Turning of the Year: Lore and Legends of the Irish Seasons

The Turning of the Year explores the Celtic division of the year, from Samhain to Imbolc, to Bealtaine, to Lunasa, and back to Samhain, examining the significance of particular times of the year and featuring re-tellings of legends associated with them. It explores the close connection of the Irish with the land and nature, bringing us on an exhilarating journey through the Irish seasons and customs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2021
Publisher: O'Brien Press Ltd

The Turning of the Year, a captivating exploration of the Celtic year, delves into the rich tapestry of traditions from Samhain to Imbolc, Bealtaine, Lunasa, and back to Samhain. Author of the renowned book Legendary Ireland, the author delves deep into the significance of each season, weaving re-tellings of captivating legends that intertwine with the Irish connection to land and nature. This captivating journey takes readers on an exhilarating expedition through the Irish seasons, unveiling the customs and rituals that embraced each one in turn.

As we traverse this literary odyssey, we encounter a diverse cast of saints, scholars, kings, and goddesses, whose stories, preserved in myth and folktales, provide a poignant counterpoint to the book's exploration of lost traditions like keening. Through these narratives, we gain a newfound appreciation for the ways in which other customs and rituals have been preserved in modern celebrations and communal events. The Turning of the Year offers a profound insight into the enduring relevance of ritual in our lives and a deeper reverence for the awe-inspiring power of the natural world.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 216 x 135 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788492119