Hiding in broad daylight is the greatest phenomenon we are likely to experience in our lifetimes – the Celtic Calendar. It feels that commercial forces are dictating the calendar year from the first appearance of Christmas in August to the various non-essential dates Hallmark gets to cash in on. However, the real big deal is in fact just outside your window: the four seasons of the Celtic calendar. From the first snowdrops of Spring to the darling buds of May, the bountiful harvest of Autumn to the magical stillness and time for recalibration of Winter, the seasons are a feast for the senses and the greatest manifestation of the cycle of life we’ll ever witness. Anyone looking out for the Mindful Moments on the ongoing BBC series of Springwatch/Summerwatch/Autumnwatch and Winterwatch will savour the delights that each of these seasons bring to the countryside.
Annual Milestones
Our ancestors here in Ireland certainly paid great attention to the passing of the seasons and were alert to the need to act accordingly, be in planting or harvesting. A whole host of events and superstitions also developed around the four key days of each of the seasons being the cross-quarter days of Imbolc for Spring, Bealtaine for Summer, Lughnasa for Autumn and Samhain for Winter. For 2022 we’ve completed our series of seasonal audio playlists for you to savour. Several hours of original material are available to play in an amalgamated playlist of the four festivals at our Celtic Calendar playlist on Audioboom.
Spotify Playlists
Not only do we have a playlist dedicated to each of the cross-quarter days, but we also have Spotify playlists designed to salute each of the seasons with the best songs/poems/sound effects evoking the sights and sounds of that season. As the year progresses, we do hope you get to listen to the full set over time and if you enjoyed them, please feel free to let others know and share the playlists on social media. This project forms some of the research in a sister project to write a play centred on each of the four cross-quarter days. John Ward completed the first of these, In Each Other’s Shadow He also wrote and produced the bawdy musical comedy, The Twilight Court, which salutes the superstitions and customs of Ireland.
How to use this guide
Each of the playlists’ audio material can be heard by simply scrolling down through the menus and clicking on the piece. They are all from our two Audio Archives on Audioboom. These can then be played on your prefered podcast platform. When you play the material on Spotify as the cross-quarter day collections, you also get corresponding seasonal tunes. In addition, our four seasonal playlists only work if you have Spotify too. Duration times below are from Spotify and for the cross-quarter playlists include accompanying tunes.
Dr. Helen Sharkey was my cousin and a visual artist of note in Northern Ireland. In mid July 2022, she asked me what I was doing next. I said I was aiming to complete this project’s Lughnasa section and she wished me well with it. In her brilliantly sardonic way, Helen’s response to my query back was that she would be selling her overpriced art to tourists in St. George’s Market!
Little did I know she would die of a heart attack doing just that a few days later, nor that the day after Lughnasa, her funeral would take place. Lugh dedicated Lughnasa to the force of nature that was his late foster mother, Tailtiu. This Celtic Calendar archive is dedicated to the force of nature that was Helen.
New in 2022, we have marked the the announcement of the new public holiday for St. Brigid’s Day/Imbolc in Ireland with a host of new audio material for the occasion. Our Spotify playlist for this adds in some Imbolc-inspired songs to add to the occasion Feel free to scroll down the list on the right or else go direct to our Audio Archive.
We’ve been careful to ensure an even(ish) mix of material between St. Brigid and Imbolc. Though we’re of the pagan persuasion, there is much to admire in Brigid, be she putative saint or goddess. We hope for this true Gael’s new holiday to be seen in time as the true national day for Ireland!
The best tunes on Spotify to celebrate the heralding of the new season which nature comes back to life. Who better to announce Spring’s return than the blackbird? From there we hear from everyone from The Beatles to the Byrds, Gerald Manley Hopkins to lines from Ecclesiastes. The sublime sounds of Vivaldi are matched by the ridiculous splendour of Mel Brooks. They’re all nods to this most edifying time after the darkness of Winter.
