The Year In Ireland

Caoimhín Ó Danachair, also known as Kevin Danaher, was a renowned figure in Irish folklore and ethnology. Born in 1913 in Limerick, Ireland, he distinguished himself as an academic, earning his BA from University College Dublin (UCD) and further honing his expertise in folklore and ethnology in Germany as an Alexander von Humboldt Scholar. His service as a captain in the Irish Defence Forces during World War II added another layer to his multifaceted career. In his professional life, Ó Danachair made significant contributions to the Irish Folklore Commission, particularly in preserving Irish musical traditions and recording the last native speakers of Manx. His academic prowess was further evidenced by his influential role as a lecturer at UCD, where he inspired a generation of students. Ó Danachair was also a prolific author, with many of his important works on Irish folklore published by Mercier Press. His bibliography includes notable titles such as 'In Ireland Long Ago', 'Irish Customs and Beliefs', 'Irish Country People', 'Folktales from the Irish Countryside', 'The Pleasant Land of Ireland', 'The Year in Ireland', 'Foirgneamh na nDaoine: Ireland's Vernacular Architecture', 'A Bibliography of Irish Ethnology and Folk Tradition', 'That's How it Was', and 'The Children's Book of Irish Folktales'. These works are highly regarded for their in-depth exploration and vivid depiction of Irish traditions and folklore. They serve as academic resources and cultural treasures that preserve Ireland's rich heritage for posterity. His personal life was marked by his marriage to Anna Mary Ryan and his role as a father to two sons. Ó Danachair's death in 2002 was a significant loss to the academic and cultural spheres. However, his legacy continues through his contributions to the field of folklore and his efforts to keep Irish culture alive. His final resting place is in St Fintan's Cemetery, Sutton, Dublin, where he lies as a testament to a life dedicated to preserving and celebrating Irish cultural history.

Introduction


SAINT BRIGHID’S DAY -Saint Brighid’s Crosses - Making the Crosses - The Brideóg - Brat Bride - Crios Bríde - Cattle and Crops - Other


Beliefs and Customs


CANDLEMAS


SHROVE TUESDAY - Shrovetide Weddings


CHALK SUNDAY - ‘Going to the Skelligs’ - ‘The Ash Bag’ - Sprinkling of Salt - Domhnach na Smuit; ‘Puss Sunday’ - Some other customs


ASH WEDNESDAY


LENT


SAINT PATRICK’S DAY


LADY DAY


PALM SUNDAY


EASTER - Good Friday - Easter Saturday - Herring Processions - The Dance of the Sun - Easter Eggs - Feasting - The Cake Dance - Other Easter Beliefs and Customs - Easter Monday


APRIL FOOLS’ DAY


THE BORROWED DAYS


MAY DAY- Welcoming the Summer - May Balls - May Dew - Charms and Counter-charms - Health - The Fairies at Maytime - Other May Day Beliefs and Customs


ASCENSION THURSDAY


WHITSUNTIDE


CORPUS CHRISTI


MIDSUMMER


The Midsummer Fire - Jumping over the Fire - The Family Fire - The Growing Crops - The Cattle at Midsummer - The Dwellinghouse at Midsummer - HerbGathering - Other Midsummer Beliefs and Customs


SS PETER AND PAUL


THE TWELFTH OF JULY


SAINT SWITHIN’S DAY


‘HUNGRY JULY’


THE FIRST OF THE HARVEST - Outdoor Gatherings - Gatherings on Hills - Gatherings at Lakes and Rivers - Other Lunasa Customs and Beliefs - Cork Harbour Ceremony


THE ASSUMPTION


SAINT BARTHOLOMEW’S DAY


THE PATTERN DAY


MICHAELMAS


THE END OF THE HARVEST - The Clousur - Gleaning - The Harvest Home - Harvest Knots - The Disposal of the Last Sheaf


SAMHAIN - Feasting and Merrymaking - Samhain Beliefs and Customs - Hallowe’en Guisers - Games, Dares and Pranks - Weather Divination - Divination Games - Marriage Divination


ALL SOULS DAY


MARTINMAS


CHRISTMAS - Preparing for Christmas - Christmas Eve - Christmas Day - Waits - Saint Stephen’s Day - The Mummers - Holy Innocents - New Year - Handsel Monday - Epiphany







APPENDIX - Church Feasts and Fasts







BIBLIOGRAPHY







INDEX