What is the Irish version of Yule?

The Irish term for Yule or the Winter Solstice is Meán Geimhridh (Midwinter). While Yule is a Germanic term, the ancient Irish celebrated the solstice as the turning of the year, often associated with the phrase grianstad an gheimhridh (sun-stop of winter) or, in modern Irish, simply Nollaig (Christmas).

What is Yule in Ireland?

The word Yule is the anglicised form of the Norse word Jul (or Jōl), the name for the midwinter festival oriented around the shortest day of the year, the northern hemisphere's winter solstice.

What is the Celtic equivalent of Yule?

Winter Solstice (Midwinter / Yule)

The winter solstice, falling on or about 21 December in the Northern hemisphere, is celebrated by neopagans under various names, including Midwinter and Yule. A name used by neo-druids is Alban Arthan.

What do the Irish call the winter solstice?

Referred to as "Grianstad an Gheimhridh" in Irish Gaelic, this celestial event was revered by the Celts as a pivotal moment symbolising the rebirth of the sun and the triumph of light over darkness.

What is Feliz Navidad in Irish?

Feliz Navidad! Nollaig Shona Duit! 聖誕節快樂! If you know any other ways to say it post in the comments.

Old Ireland Traditions: What is Yule & How Has it Influenced Modern-Day Christmas? | Ireland AM

What is happy xmas in Irish?

Here's how to say Happy Christmas in Irish. Nollaig shona dhuit!

What does nollaig chridheil mean?

Nollaig Chridheil is Scottish Gaelic for "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Christmas," conveying a heartfelt, warm, or joyous Christmas wish, often paired with agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr (and a Happy New Year). It literally means "Christmas Heartfelt" or "Joyous Christmas," emphasizing warmth and sincerity in the greeting. 

What is the Celtic winter holiday?

Yule, a festival deeply rooted in the pagan calendar, marks the winter solstice and has evolved over centuries into a rich tapestry of history, rituals, and contemporary celebrations.

What is Imbolc in Ireland?

Imbolc derives from the Old Irish 'i mbolg' meaning in the belly, a time when sheep were in lamb. Imbolc (Imbolg) the festival marking the beginning of spring has been celebrated since ancient times.

What do the Irish call the day after Christmas?

The Irish open their gifts on St Stephen's day—the day after Christmas.

How to celebrate Irish Yule?

Feasting, time with friends and family, gathering around the fire burning Yule logs, and decorating with holly and mistletoe: these traditions trace their roots back to Celtic winter solstice traditions. They have all been incorporated into our modern-day Christmas traditions, itself a mid-winter celebration.

What do Pagans say instead of Merry Christmas?

Instead of "Merry Christmas," Pagans often say "Happy Yule," "Blessed Yule," or "Happy Solstice," as Yule is the ancient Pagan winter festival celebrating the Winter Solstice (the longest night and rebirth of the Sun), though many also use "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" to share goodwill. Other variations include "Joyous Yule," "Good Yule," or more general well-wishes like "Peaceful Holidays". 

Who is the Irish moon goddess?

Rhiannon. Rhiannon, the Celtic goddess, is a symbol of fertility, but she also stands for rest, communication, and leadership. Sometimes called the goddess of the moon, it's sometimes said that her name translates to 'divine queen of the fairies'.

What do druids call the winter solstice?

In Druidic traditions, this day is known as Alban Arthan, which means 'Light of Winter' in Welsh. Some also call it Alban Arthuan, or 'Light of Arthur', which pays homage to the Welsh legends of King Arthur.

What are Irish Christmas traditions?

Key Takeaways. Midnight Mass and visits from the Wren Boys (Dec 26) are long-standing traditions. Families enjoy turkey and ham, spiced beef, mince pies, and plum pudding. Many Irish families leave Guinness for Santa instead of milk.

What are the 4 Celtic holidays?

Some of the most important Celtic holidays are Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lughnasadh. They are celebrated at different times of the year and focus on cycles of harvest, fertility, and the life-death transition.

Why do you leave a scarf out for St. Brigid?

Sometimes a piece of cloth or ribbon (Brat Bríde or Ribín Bríde) was left outside on the windowsill or near the door for the night. It was believed it would be touched by St. Brigid on her travels and thus be endowed with the power to ward off illness and pain in both humans and animals.

What is Beltane in Ireland?

Beltane - The Fire Festival

The Celtic Festival of Beltane (Beltain, Beltainne, Beltaine, Bealtaine, Beltany) which marks the beginning of summer in the ancient Celtic calendar is a Cross Quarter Day, half way between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice.

What are the 8 pagan holidays?

The 8 Pagan Holidays

• Samhain.
• Yule (Winter Solstice)
• Imbolc.
• Ostara (Spring Equinox)
• Beltane.
• Litha (Summer Solstice)
• Lughnasadh/Lammas.
• Mabon (Autumn Equinox)

What did the Celts hold a festival on October 31st?

The Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.

What are the Irish pagan holidays?

Samhain was one of four Gaelic seasonal festivals: Samhain (~1 November), Imbolc (~1 February), Bealtaine (~1 May), and Lughnasa (~1 August). Of these, Samhain and Bealtaine, marking the transitions into winter and summer respectively, are thought to have been the most significant.

What does Jamie say to Claire in Gaelic while she sleeps?

Jamie kneels down at Claire's bedside & prays over her while she sleeps… ❤️”God, shield my beloved, my white dove and the child that she may one day bear.

What does "oiche" mean?

Here, “oíche” has the meaning of “night” and “maith” means “good”.