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School: Scoil na mBráthar, Calainn

Location:
Callan, Co. Kilkenny
Teacher:
Br. P. Ó Gairbheith
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0853, Page 098

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0853, Page 098

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  1. XML School: Scoil na mBráthar, Calainn
  2. XML Page 098
  3. XML “Ancient May Day Customs”

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  1. Ancient May Day Customs (continued)

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    (continued from previous page)
    the old man said unto one was first set up in hounour of the great Milesians who gave battle one may day to the Tuatha De Danans and conquered. Then a powerful magician of the Tuatha caused innumerable darts to go forth against the Prince of the Milesians to kill him, but in passing they were all stopped by a bush that stood between the Prince and the magician, so that a flame arose and the bush withered and burned away.
    From that time the May bushes are lit by fire and left to burn, for so evil is carried away from the land, and we believe and know that no lightning nor thunder nor evil enchantments can ever enter a house, before which stands the sacred bush with the yellow flowers that represents the flame of fire, and the people dance around
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    History Edit
    Topics
    1. events
      1. events (by time of year) (~11,476)
        1. May (~639)
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Eamon Cass
    Gender
    Male