We’ve added in some old classics thanks to their title be it ‘April in Paris’ to ‘It might as well be Spring’, to more modern twists from ‘Sometimes it snows in April’ to ‘April she will come’. A song didn’t need to have a Spring reference to be included. It just needed to have a Spring glow to ensure it was added.
‘Each season brought something on: primroses and wood anemones in spring, amethyst deceivers and penny buns in autumn. Even winter has a bounty; a cluster of berries the birds had missed, lime-white lichen through freezing fog. Above them, the ash trees had begun to turn, the black fruit wizened, the leaves yellowed. They were always the first trees to fade, a herald at the end of summer.” Wolf Point, The End of the World is a Cul de Sac, Louise Kennedy
Bealtaine is the Irish May Day festival. It is usually held on the 1st May, or about halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. For our recording in 2021, the correct astronomical date was the 5th of May. Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. It is one of the cross-quarter days: Imbolc in February, Lughnasa in August and Samhain at the end of October.
Although Bealtaine celebrations had largely died-out by the mid-20th century, some of its customs continued. In fact in some places it has been revived as a cultural event. As we’ll hear from our thirteen audio pieces, Bealtaine customs and superstitions are far from being extinct.
This may well be the strongest of the four Spotify playlists as every artist featured has offered a belter. For here is a list you can enjoy on a sunny day with the roof down on the way to the beach. This is a suite of soothing serotonin. Once again we’ve thrown in plenty of sounds of the summer from wildlife as well as poems for the season.
‘A Summer long since past’ with its evocative bells seemed the perfect start to the collection. Next up are some foot-tapping rock classics, although as always, Vivaldi is on hand to give us his account of the season. We’re a long way from the Celtic vibe of the accompanying Bealtaine playlist, but hey, we ran with what was on offer!
“I want only five things, five chosen roots. One is an endless love.Two is to see the autumn. I cannot exist without leaves flying and falling to the earth. The third is the solemn winter. the rain I loved, the caress of fire in the rough cold. Fourth, the summer, plump as a watermelon. And fifthly, your eyes…” Pablo Neruda
Our playlist for Lughnasa is ready! With a wry look at how the pagans were once again packed off, we’re done. As with the other festivals, it’s available on Spotify complete with accompanying tunes as ‘Lughnasa Folklore’. Unlike the other cross-quarter days, the lore around Lughnasa does go beyond the date above. We needed to reference events like the Puck Fair or Auld Lammas Fair whose dates were established pre-1752 being the change from Julian to Gregorian calendars. The long summer evenings of labour and indeed harvest by nature are not events that occured on just one day. Therefore we have ensured all major summer customs are referenced, from Reek Sunday or the June climb on Carnaween in Donegal.
This is another Spotify playlist that compiled itself. Each tune has an inherently Autumnal quality that nearly demands the lighting of a fire and putting on another layer. We ease our way into the changing of seasons here: ‘September Song’, ‘Autumn in New York’ or ‘Forever Autumn’ were automatic additions. Some great artists wrote tunes for this time of year that are so evocative of the change that they had to feature, be they Vaughan Williams or Grandaddy.
The shortening of the days and the return of the cold are never features to savour. However, with this playlist, that fire and a hot port on offer, it almost makes it worthwhile. Is a good autumnal tune missing? Please let us know.
‘October is the treasurer of the year And all the months pay bounty to her store But she, with youthful lavishness Spends all her wealth in gaudy dress And decks herself in garments bold Of scarlet, purple, red, and gold…’ Paul Laurence Dunbar
Along with Bealtaine, Samhain is the other big cross-quarter day. Once again the veil to the Otherworld is lifted and traditionally, the Irish were on their guard as to supernatural forces abounding. We went beyond Samhain to include general Irish death lore from the banshee to funeral customs.
