2. Paganism describes a group of modern religions
based on a admiration for nature.
These faiths draw on the traditional religions of
native people throughout the world.
Wiccans, Druids, Shamans, Sacred
Ecologists, Odinists and Heathens all make up
parts of the Pagan community.
Some Groups concentrate on specific traditions
or practices such as ecology, witchcraft, Celtic
traditions or certain gods.
Most Pagans share an ecological vision that comes
from the Pagan belief in the organic vitality and
spirituality of the natural world.
Pagans are not sexual deviants, do not worship the
devil, are not evil, do not practice 'black magic'
and their practices do not involve harming
people or animals.
The Pagan Federation of Great Britain have
estimated that the number of Pagans in the
British Isles is between 50,000 and 200,000
(2002).
Paganism
3. The puck fair is held each year in early August in the town of Killorglin, County Kerry. It is believed to be
the survival of a Lughnasa festival (also known as Lughnasadh). The festival is three days long; on the
first day a goat is crowned king and a local girl is crowned queen. The festival includes traditional
music and dancing, parade, arts and crafts, workshops, a horse and cattle fair and markets. In recent years towns in Ireland have begun
holding yearly festivals and fairs of Lughnasa. Like the Puck Fair they include all its traditional activities such as music and dancing; which
are the main elements at the festivals, and also a key element in the book.
“very fast; very heavy beat; a raucous sound”
Modern Lughnasa
traditions
4. Festival of Lughnasa
The Lughnasa is a Gaelic festival marking
the beginning of the harvest season that
was historically observed throughout
Ireland, Scotland and the Isles of man. It
was originally held on 31st July - 1st
August. It corresponds to other European
harvest festivals, such as the Welsh Calan
Awst and the English Lammas.
The festival is believed to have pagan
origins, as the name of the festival is
named after the god Lugh. According to
folklorist Maire MacNeill the festival
includes religious rituals of corn, feasts of
new food, sacrificing a bull and ritual
dancing; which is taken place on top of
hills and mountains.
5. Paganism in Ireland
Pagan Federation Northern Ireland
This foundation is promoting Paganism in Northern Ireland, they are a group who
welcome all pagans with good will and do not tolerate discrimination on nationality,
colour, race, sexuality, disability or previous religions, They also consider everyone
as equal. They believe in three principles:
1. The value the importance of love and respect for nature, they recognise that
human beings are part of nature and that we are similar in the way of life and
death.
2. Have a positive morality, it works on people having a positive outlook and
peaceful outcomes whilst still acknowledging both self defence and justice.
Their quote: “Do what you will, as long as it harms none”.
3. Is about genders and acknowledging both male and female aspects. They
believe that you should not categorise people and that the importance is
nature.
6. The gods of Ireland, Scotland, Wales
and Gaul.Morrigan Dagda
Merlin
Aenghus
Nuada
Ceridwen
Lugh
Cernunnus
Abandinus Sucellos
