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The lore of the hazelnut
In Celtic lore, hazel nuts are kernals of wisdom.
 In the Word Ogham of Morainn, hazel is Cainiu Fedaib literally translated as "fairest of trees." However, another meaning of cainiu is "to keen over a death" or "to satirize." The modern Gaelic word for Hazel is Calltuinn, which in English means "loss of something." Hazelnuts in Irish lore are the kernals of wisdom and inspiration. Originally, satire was only allowed to be practiced by high level bards and druids because it was considered so powerful and potentially destructive. To focus the mind before uttering a satire, they partook of hazelnuts. Hazelnuts were also eaten for inspiration and wisdom before performing the potent divination rite of Dichetel do Chennaib, which is translated as "cracking the nuts of wisdom". For any Otherworldly journey where the purpose is to gain knowledge, Hazel is always an important element, either in the form of a hazel wand or eating the fruits of the tree. Here one of my favorite poems by W.B. Yeats. May you be enriched by the wisdom and inspiration of the Hazel! By William Butler Yeats I went out to the hazel wood, Because a fire was in my head, And cut and peeled a hazel wand, And hooked a berry to a thread; And when white moths were on the wing, And moth-like stars were flickering out, I dropped the berry in a stream And caught a little silver trout. When I had laid it on the floor I went to blow the fire aflame, But something rustled on the floor, And some one called me by my name: It had become a glimmering girl With apple blossom in her hair Who called me by my name and ran And faded through the brightening air. Though I am old with wandering Through hollow lands and hilly lands, I will find out where she has gone, And kiss her lips and take her hands; And walk among long dappled grass, And pluck till time and times are done The silver apples of the moon, The golden apples of the sun. |
Hearthstone
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From the Hall of the Red Poet The Many Faces of Fionn Mac Cumhaill Sir Kay: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly What's New at Ciclipéid Éire na gCeilteach Lugh's Arrival at Tara: A Futuristic Fable The Tradition of Hospitality Origins of Celtic Knotwork A Brief History of Hurling Caer Doward (Caer Guorthegirn) The Ceili: A New Musical Tradition The mysterious Dobhar-chú A Tour of Celtia's Cean Mor Districts Unique elements of Celtic tales Traditional Samhain Yde Girl Bealtaine in Ancient Ireland An Introduction to the Red Branch (Ulster Cycle) Pronunciation Guide - Red Branch people & places The mysterious Dobhar-chú |