Enjoy audio clips from Dessie McCallion and some vintage audio set piece clips from the legendary combo of Mary Murphy and Sean McMahon. Some new pieces from yours truly on Oweynagat and the Irish and death feature. It’s a playlist designed to cover the main aspects of this most sacred of quarter days. As mentioned, try the Spotify playlist complete with atmospheric music for those who want that extra frisson.
Although this is the coldest and darkest of the seasons, we’ve found scores of songs on our Spotify playlist that are both memorable and positive for this time of year. And no, we’ve assiduously avoided adding in too many Christmas tunes, but be warned they do appear, if not any obvious candidates.
Once again, there’s the best sound effects, poems and Vivaldi’s take on this time of year. Other songs from Led Zeppelin to The Villagers just seem to fit in to this time of year best. Everyone from Muddy Waters to Björk have songs for the bleak midwinter. Classic Winter tunes from ‘White Winter Hymnal’ to ‘When the Thames Froze’ complete the mix. Did we miss any other great Winter tunes you love? Please let us know if so.
The seasons alter: hoary-headed frosts, Fall in the fresh lap of the crimson rose, And on old Hiems’ thin and icy crown, An odorous chaplet of sweet summer buds Is, as in mockery, set. The spring, the summer, The childing autumn, angry winter, change, Their wonted liveries, and the mazed world, By their increase, now knows not which is which. William Shakespeare (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2.1.112-119)
Discover the Magic of Irish Seasons: Traditions and Changes
Experience the enchanting shifts of Irish seasons, rich in traditions and cultural changes that connect the past
with the present. Discover the magic today!
Spring in Ireland: Traditions and Celebrations
As the chill of winter begins to wane, Ireland bursts into a vibrant array of colors and renewed life. Spring in
Ireland is a time of rebirth and rejuvenation. The season starts with St. Brigid’s Day on February 1st, marking
the beginning of the Celtic spring. St. Brigid, one of Ireland’s patron saints, symbolizes fertility and the
arrival of longer, warmer days. Traditionally, Irish families weave St. Brigid’s crosses from rushes, believed
to protect homes from fire and evil spirits. These crosses are hung in homes and barns, embodying the hope and
protection that spring brings.
Another significant event in the Irish spring calendar is St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th. This global
celebration of Irish culture is marked by parades, music, dancing, and a plethora of green attire. Originally a
religious holiday honoring Ireland’s patron saint, it has evolved into a celebration of Irish heritage
worldwide. Towns and cities across Ireland host parades featuring floats, marching bands, and performers, creating
an atmosphere of joy and community spirit. Traditional Irish music and dance performances are integral parts of the
festivities, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Spring also heralds the start of agricultural cycles, with farmers preparing their fields for planting. This season
is crucial for the rural communities, as it sets the tone for the year’s harvest. Traditional spring fairs and
markets spring up across the country, offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and a taste of rural life. These
events are not only essential for the economy but also serve as social gatherings that strengthen community bonds.
The return of longer days and the blossoming countryside invigorate the Irish spirit, making spring a time of
optimism and communal celebration.
The Beauty of Summer: Festivals and Activities
The arrival of summer in Ireland is met with great anticipation and excitement. From June to August, the country
transforms into a vibrant playground of festivals, outdoor activities, and natural beauty. The summer solstice,
celebrated around June 21st, is a significant event in the Irish calendar. Historically, ancient Celts marked this
longest day of the year with bonfires and feasting. Today, people gather at ancient sites like Newgrange and the
Hill of Tara to witness the solstice sunrise, connecting with the traditions of their ancestors.
One of the most iconic summer festivals is the Galway International Arts Festival, held in July. This two-week event
features a diverse program of theatre, music, visual arts, and street performances, attracting artists and audiences
from around the world. The festival transforms the city of Galway into a bustling hub of creativity and cultural
exchange. Similarly, the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the largest traditional Irish music festival, takes place in a
different town each August, showcasing the best of Irish music, song, and dance.
