Irish calendar
This article or section possibly contains synthesis of material which does not verifiably mention or relate to the main topic. (June 2015) |
The factual accuracy of part of this article is disputed. The dispute is about not reflecting the continued use of these seasons in modern-day Ireland (and possibly Scotland). (July 2018) |
The Irish calendar is the Gregorian calendar as it is in use in Ireland, but also incorporating Irish cultural festivals and views of the division of the seasons, presumably inherited from earlier Celtic calendar traditions.
For example, the pre-Christian Celtic year began on 1 November, although in common with the rest of the Western world, the year now begins on 1 January.[1]
- Winter ("Geimhreadh") - November, December, January (Samhain, Nollaig, Eanáir)
- Spring ("Earrach") - February, March, April (Imbolc, then Feabhra, Márta, Aibreán)
- Summer ("Samhradh") - May, June, July (Bealtaine, Meitheamh, Iúil)
- Autumn ("Fómhar" Harvest) - August, September, October (Lúnasa, Meán Fómhair, Deireadh Fómhair)
The traditional Irish Calendar uses Astronomical Timing, however Meteorological Timing is also used by organisations such as the Met Éireann.[2] Both are in use in the Republic of Ireland, however generally the Astronomical Calendar is the most commonly used.[3]
In English-language Julian calendars and its derivatives, the months are based on names from
Historical texts[
- Dé Luain - from Latin dies Lunae
- Dé Máirt - from Latin dies Martis
- Dé Céadaoin - referring to Gaelic fasting: from céad (first) aoin (fast) i.e. the first fast of the week
- Déardaoin - the day between the fasts
- Dé hAoine - the day of the fast
- Dé Sathairn - from Latin dies Saturni
- Dé Domhnaigh - from Latin dies Dominicus (an alternative Latin name for Sunday, dies Solis being more common)
See also
- Calendar of saints
- Celtic calendar
- Coligny calendar
- Gregorian calendar
- Liturgical year
- The Old Cows Days/The Days of the Brindled Cow
References
- ^ See Nora Chadwick, The Celts (1970) p.181
- ^ A basic learning guide for primary students regarding the seasons of Ireland published by the Met Éireann. https://www.met.ie/cms/assets/uploads/2021/02/YP-Fun-Facts-Meteorological-Seasons.pdf
- ^ "Ireland's Odd Seasons – An Seanchas Beag". seanchasbeag.com. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
- ^ Wiktionary.com
- ^ a b Koch, John T. Celtic Culture: A Historical Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO (2006). Page 330.
- ^ Koch, John T. Celtic Culture: A Historical Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO (2006). Page 331.