Latest news with #Samhain
RTÉ News
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Lúnasa: From myth to modern festival
Na Féilte Tine, The Fire Festivals, concludes this August Bank Holiday Monday with the fourth and final episode of the acclaimed RTÉ series exploring Ireland's ancient seasonal festivals: Samhain, Imbolg, Bealtaine and now, Lúnasa. Tiocfaidh deireadh leis an tsraith, Na Féilte Tine le clár a dhíríonn ar fhéile Lúnasa, Dé Luain beag seo ag 6.30 ar RTÉ ONE. Seo clábhsúr nádúrtha don tsraith a lean na bhféilte uilig tríd an mbliain. You can watch Samhain, Imbolg and Bealtaine on the RTÉ Player here. Is féidir leat breathnú siar ar na cláracha a léiríonn na bhféilte eile, anseo. Each episode marks a turning in the Celtic year, and this final programme welcomes the festival of Lúnasa – the celebration of the harvest and the beginning of the final arc in the Gaelic calendar. With its focus on ritual, abundance and realignment with nature and self, Lúnasa leads us into the closing quarter of the year, which culminates with Samhain in late October – the beginning of the Celtic New Year. Clúdaíonn gach clár féilire na gCeilteach agus baineann clár Lúnasa le fómhar, tús le deireadh na bliana, dár leis an talmhaíocht. Ag díriú ar dheasghnátha, saibhreas agus ar fhilleadh ar an dlúthcheangail idir an dúlra agus an duine, tógann Lúnasa muid chuig an cheathrú deireanach sa bhliain, rud a thiocfaidh chun críche in Samhain ag deireadh mhí Dheireadh Fómhair, tús na bliana Ceiltigh. "This series is more than a look back at ancient custom," says series producer Ciarán Ó Cofaigh. "It's a deep dive into Irish tradition, reconnecting us with the rhythm of the natural world and the deep cyclical time that shaped our ancestors' lives." Lúnasa is the welcome to the harvest and a celebration of the ancient sun god, Lú. It is said that Lú defeated the dark god Balor and thus saved the harvest from destruction. Fáiltíonn Lúnasa muid go aimsir an Fhómhair agus is ceiliúradh é freisin ar an Dia Gréine, Lú. Deirtear go bhfuair Lú an ceann is fearr ar Bhalor agus dá réir gur sabháladh an fómhar dúinn uilig. This final episode traces the spirit of Lúnasa from myth to modern festival. The great gatherings and fairs of Lúnasa can be said to have manifested in the summer musical festivals of the modern day, with the Night & Day festival in Roscommon featured as an example of the modern equivalent. The episode includes a visit to Eamhain Mhacha, the sacred hill of Ulster and ancient ceremonial center of the North. It introduces the Armagh Rhymers and attends the vibrant contemporary Lúnasa Festival, where old customs find renewed meaning through performance, gathering, and ritual. Féachann an clár deireanach sa tsraith ar an aistear atá déanta ag Lúnasa ó mhiotas go féile chomhaimseartha. Má fhéachann muid ar shéasúr na bhféile ceoil in Éirinn agus sna tíortha maguaird, aithníonn muid tionchar Lúnasa iontu. Beidh cuairt ar Eamhain Mhacha mar chuid den chlár seo agus cuirfidh muid aithne ar na Armagh Rhymers atá ag tabhairt fuinneamh nua don fhéile ársa seo. We journey to Carrick on Shannon to attend Edwina Guckian's Irish Culture Retreat, as Edwina guides us through the traditions of Lúnasa still celebrated in Leitrim today. The episode also explores the enduring tradition of the Puck Fair – Ireland's oldest market festival – as expressions of the Lúnasa spirit still thriving today. Many of the Lúnasa celebrations are connected to harvest and agricultural festivals like Puck Fair, where everyone gathered to celebrate the harvest and present their livestock and produce. Ag caint ar an spéis mhór atá léirithe ag daoine sa Ghaeilge chomh maith le béaloideas agus san fhéilire Cheilteach, deir Ciarán nach féidir an dá rud a dheighilt óna chéile agus go luíonn sé le réasún go mbeadh na hÉireannaigh ag fiosrú a gcuid fréamhacha anois. Cúis bhróid agus dóchais do Chiarán go bhfuil an tsraith seo anois ar fáil agus in úsáid in scoileanna na tíre agus go bhfuil scéal na bhFéilte Tine ar fáil don chéad ghlúin eile. This concluding episode completes the full circle of Na Féilte Tine, a series rooted in the ancient "cross-quarter days" that divide the seasons. From Samhain's dark beginning to the promise of spring at Imbolg, the fire of summer at Bealtaine, and now the fruitful turning of Lúnasa – this journey through the Irish year reaches its final, celebratory phase.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
3 Birth Months Closest to the Spiritual Realm, Per Experts
3 Birth Months Closest to the Spiritual Realm, Per Experts originally appeared on Parade. Many cultures and spiritual traditions throughout history have believed that certain times of the year hold deeper energetic or spiritual significance. While everyone has the capacity for spiritual connection, some experts believe that the month in which you are born can influence your natural alignment with the unseen world. Among all the birth months, three in particular are considered especially close to the spiritual realm. Which Birth Months are Closest to the Spiritual Realm? Check for the month you were born for pro insights. FURTHER: People Born on These 4 Dates Don't Need Luck—They Create It October October is often viewed as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. As the seasons change and the veil between realms thins, ancient cultures, such as the Celts, celebrated this period through Samhain—a festival that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year. People born in October are believed to have a natural connection to the mystical, often exhibiting heightened intuition and the ability to perceive deeper meanings beyond the material world. READ: Each Birth Month as a Dog Breed, Per Experts March March marks the beginning of the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, representing a time of rebirth, renewal, and