Summer is also a time for exploring Ireland’s stunning landscapes. The Wild Atlantic Way, a scenic coastal route
stretching from Donegal to Cork, offers breathtaking views, charming villages, and opportunities for outdoor
adventures. Hiking, cycling, and water sports are popular activities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the
country’s natural beauty. Beaches, though often chilly by international standards, become hotspots for locals
and tourists alike. The blend of cultural festivities and outdoor pursuits makes summer in Ireland a season of
endless possibilities and joyful experiences.
Autumn in Ireland: Harvest and Cultural Significance
As the leaves turn to shades of gold and crimson, autumn in Ireland brings a sense of reflection and gratitude. The
season is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions, with harvest festivals celebrating the bounty of the land.
Lughnasadh, the ancient Celtic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season, is celebrated on August 1st.
Named after the god Lugh, it involves feasting, music, and games, reflecting the community’s gratitude for the
earth’s abundance. Though modern celebrations are more subdued, the spirit of Lughnasadh persists in local fairs
and gatherings.
Autumn is also the time for Samhain, the ancient festival that marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of the
darker half of the year. Celebrated on October 31st, Samhain is considered the precursor to Halloween. It was
believed that on this night, the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to roam
the earth. People would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off these spirits. Today, Halloween in Ireland is a
blend of ancient traditions and modern festivities, with children trick-or-treating and communities hosting haunted
attractions and events.
The cultural significance of autumn extends to literature and the arts. The Dublin Theatre Festival, held in late
September and early October, is one of the oldest and most prestigious theatre festivals in Europe. It features a
mix of Irish and international productions, highlighting the richness of the performing arts. Additionally, the
Wexford Festival Opera, taking place in October, showcases lesser-known operas and attracts opera enthusiasts from
around the globe. These cultural events, combined with the natural beauty of the changing landscape, make autumn in
Ireland a season of introspection and artistic inspiration.
Winter Wonders: Traditions and Festivities
Winter in Ireland is a time of warmth, reflection, and festivity, despite the cold and often damp weather. The
season is marked by a series of traditions that bring light and joy to the darkest months. The winter solstice,
occurring around December 21st, has been celebrated since ancient times. At the prehistoric site of Newgrange in
County Meath, the solstice sunrise illuminates the inner chamber of the tomb, an awe-inspiring spectacle that draws
visitors from around the world. This event symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the promise of longer
days to come.
Christmas in Ireland is a blend of religious observance and joyous celebration. The season begins with Advent, as
homes and churches are adorned with wreaths, candles, and nativity scenes. On Christmas Eve, many attend Midnight
Mass, a tradition that underscores the religious significance of the holiday. Christmas Day is a time for family
gatherings, feasting, and exchanging gifts. Traditional foods such as roast turkey, ham, and plum pudding are
enjoyed, and the evening often ends with songs and stories by the fire.
The festive season continues with St. Stephen’s Day on December 26th, also known as Wren Day. In some parts of
Ireland, people dress in old clothes and straw masks, parading through towns while playing music and singing. This
tradition, rooted in ancient customs, symbolizes the triumph of the wren, considered the king of birds, over the
darker days. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are celebrated with fireworks, parties, and resolutions,
marking the end of one year and the hopeful beginning of another. The blend of ancient customs and modern
festivities makes winter in Ireland a season of warmth and renewal.
The Role of Nature in Irish Seasonal Changes
Ireland’s seasons are profoundly influenced by its natural environment, with the landscape playing a central
role in the country’s cultural and agricultural practices. The mild, temperate climate ensures that each season
is distinct yet not extreme, allowing nature to flourish year-round. Spring’s arrival is heralded by blooming
daffodils, lambs frolicking in fields, and the gradual lengthening of days. The lush, green countryside comes alive,
reflecting the renewal and growth that characterize the season.
