Celtic Traditions paper

You are to reaserch all of the following traditions in the Celtic Path. Explain and compare the different branches of:

* Irish
* Scottish
* Welsh
* Gaulish
* Druidism
* Bards
* Faery

This was a difficult assignment in part because of the lack of information that still exists from ancient times. Let me start by defining the terms you've selected.

Celtic is an umbrella word. Not only does it relate to an ethnic group, but also to linguistic and cultural groups as well.
Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and Gaulish all make up the Celts. The Irish people are from the island of Ireland. The Scottish people from Scotland. The Welsh people from Wales. The Gaulish people from other areas of Western Europe — namely France, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Germany. Although it was said specifically of the Irish, it is true for any of these people, "Many notable cultural divides exist between the rural people and city dwellers, between the Catholic and Protestant people of Northern Ireland, between the Irish-speaking people inside and outside the Gaeltacht regions and the English-speaking majority population, and increasingly between new immigrants and the native population. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Ireland)"

Druids, Bards, and Faeries are even more specialized. Bards seem to be the poets and storytellers of the Celtic world. Druids would have been the priests and "learned class" of the society. Faeries are described by Wikipedia as "a type of mythological being or legendary creature, a form of spirit, often described as metaphysical, supernatural or preternatural."

Therefore, the first few terms are really "region specific." People who follow these paths — Irish, Scottish, Welsh, or Gaulish — all have regional differences that would have to do specifically with that area of the world. What traditions are common in Ireland, may not be exactly the same in the areas we're considering Gaul.

Differences in Druids, Bards, and Faeries are even more interesting. In addition to possible regional differences, there is a problem with the lack of records from the era. Even the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids claims that there are many types of Druids, some montotheistic, some polytheistic. (http://www.druidry.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=PagEd&file=index&topic_id=1&page_id=30)

There is really no way to determine the "correct" way to accomplish any of these paths. Too much has been lost. Too much is currently speculated. Too much is just plain not known. Those who wish to follow this path need to understand that and take what resonates with us and leave the rest.

Another Great Quote

"I … have to constantly balance "being a writer" with being a wife and mother. It's a matter of putting two different things first, simultaneously." Madeleine L'Engle

Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test...

Mrs. Lupin

You like a nice, kind guy with a bit of a fierce streak and you don't mind if he comes damaged. Sure, he may take some convincing since his self-esteem's so low, but once you win him over, you know he's yours for life. Unless of course he has an attack of "I'm not good enough" and runs away, but luckily he's also good at making friends who will push him back into line if necessary.

(Art by Gold-Seven http://gold-seven.deviantart.com/ Used with permission.)

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