Na Séasúir

To commence our exploration of the calendar, we will explore the four seasons and their links with both Irish mythology and wider Western culture. The four seasons are as follows:

An tEarrach
Spring

An Samhradh
Summer

An Fómhar
Autumn

An Geimhreadh
Winter

All of the above are masculine nouns. We have covered this in some detail before but this can be noted by reading the PDF at the bottom of the page. When the word Earrach is paired with an/the, it becomes An tEarrach. The other three words remain unchanged as they begin with consonants.

There is a strong link between the seasons and Ireland’s traditional Celtic past, as each of the seasons was once associated with a Pre-Christian festival.

An tEarrach
Imbolc - Feabhra

An Samhradh
Bealtaine

An Fómhar
Lughnasa - Lúnasa

An Geimhreadh
Samhain

Once the Irish converted to Christianity, many of these festivals were incorporated into traditional Irish worship and the festivals became entwined with Christian beliefs. Many of these festivals have become secular celebrations.

Imbolc
St. Bridget’s Day

Bealtaine
May Day

Lughnasa (named from the god Lugh)
Harvest time

Samhain
Halloween

Are you familiar with these festivals? How are the change in the seasons marked and celebrated where you come from? Let us know in the comments down below!