Mary Jo, that is a great question. The original idea was to focus on traditions from Scotland because that is what I am most interested in and want to share. Now you have me thinking about a different kind of calendar that just serves as a gentle reminder to be in tune with the seasons. Much of what I can find on the internet is pagan, Wiccan or something along those lines. I think we can be more open about the old celebrations and make it accessible to anyone. What do you think?
I've become more interested over the years in understanding and celebrating my Irish ancestors and our culture. I'm learning more as I go, but the people close to me who might've been able to answer my questions are gone. But then they were all traditional Irish Catholics, so I don't think I'd have learned much about Wiccan celebrations from them. I'd love to have a calendar or some other kind of prompt that could tie us to the generations further back in time. We likely have some overlap!
This speaks to me personally as both of my parents are descended from the same Scottish clan. My last name --Inches--is from Scottish Gaelic and means a small island or a meadow surrounded by water. My ancestors owned land east of Inverness where the meadows met the ocean. I love the candle image. I think you can open up this piece by saying this is a lovely Scottish tradition and you are inviting others who may not be Scottish to enjoy it.
I love this post and appreciate the shoutout, Shanon. I also appreciate the topic. As we enter the season of increasing darkness, it’s an important reminder that it will be followed by the season of increasing light!
Yes. There is something so lovely about getting reacquainted with the seasons of the earth. Thanks for reading and thanks for the great teaching. I am learning a lot.
Beautiful! I’m a fan of Scottish holidays, though I think of them as Celtic - which encompasses the British Isles as a whole I think? Anyway lovely calendar idea Shannon!
Shannon, I love this! Light a candle to eliminate the darkness. It reminds me of a Dumbledor quote (who I secretly think is Scottish,) "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."
Yes! And it is an ancient practice that would be lovely to visit again. There is a Christian holiday and the old Celtic holiday. I love learning about all of it! Thanks for reading and giving feedback. Appreciate you!
This sounds like fun, Shannon -- but do we have to be Scottish?
Mary Jo, that is a great question. The original idea was to focus on traditions from Scotland because that is what I am most interested in and want to share. Now you have me thinking about a different kind of calendar that just serves as a gentle reminder to be in tune with the seasons. Much of what I can find on the internet is pagan, Wiccan or something along those lines. I think we can be more open about the old celebrations and make it accessible to anyone. What do you think?
I've become more interested over the years in understanding and celebrating my Irish ancestors and our culture. I'm learning more as I go, but the people close to me who might've been able to answer my questions are gone. But then they were all traditional Irish Catholics, so I don't think I'd have learned much about Wiccan celebrations from them. I'd love to have a calendar or some other kind of prompt that could tie us to the generations further back in time. We likely have some overlap!
This speaks to me personally as both of my parents are descended from the same Scottish clan. My last name --Inches--is from Scottish Gaelic and means a small island or a meadow surrounded by water. My ancestors owned land east of Inverness where the meadows met the ocean. I love the candle image. I think you can open up this piece by saying this is a lovely Scottish tradition and you are inviting others who may not be Scottish to enjoy it.
I love this description: "My ancestors owned land east of Inverness where the meadows met the ocean."
And wonderful idea to invite others to enjoy who may not be Scottish. I love that! Thank you so much for the beautiful response Sue. Lovely.
I love this post and appreciate the shoutout, Shanon. I also appreciate the topic. As we enter the season of increasing darkness, it’s an important reminder that it will be followed by the season of increasing light!
Yes. There is something so lovely about getting reacquainted with the seasons of the earth. Thanks for reading and thanks for the great teaching. I am learning a lot.
Beautiful, even for a non-Celt! Perhaps 2 more sentences to add some warm story telling?
Thank you Diane!
Beautiful! I’m a fan of Scottish holidays, though I think of them as Celtic - which encompasses the British Isles as a whole I think? Anyway lovely calendar idea Shannon!
Maybe it should be Celtic rather than Scottish? Thank you for reading!
Shannon, I love this! Light a candle to eliminate the darkness. It reminds me of a Dumbledor quote (who I secretly think is Scottish,) "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."
Yes! And it is an ancient practice that would be lovely to visit again. There is a Christian holiday and the old Celtic holiday. I love learning about all of it! Thanks for reading and giving feedback. Appreciate you!