Summer’s warmth and extended daylight hours provide the perfect conditions for outdoor activities and the growth
of crops. The landscape is dotted with wildflowers, and the coastal regions become popular destinations for hiking,
swimming, and exploring. The fertile soil and favorable weather conditions support a diverse range of flora and
fauna, making summer a time of abundance and natural beauty. The interplay between the land and the sea, with its
rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, adds to the unique charm of the Irish summer.
Autumn’s arrival brings a transformation in the landscape, as trees don vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow.
The harvest season reflects the culmination of the year’s agricultural efforts, with fields yielding crops and
orchards laden with fruit. The crisp air and shorter days signal a time for reflection and preparation for the
winter ahead. Winter, though often harsh with its cold winds and rain, has a stark beauty of its own. The bare trees
and snow-dusted hills create a serene, almost mystical atmosphere. The natural cycles of growth, harvest, and rest
are deeply intertwined with Irish traditions and way of life, making nature an integral part of the seasonal
experience.
Folklore and Mythology Associated with Each Season
Irish folklore and mythology are rich with stories and legends that reflect the country’s deep connection to the
natural world and its seasonal changes. Spring, for example, is associated with the goddess Brigid, a figure of
fertility, healing, and poetry. Her festival, Imbolc, marks the beginning of spring and is a celebration of new life
and the return of the sun. Legends tell of Brigid’s magical cloak, which could expand to cover vast areas of
land, symbolizing the growth and protection that spring brings.
Summer’s mythology is filled with tales of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of god-like beings who are said to have
brought magic and prosperity to Ireland. The festival of Bealtaine, celebrated on May 1st, honors these deities and
the start of the summer season. Fires were lit on hilltops to welcome the sun and protect against evil spirits. The
legend of Lugh, the god of light and the arts, is also central to summer celebrations. His festival, Lughnasadh,
marks the beginning of the harvest and is a time of feasting, games, and merriment.
Autumn’s folklore is dominated by the festival of Samhain, a time when the boundary between the living and the
dead is believed to be at its thinnest. This night is filled with stories of spirits, fairies, and otherworldly
beings. The legend of the Púca, a mischievous shape-shifting fairy, is particularly associated with Samhain. It was
believed that the Púca would roam the countryside, playing tricks on unsuspecting travelers. Offerings of food and
drink were left out to appease these spirits and ensure a safe passage through the dark months.
Winter’s mythology is rich with tales of the Cailleach, the divine hag of winter. According to legend, the
Cailleach is responsible for the harsh winter weather, and her reign begins at Samhain and ends at Bealtaine. She is
depicted as an old woman with a staff, capable of summoning storms and frost. The winter solstice, celebrated at
Newgrange, is also steeped in mythology. It is said that the solstice light represents the rebirth of the sun god,
bringing hope and renewal. These stories and legends add a layer of magic and mystery to the changing seasons,
reflecting the deep cultural significance of nature in Irish life.
Seasonal Foods and Culinary Traditions in Ireland
The changing seasons in Ireland bring a variety of culinary delights, with each season offering its own unique
flavors and traditional dishes. Spring’s arrival is marked by the availability of fresh, seasonal vegetables
such as asparagus, new potatoes, and rhubarb. Lamb, a symbol of spring, is a popular choice for Easter Sunday
dinner, often roasted with herbs and served with mint sauce. Traditional dishes like colcannon, made with mashed
potatoes and spring greens, reflect the season’s bounty and the importance of locally-sourced ingredients.
Summer’s abundance is celebrated with a wide array of fresh produce, seafood, and dairy products. The long, warm
days are perfect for outdoor picnics and barbecues. Freshly caught fish and shellfish, such as salmon, mackerel, and
mussels, are staples of the summer diet. Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are in season, often enjoyed in
desserts like Eton mess or simply with a dollop of cream. The tradition of afternoon tea, with its selection of
sandwiches, scones, and cakes, is also a beloved summer pastime.