spiritual awakening. In various traditions, this period symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. People born in March are often viewed as old souls—empathetic, imaginative, and spiritually curious. Their unique connection to both beginnings and endings gives them heightened sensitivity to the spiritual transitions surrounding life and death. MORE: Your Divine Calling, Based on Birth Date December December, with its long nights and gentle snowfall, naturally lends itself to introspection. This month has a unique way of instilling a sense of peace. As the days grow shorter and the snow softly falls, life seems to slow down. It invites us to pause and reflect. Spiritually, many believe that this time of year brings us closer to the afterlife, creating a thinner boundary between our world and the unseen one. People born in December are often thought to possess a quiet wisdom. They are not usually the loudest in the room, so when they do speak, their words carry weight. There is a depth to them, as if they have always understood more than they reveal. They often share a profound connection to the past and to the subtle mysteries that many overlook. 3 Birth Months Closest to the Spiritual Realm, Per Experts first appeared on Parade on Jul 21, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
The Irish Sun
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘I was thinking about my own mortality' admits RTE star after filming new show during cancer treatment
RTE star Manchan Magan has revealed he was battling prostate cancer while filming his brand new series. The much-loved writer and documentary maker was diagnosed in 2023, just before filming on his show began. 2 Writer, Manchan Magan has opened up about his cancer diagnosis 2 Manchan battled with prostate cancer while filming a brand-new documentary But instead of stepping back, the star pushed through a year of hormone and radiotherapy all while travelling the country and reflecting on "Ireland's ancient spirit". Manchan told prostate cancer . "Then I went on a journey of healing and I was experiencing that during the filming. It just wouldn't have been fair not to share it with viewers." The powerful two-part doc titled Listen To The Land Speak sees Manchan delve deep into Ireland's mystical landscape, uncovering the ancient wisdom hidden in our myths and hills. READ MORE IN RTE But behind the scenes, he was facing his own very real battle. The filmmaker added: "I was in these deeply visceral, beautiful places thinking about mortality, spirit, and wider things. "And I realised I had to be honest with the audience about what was happening inside my own body too." Now that treatment is behind him, Manchan admitted how "interesting" it feels that the series is coming out just as he steps away from his illness. Most read in News TV Magan recalled: "We all try to avoid thinking about death. But I spent a year facing it and it was enriching. Especially to do it in places so stunning, geographically and archaeologically." Filmed over a year, the series travels from Winter Solstice to Bealtaine, from Reek Sunday to Samhain, uncovering the sacred stories rooted in Ireland's rivers, mountains, and caves. RTE stars left shocked as guest reveals secret ingredient in 99 ice creams Along the way, Manchan met archaeologists, shamans, writers and storytellers, each helping to unlock how our ancestors saw the world. One standout moment was when Manchan visited the Keash Caves in reality . NEW PERSPECTIVE He said: "She showed me how caves were seen as doorways into other worlds. It was real, visceral — not metaphor, but belief." After more than a year on the road , Manchan said the experience changed how he saw everything. The journalist added: "I thought I knew Ireland . But I got to know it on a far deeper, more profound level. The land is speaking to us through stories, myths, and memory. "And when we really listen… it's like we can hear our ancestors speaking again." Listen to the Land Speak is now available to stream on the
Time Business News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
A Simple Guide to Halloween Fancy Dress in the UK
Every year in October, people across the UK get excited for Halloween. It's a time for dressing up, going to parties, and having fun. Whether you're a child going trick-or-treating, a student heading to a costume party, or a parent helping your little ones get ready, finding the right Halloween fancy dress is part of the fun. In this guide, we'll explain where the idea of Halloween costumes comes from, share some popular fancy dress ideas for 2025, and give you easy tips to choose the best Halloween outfit, costume, or accessory for the season. The tradition of wearing fancy dress on Halloween started many years ago. It comes from a Celtic festival called Samhain, which marked the end of summer. People believed that on the night of 31st October, spirits could walk around among the living. To hide from these ghosts, people wore costumes. Over time, the tradition became more fun and less serious. Today, we wear Halloween costumes not to scare away spirits, but to enjoy parties, take part in events, and express ourselves in creative ways. Each Halloween brings new costume ideas. Some come from films, TV shows, or fashion trends, while others are based on old favourites. Here are some popular Halloween fancy dress ideas for this year: People love dressing up like characters from the 80s and 90s. Think of TV shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air or music stars like the Spice Girls. These costumes are fun, easy to recognise, and great for parties. New horror films and Netflix series often inspire Halloween looks. This year, expect to see characters from shows like Wednesday or classic films like Scream . These spooky costumes are great for older teens and adults. Planning to dress up