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Folklore
| Taken from the information board in Rathmore Danu, sometimes referred to as Anu, is the ancient Celtic goddess of fertility, prosperity and comfort, and has representation in other forms across Europe, such as Dennitsa (Russian, Danae (classical Greek) and Dinah (Hebrew), as well as linking her with the role of Earth Mother. Comparision have also been made by a number of scholars between Danu and the Greek goddess Demeter. Many place names thoughout Europe are derived from the name of Dany, examples being the River Danube, the River Donn and Denmark. In Celtic legend, it was thought that the Tuath De Dannann, the ancient Celtic warrior-race, were descended from her and her consort, Bile. Danu's primary associations are with the processes of the agricultural cycle, as throughout Europe, Britain and Ireland, in particular Munster, she was highly revered by pre-Christain agricultural communitites as the guardian of cattle and health. Farming and land cultivation were of vital importance to those ancient Celtic people providing food and sustenance to see them through the long bleak winter. During the ancient festival of Beltane (celebrated on 01 May), which heralded he end of the long dark winter, and gave the promise of brighter summer days ahead, fires (known as Bel-fires or Need-Fires) were lit on high ground, and livestock were herded between these fires, tradition has it, to ensure their health and fertility for the coming year. The ashes from the fires were then scattered in the fields, to ensure a bountiful harvest. These rituals would be carried out to "appease" the ancient deities, particularly Dany, the earth Mother. In Duhallow, Danu is associated with the two hills in its South Western region, known in Irish as Dha Chioch Anann or the Paps of Danu. Agriculture has very strong associations with this region, the fertile Blackwater valley playing a vital and integral part in the lives of the inhabitants from pre-Christain times to the 21st century. Habitation of this region during the pre-Christain era is strongly evident in the many ancient ring-forts and settlements to be found in Duhallow region and many place names beginning with Lios (e.g. Lisnashearshane (near Cullen) - Lios na Seirsean - Fort of the Arches) or Rath (Rathroe (near Derrinagree) - Rath Ruagh - Red Fort). Dromtariffe (Drom Tairbh - Ridge of the Bull) is another example of an agriculturally associated place name in Duhallow, signifying the value placed on cattle in the area then, as now. A number of Holy Wells are also evident in the Duhallow area. Pattern Days were held to honour the saints associated with each well. The City in Shrone, at the foot of the Paps, known in Irish as Cathair Crobh Dhearg is a prime example. This area was named for a local saint, St. Crobh Dearg, who has been linked by scholars in a triad with St. Laitiaran (Cullen) and St. Gobnait (Ballyvourney). Many scholars believe that sites such as this were originally ancient pagan sites of worship that were subsequently Christainised. In the pre-Christain/Celtic era, a beautiful woman-Goddess Creide (the Celtic version of St. Crobh Dearg, or a derivative of Danu, perhaps?) was associated with the same area and legend has it that she was declared by Fionn MacCumhail to be ".... the greatest flirt in Ireland" |
Posted by bawn7921st February 2008ce Edited 21st February 2008ce
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