Autumn’s harvest brings a wealth of hearty, comforting foods. Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and
turnips, along with apples and pears, feature prominently in autumnal dishes. The harvest festival of Lughnasadh is
celebrated with breads and cakes made from the first grains of the season. Traditional Irish stews, made with lamb
or beef, potatoes, and vegetables, provide warmth and sustenance as the days grow shorter. Apple tarts and crumbles,
often spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, are popular desserts that capture the essence of autumn.
Winter’s chill calls for rich, warming foods that provide comfort during the darkest months. Christmas dinner is
a highlight of the winter season, with roast turkey, ham, and all the trimmings taking center stage. Mince pies,
Christmas pudding, and rich fruitcake are traditional holiday treats, often enjoyed with a glass of mulled wine or
Irish whiskey. St. Stephen’s Day is a time for leftovers and simple fare, such as bubble and squeak made from
the previous day’s vegetables. Soups and stews, made with seasonal ingredients, are staples of the winter diet,
providing nourishment and warmth.
Modern Interpretations of Irish Seasonal Celebrations
While many of Ireland’s seasonal celebrations are rooted in ancient traditions, they have evolved to incorporate
modern influences and practices. Today, St. Brigid’s Day is not only a celebration of the coming spring but also
a time to honor women’s achievements and contributions to society. Contemporary events include women’s
gatherings, workshops, and performances that highlight the strength and creativity of Irish women. Similarly, St.
Patrick’s Day has expanded beyond its religious origins to become a global celebration of Irish culture and
heritage, with cities around the world hosting parades and festivals.
The Galway International Arts Festival and other summer events reflect the blending of traditional and contemporary
culture. These festivals showcase a mix of traditional Irish music and dance alongside modern art forms, creating a
dynamic and inclusive atmosphere. The rise of food festivals, such as the Taste of Dublin, highlights the growing
interest in Ireland’s culinary scene. These events celebrate local produce and innovative chefs, offering
visitors a taste of modern Irish cuisine while honoring traditional flavors and techniques.
Autumn’s cultural events, like the Dublin Theatre Festival and the Wexford Festival Opera, demonstrate the
continued importance of the arts in Irish life. These festivals provide a platform for emerging and established
artists to share their work, fostering a vibrant cultural community. Halloween, with its roots in the ancient
festival of Samhain, has embraced contemporary customs like pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating, while still
honoring its mystical origins through events like ghost tours and storytelling sessions.
Winter’s festive season has also seen modern interpretations of traditional customs. Christmas markets, inspired
by European traditions, have become popular in cities like Dublin, Galway, and Belfast. These markets offer
artisanal goods, festive foods, and entertainment, creating a magical atmosphere for holiday shoppers. New
Year’s Eve celebrations, including fireworks displays and concerts, have grown in scale, bringing communities
together to ring in the new year. These modern interpretations of seasonal celebrations reflect Ireland’s
ability to honor its past while embracing the present, creating a rich and dynamic cultural landscape.
Conclusion: Embracing the Seasons in Irish Culture
Ireland’s seasons are more than just changes in weather; they are deeply woven into the fabric of the
country’s culture, traditions, and way of life. From the rebirth of spring to the festive warmth of winter, each
season offers its own unique experiences and opportunities for connection. The traditions and celebrations that mark
these changes provide a sense of continuity and community, linking the past with the present.
Nature plays a central role in shaping these seasonal experiences, with the landscape’s beauty and bounty
influencing cultural practices and culinary traditions. Folklore and mythology add a layer of magic and mystery,
enriching the understanding of the natural world and its cycles. Modern interpretations of seasonal celebrations
demonstrate Ireland’s ability to adapt and evolve, honoring ancient customs while embracing contemporary
influences.
In embracing the seasons, Ireland celebrates its heritage, creativity, and resilience. Whether through traditional
festivals, culinary delights, or the simple enjoyment of nature’s beauty, the magic of Irish seasons continues
to captivate and inspire. As each season unfolds, it offers a new chapter in the ongoing story of Ireland, inviting
all to experience its enchantment and wonder.
