The Modern Antiquarian. Stone Circles, Ancient Sites, Neolithic Monuments, Ancient Monuments, Prehistoric Sites, Megalithic MysteriesThe Modern Antiquarian

Chapel Carn Brea

Entrance Grave

Folklore

It seems that Carn Brea is still the home of seasonal celebration. This from the West Cornwall Festivals and Events list 2005 at http://www.penwith.gov.uk/media/adobe/s/4/Events_List_2005.pdf
Midsummer Eve (evening): Bonfire, Chapel Carn Brea, Nr Land's End. Organised by the Old Cornwall Society. Prayers etc spoken in Cornish and lighting of the bonfire torch. For more information tel. 01736 368153.

Presumably this tradition of bonfires has lasted a long while. The Reader's Digest 'Folklore Myths and Legends of Britain' has this to say: that the first of a chain of beacon fires is lit here - then at Sennen, Sancreed Beacon, Carn Galver, St Agnes Beacon.. Each fire is blessed by a local clergyman in the Cornish language; herbs and wildflowers are burnt. When only embers remain, young people leap across them to drive away evil and bring good luck. Good job they involve the church, eh, or the whole thing would sound suspiciously pagan.
Rhiannon Posted by Rhiannon
10th March 2005ce

Comments (0)

You must be logged in to add a comment