Celts: The History and Legacy of One of the Oldest Cultures in Europe by Martin J. Dougherty, 2024
Before the Vikings, before the Anglo-Saxons, before the Roman Empire, the Celts dominated central and western Europe. Today we might think of the Celts only inhabiting parts of the far west of Europe – Ireland, Great Britain, France and Spain – but these were the extremities in which their culture lasted longest.
In #Folklore, the belief that metal can harm #fairies reflects a captivating intersection of ancient myth and practical symbolism. Pliny the Elder¹ speculated in his Naturalis Historia that iron nails in tombs can repel nocturnal spirits, offering a possible explanation for this mystical connection.
Additionally, the fierce warrior culture of the #Celts, known for their intricate metal craftsmanship and rituals, likely influenced the perception of metal as a potent force against otherworldly beings.
In general, it is still common to hang horseshoes on doorsteps in order to bring luck. You can also read it… to keep fairies, or bad luck, away.
Nickanan Night, also known as Roguery Night or Peasen Monday, is a revered #Cornish tradition held on the Monday before #ShroveTuesday. Initially centered on pea splitting, it has evolved into a festivity marked by youthful mischief.
As twilight falls, youths armed with short clubs engage in door-knocking escapades, seeking pancakes from households. Mysterious disappearances of household items add intrigue, with items reappearing the next day as tokens of revelry. In locales like Polperro, festivities culminate in the procession of 'Jack-o-Lent', symbolizing Judas Iscariot. It was paraded through the streets and pelted with rotten vegetables. It was then taken to the beach where it was ceremonially burned — which also recall #Celts and #Imbolc festival.