with friends or family? Matching costumes are always a hit. Ideas like The Addams Family, Harry Potter characters, or superheroes make brilliant group looks. Witches, vampires, and skeletons never go out of style. But in 2025, people are adding fun updates—like neon colours, glitter, or light-up features—to make their costume unique. Picking the right Halloween outfits doesn't have to be hard. Here are a few tips to help you find something that looks great and feels good to wear: Are you going to a family event, a school disco, or a pub party? Some places might want fun or silly costumes, while others are fine with scary or bold looks. Always check first! Late October in the UK is usually cold and rainy. Choose costumes that keep you warm or that can be worn over layers. Capes, robes, and long sleeves work well. It's important to be comfy! If your costume itches, falls off, or is hard to walk in, you won't enjoy your night. Make sure it fits well and is easy to move in. A great costume isn't complete without Halloween accessories. These small items can really bring your look to life. Here are some popular choices: Makeup and Face Paint – Easy way to create scary faces or cool designs. – Easy way to create scary faces or cool designs. Wigs and Hats – Great for changing your hair or adding a fun touch. – Great for changing your hair or adding a fun touch. Props and Toys – Broomsticks, wands, swords, or even fake pumpkins. – Broomsticks, wands, swords, or even fake pumpkins. Masks – Perfect for spooky or mysterious characters. You can also use accessories to update an old costume. A new wig or some face paint can make last year's outfit feel brand new. More people in the UK are trying to be more eco-friendly, even at Halloween. Instead of buying new costumes every year, here are a few ideas to help the planet: Reuse Old Costumes – Add new items to change the look. – Add new items to change the look. Swap with Friends – A great way to save money and reduce waste. – A great way to save money and reduce waste. Buy Second-Hand – Many charity shops have great Halloween sections. – Many charity shops have great Halloween sections. Choose Quality – Well-made costumes last longer and can be used again. Some costume shops in the UK even offer costume rentals, which is a smart option if you only need it for one night. Halloween is popular across the whole country, but different areas celebrate in different ways: In Scotland , kids still go 'guising' instead of trick-or-treating. They dress up and do a song, joke, or dance for sweets. , kids still go 'guising' instead of trick-or-treating. They dress up and do a song, joke, or dance for sweets. In Northern Ireland , fireworks are a big part of the celebration. , fireworks are a big part of the celebration. In places like Yorkshire, people enjoy classic games like apple bobbing or telling ghost stories at the pub. No matter where you are, fancy dress plays a big part in the fun. Halloween is the perfect time to be creative, try new looks, and enjoy time with friends and family. Whether you're going for spooky, silly, or stylish, the right Halloween fancy dress can make your night even better. Remember: Plan ahead so you're not rushed. Choose outfits and Halloween accessories that match your plans. Stay safe and warm if you're out trick-or-treating or walking to a party. Most of all—have fun! That's what Halloween is all about. for more articles visit TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Guardian
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Oona Doherty: Specky Clark review – distressed orphan out-dances the abbatoir's raw reality
Here we are in an abattoir with a talking pig carcass. You see, Oona Doherty puts worlds on stage you won't see elsewhere. Best known for her brilliant ode to working class Belfast, Hard to be Soft, Doherty's latest piece returns to her home town in a story inspired by past generations, including her great-great-grandfather (the original Specky Clark), where biography and fiction merge with messy edges. Specky (played by petite Faith Prendergast, dwarfed by the tall dancers in adult roles) arrives in Belfast from Glasgow aged 10. Doherty herself moved from London to Belfast at the same age – you can always question whose story this really is. The show is rooted in realism but quickly moves to the magical kind and then full-blown fantasy. 'Let me tell ya a story,' says the narrator, conjuring backstories and personal myths. Set at Samhain, the Gaelic festival marking the start of winter, it's a liminal time when the barrier between the living and dead becomes permeable. Even the anachronistic soundtrack – a David Holmes tune thrown into what we assume is an earlier age – destabilises the sense of solidity. When orphaned Specky is put to work in the abattoir, the pig he's been told to kill stands up and gives him a hug. This is the show's most arresting, affecting scene. It's the comfort Specky needs, but at the same the moment his heart hardens. It's comedic too, which is crucial to Doherty's tone (even if that's occasionally overegged). The show gives us raw reality, and the escape from that. Specky dances with the sense of losing (then finding) yourself. Dance is catharsis; it's the portal out of here. For all that Doherty leans towards theatricality, she has an amazing way with pure movement, whether Specky's internal distress erupting outward in full-body shakes, or the whole cast moving as if Doherty has torn pages from a dance encyclopedia at random: an Irish dance leg flung high, a folk reel, a manic floss, a hip-hop move. This is bold, original, distinctive work. But the driving dramatic idea, Specky's grief for his mother, is underplayed (despite dramaturgical input from playwright Enda Walsh). It doesn't burrow deep enough. We hope for a great redemptive arc that doesn't come. Which is realism, for sure.
