A week and a half ago, on Sunday, July 31, thousands of pilgrims climbed the holy mountain called "Croagh Patrick" in County Mayo, Ireland. This last Sunday in July is called "Reek Sunday," and the holy mountain is popularly called "The Reek." Untold thousands climbed the mountain that day (estimates go up to 20,000!)--some climbed barefoot or on their knees. Legend has it that St. Patrick himself fasted on this mountain in the fifth century. I will climb this mountain next summer.
The very next day in Ireland and throughout the Celtic world, Lúnasa was celebrated--a pagan feast named after the Celtic god Lugh. The festival is still celebrated in places with bonfires and dancing, and god knows what else!
The Irish (like many others throughout the world) can hold together both their modern religion alongside the ancient pagan religion. A good trick that we humans are capable of! I know the Austrians could do this too when they celebrated Sonnwendtag, summer solstice, with bonfires atop the alps. I was involved with this back in 1968 on a mountain top outside the village of Matrei-am-Brenner.
Showing posts with label Reek Sunday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reek Sunday. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Climbing Ireland's Holy Mountains
Next summer I intend to climb two of Ireland's holy mountains, Mount Brandon (in Irish-Gaelic, Cnoc Bréanainn), the holy mountain of St. Brendan on the Dingle Peninsula of County Kerry; and Croagh Patrick (in Irish-Gaelic, Cruach Phádraig), the holy mountain of St. Patrick near the County Mayo town of Westport.
Below is a youtube video of the climbing of Croagh Patrick on "Reek Sunday," the last sunday of July--an old Irish tradition:
The two holy mountains are not high by Rocky Mountain standards. Croagh Patrick is 2507 feet in elevation; Mount Brandon is 3123 in elevation. The highest mountain peak in Ireland, Carrauntouhil, is only 3406 feet. But these mountains look impressive from below, and they will offer me a considerable challenge considering my age and conditioning.
When I climb Croagh Patrick I will keep in mind that plenty of very old ladies climb it--and some climb it barefoot, as a form of penance. I am competitive enough that I won't quit the climb if I see a little old barefoot lady next to me persisting up to the church atop Croagh Patrick!
Below is a youtube video of the climbing of Croagh Patrick on "Reek Sunday," the last sunday of July--an old Irish tradition:
The two holy mountains are not high by Rocky Mountain standards. Croagh Patrick is 2507 feet in elevation; Mount Brandon is 3123 in elevation. The highest mountain peak in Ireland, Carrauntouhil, is only 3406 feet. But these mountains look impressive from below, and they will offer me a considerable challenge considering my age and conditioning.
When I climb Croagh Patrick I will keep in mind that plenty of very old ladies climb it--and some climb it barefoot, as a form of penance. I am competitive enough that I won't quit the climb if I see a little old barefoot lady next to me persisting up to the church atop Croagh Patrick!
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