*Ø* Blogmanac August 25, 1778 | Last Celtic bull sacrifice
The last Pagan sacrifice of a bull to be conducted publicly in the Celtic world, was performed today on the island of Eilean Maree (formerly Eilean a Mhor Righ – Island of the Great King), in Loch Maree, Scotland. This occurred on the day of St Mourie, or Maol Rubha (640-722 CE). It is likely that Maol Rubha supplanted Mourie, a pagan Moon god of earlier times. The crescent moon is shaped like a bull’s horn, and this might be why the bull was associated with the ancient rites and festivities – at Eilean Maree and elsewhere.
The island was formerly known as and its festival is closely connected to the Irish Lughnasad, which also featured animal sacrifice.On the island there is a spring known as St. Maelrubha's Well, long considered to have healing properties, especially for the mentally ill.
And whoso bathes therin his brow
With care or madness burning,
Feels once again his healthful thought
And sense of peace returning.
John Greenleaf Whittier
In 1656, the Scottish Presbytery had condemned the “abominable and heathenish” practices that took place on this day – practices that included ceremonial well dressing.
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The last Pagan sacrifice of a bull to be conducted publicly in the Celtic world, was performed today on the island of Eilean Maree (formerly Eilean a Mhor Righ – Island of the Great King), in Loch Maree, Scotland. This occurred on the day of St Mourie, or Maol Rubha (640-722 CE). It is likely that Maol Rubha supplanted Mourie, a pagan Moon god of earlier times. The crescent moon is shaped like a bull’s horn, and this might be why the bull was associated with the ancient rites and festivities – at Eilean Maree and elsewhere.
The island was formerly known as and its festival is closely connected to the Irish Lughnasad, which also featured animal sacrifice.On the island there is a spring known as St. Maelrubha's Well, long considered to have healing properties, especially for the mentally ill.
And whoso bathes therin his brow
With care or madness burning,
Feels once again his healthful thought
And sense of peace returning.
John Greenleaf Whittier
In 1656, the Scottish Presbytery had condemned the “abominable and heathenish” practices that took place on this day – practices that included ceremonial well dressing.
Pip Wilson's articles are available for your publication, on application. Further details
Receive similar items free each day with a free subscription to Wilson's Almanac ezine. Send a blank email
Pip Wilson posted item above at 2:53 PM | Permalink
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