known as the may, whitethorn, and in Irish sceach gheal, is a significant sacred tree in Irish folklore. Known for its general protective powers, a hawthorn was often planted near houses to keep witches away. It was known … Continue reading →

Posted in Baker's Flat, Fairy trees, Flora, Folklore, Kapunda | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments