Meán Geimhridh
Meán Geimhridh (Irish traditional: midwinter) or Grianstad an Gheimhridh (Ir traditional: winter solstice) At sunrise, in Ireland, the winter solstice, occurs at about the midpoint of winter. Lit up by the sun’s rays, the passage and chamber of Newgrange (Pre-Celtic or possibly Proto-Celtic 3,200 BCE marks Meán Geimhridh.
Mean Geimhridh is a time for hearth, home, and storytelling around the family fire. (The family fire could be real, or in most modern houses these days, it could be the kitcian or diningroom table or elseware in the home where there is a comfortable gathering area).
This is a time when daylight wanes and days are Darker. During this threshold, exists powerful magic, and powerful magic may be conducted. In Ancient times, people held vigils The eve of this féile, to watch the new Sun. The Sun has reached its farthest point in its journey south and time seems to stand still for three days, as the young light is reborn.
Evergreens like the Holly, Pine, and Holly were, and still are, held in reverence at Mean Geimhridh. Honored are Evergreens at this time of the year because they represent eternal life and help to remind us that summer and the warm months will come again.
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Symbols of Meán Geimhridh:
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Herbs and flowers of Meán Geimhridh:
- Dried pine cones
- Blue Spruce
- Frasier Fir
- Silver Fir
- Holly
- Hemlock
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Foods of Meán Geimhridh:
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Meán Geimhridh Activities:
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Other names for Meán Geimhridh:
- Yule
- Yuel
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