CULDEE PERIOD - Christian Druids
First I must categorically state that St Patrick did not bring Christianity to Ireland, it was here for at least a hundred years before he arrived. It is believed to have been brought in by the Irish Celtic traders who visited foreign ports and later by at least three evangelists. Patrick came to Ireland because the Christian community asked for a Bishop to be sent to minister amongst them. It was only after his death that the Roman Church's propaganda machinations got to work!
The Culdee's or to give them their proper title in Irish Céli Dé were the Druid/Filli, some of them adopted/ assimilated the Christian faith, seeing it as the ultimate & perfect form of Druidism in the 5th century AD.
Those that did not, referred to the others who became Céli Dé as having accepted the white plague. This was a reference to the white robes that the Céli Dé wore and from this it is fair assume that the Druids in Ireland wore anything but white.
Here in Ireland there was a Christian-Druidic culture that retained all of the qualities of Druidism being broadminded, richly humorous (satire), tolerant and poetic. Despite the exertions of the Latin Christians, this brilliance was never expunged from the mindset of Irish speaking culture.
The Céli Dé, is believed to have existed up until the middle of the 12th century. It is to them and their historical writings that the modern researcher must turn to for information.
First I must categorically state that St Patrick did not bring Christianity to Ireland, it was here for at least a hundred years before he arrived. It is believed to have been brought in by the Irish Celtic traders who visited foreign ports and later by at least three evangelists. Patrick came to Ireland because the Christian community asked for a Bishop to be sent to minister amongst them. It was only after his death that the Roman Church's propaganda machinations got to work!
The Culdee's or to give them their proper title in Irish Céli Dé were the Druid/Filli, some of them adopted/ assimilated the Christian faith, seeing it as the ultimate & perfect form of Druidism in the 5th century AD.
Those that did not, referred to the others who became Céli Dé as having accepted the white plague. This was a reference to the white robes that the Céli Dé wore and from this it is fair assume that the Druids in Ireland wore anything but white.
Here in Ireland there was a Christian-
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It was they who produced the now world famous Books such as The Book of Kells or The Book Lismore.
An example of their behaviour can be seen in one story of (St. Columba) Colum Cille. When the Saint departed from Ireland to the haven of Iona, he made an oath never to set foot on the land of Ireland again. Then when the Great Council of Druim Cetta was called, he decided to attend to protect the Filli from harsh treatment. On reaching the shores of Ireland he brought with him sods of Iona turf, which he tied to his feet in order that his oath would not be broken.
TODAY'S DRUIDS
A Druid is a woman or man who is a practical, spiritual and fun loving person, who never ceases to learn and whose study is continual.
Liken them to a Rowan tree that in Winter stands bare
of leaves, seemingly with no growth except that beneath
the surface it's roots are feeding. In Spring the leaf buds return to birth the leaf, then the flowers. By Summer’s start the berries form green, changing by Lughnasadh to an attractive bright red. Each year of growth adds more berries and more knowledge for the Druids, for three plump ripe red Rowan berries when eaten promotes Inspiration.
(The Rowan tree [also the Yew] is to the Irish Druid the equivalent of the Oak to British and French Druids.)
An example of their behaviour can be seen in one story of (St. Columba) Colum Cille. When the Saint departed from Ireland to the haven of Iona, he made an oath never to set foot on the land of Ireland again. Then when the Great Council of Druim Cetta was called, he decided to attend to protect the Filli from harsh treatment. On reaching the shores of Ireland he brought with him sods of Iona turf, which he tied to his feet in order that his oath would not be broken.
TODAY'S DRUIDS
A Druid is a woman or man who is a practical, spiritual and fun loving person, who never ceases to learn and whose study is continual.
Liken them to a Rowan tree that in Winter stands bare
of leaves, seemingly with no growth except that beneath
the surface it's roots are feeding. In Spring the leaf buds return to birth the leaf, then the flowers. By Summer’s start the berries form green, changing by Lughnasadh to an attractive bright red. Each year of growth adds more berries and more knowledge for the Druids, for three plump ripe red Rowan berries when eaten promotes Inspiration.
(The Rowan tree [also the Yew] is to the Irish Druid the equivalent of the Oak to British and French Druids.)