In #Scotland Carlin, a name for the #Cailleach as a harvest divinity, was the name given to the spirit of #Samhain, the end of the harvest. The sheaf representing her was exhibited in the home to discourage #otherworldly visitors.
Source: P. Monaghan Encyclopedia of #Celtic #Mythology and #Folklore
RT @mageachain @placenamesni The last sheaf of the harvest was known as the cailleach, the granny, the churn... and in north Antrim and parts of Scotland as the carlin(g) (kerling)
The Cailleach was preeminently the goddess of harvest, whose name was given to the last sheaf cut in each field; dressed in women’s clothes and honored during the harvest festivities, the Cailleach sheaf was kept safe until the next year’s harvest. Source: P. Monaghan Encyclopedia of #Celtic #Mythology and #Folklore
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RT @mageachain
'Cutting the Cailleach', Ireland
The cailleach or hag was said to run from the mowers and was finally cornered in the last sheaf. It was plaited and men stood back and threw hooks to cut it. It was carried home to the feast or 'churn' and kept for luck. #FolkloreThursday