Beautiful reflections, lovely recipes, and such intriguing history. That interaction of old folk customs with Christianity provides for so many fascinating rabbit-holes when trying to follow the threads of tradition back through the mists of history. I was just reading about that curious custom of the Shony ale on Hallowe'en - how interesting to learn more in your piece today!
Puts me in mind of the ghostly ride of Tam O’Shanter away from the devilish hags said to terrorise the land and sea:
“But Tam ken'd what was what fu' brawlie;
There was ae winsom wench and walie,
That night enlisted in the core
(Lang after ken'd on Carrick shore.
For mony a beast to dead she shot,
And perish'd mony a bonie boat,
And shook baith meikle corn and bear,
And kept the country-side in fear);”
Loved the reference to Martin Martin. Samuel Johnson was so captivated by “Description of the Western Islands of Scotland” in his youth that the impression it made upon him was one of the influences which led to his own Hebridean travels.
Time to reclaim the honourable position of Cailleach, I think - I'd happily volunteer! Lovely post Fiona - such a treat to hear from the Hebrides.
Beautiful reflections, lovely recipes, and such intriguing history. That interaction of old folk customs with Christianity provides for so many fascinating rabbit-holes when trying to follow the threads of tradition back through the mists of history. I was just reading about that curious custom of the Shony ale on Hallowe'en - how interesting to learn more in your piece today!
Ooohhh. I love this Halloween inspired post.
Puts me in mind of the ghostly ride of Tam O’Shanter away from the devilish hags said to terrorise the land and sea:
“But Tam ken'd what was what fu' brawlie;
There was ae winsom wench and walie,
That night enlisted in the core
(Lang after ken'd on Carrick shore.
For mony a beast to dead she shot,
And perish'd mony a bonie boat,
And shook baith meikle corn and bear,
And kept the country-side in fear);”
Loved the reference to Martin Martin. Samuel Johnson was so captivated by “Description of the Western Islands of Scotland” in his youth that the impression it made upon him was one of the influences which led to his own Hebridean travels.