The Origins Of Ireland S Holy Wells

This book re-assesses archaeological research into holy well sites in Ireland and the evidence for votive deposition at watery sites throughout northwest European prehistory.

This book re-assesses archaeological research into holy well sites in Ireland and the evidence for votive deposition at watery sites throughout northwest European prehistory. Ray examines a much-ignored and diminishing archaeological resource; moving beyond debates about the possible Celticity of these sites in order to gain a deeper understanding of patterns among sacred watery sites. The work considers how and why sacred springs are archaeologically-resistant sites and what has actually been found at the few excavated in Ireland. Drawing on the early Irish literature (the myths, hagiographies, penitentials and annals), the author gives an account of pre-Christian supermundane wells in Ireland and what we know about their early Christian use for baptism, and concludes by considering the origins of "rounding" rituals at holy wells. Table of Contents: 1: Water Veneration and Votive Deposition in Prehistoric Northern and Western Europe; 2: Iron Age Evidence, Continuity, and the "Celtic" Question; 3: Iron Age Water Deities4: Holy Wells and Sacred Springs as Archaeologically-Resistant Sites; 5: The Contested Origins and Materiality of Irish Holy Wells; 6: Supermundane Wells of the Iron Age and the Early Irish Literature; 7: Irish Sacred Wells of the Early Christian Era and the Conversion Model; 8: Sacred Springs and Conversion Strategies in Britain and on the Continent; 9: Christian Holy Wells and Baptism; 10: The Origins of Rounding and the Interconnectedness of Wells; Appendix A: Irish Excavation Reports of "holy wells" from Excavations.ie (as of June 2014); Appendix B: Holy Wells in the County Archaeological Inventories of Ireland

Even before the time of the Celts, Ireland was believed to be a land of power that "welled up" from the earth in the form of bubbling springs and healing waters. The myths and rituals surrounding these holy wells have been modified through the centuries as pre-Celtic and Celtic rituals blended with Christian traditions to form the combination of rites performed at these sites today. Drawing on fifteen years of fieldwork and archival research, conversations with local informants, and scrutiny of dozens of maps ancient and modern, the Brennemans have written the first study of these wells that offers an in-depth interpretation of their symbolism and their mythological and ritual origins. More than two dozen photographs and a map of the wells cited in the text portray the authors' journey throughout Ireland to recover the archaic patterns that link past and present, pagan and Christian. Some of the wells photographed in the early years of their research have become inactive, and some Celtic practices have disappeared, leaving these photographs, in some instances, the only remaining record. Enhancing the photographs and research are numerous tales about trees at the wells that when cut will not burn, stones associated with the wells that when removed always return, and trout living in the wells that when caught cannot be cooked. Drawing largely on the work of historian of religions Mircea Eliade in interpreting these phenomena, the Brennemans have developed an original concept, the "loric", that is used to identify a particular form of power tied to and arising from a specific locality. They then contrast the loric with the "sacred", a universalizing and world-creating power. Complementingthis theoretical treatment are insights into the influence of St. Patrick and the Christian symbolism at the wells.

The verdant landscape of Ireland is dotted with holy wells--small springs, pools, and ponds that hold spiritual and often curative meaning to locals. Sadly, many of these sites have been lost to development, despite being associated with daily devotions and indigenous saints never canonized by the Catholic Church. To celebrate and protect the wells that remain, Holy Wells of Ireland examines these irreplaceable resources of spiritual, archaeological, and historical significance. Of the roughly 3,000 holy wells documented across Ireland, about a third are still visited; some attract international pilgrims and others are stewarded by a single family. This sense of spiritual tradition draws younger Irish generations to the wells even when they no longer consider themselves practicing Catholics. Holy wells are also home to flora and fauna deemed sacred to their patron saint and instrumental in their waters' curative powers. Featuring 140 color images, this remarkable volume shares the interdisciplinary work of contributors who study these wells through the overlapping lenses of anthropology, archaeology, art history, biomedicine, folklore, geography, history, and hydrology. Braiding community perspectives with those of scholars across academia, Holy Wells of Ireland considers Irish holy wells as a resilient feature of ever-evolving Irish Christianity, as places of pilgrimage and healing, and as threatened biocultural resources.

There is no superstition stronger in Ireland then a belief in the curative power of the sacred wells that are scattered over the country. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

This book is a welcome addition to the scant literature concerning holy wells, springs, and rivers around the world. One of a few serious works outside of regional studies which discusses, in depth, the folklore, mythology, and archaeology of holy wells and springs, as well as rituals that still exist today at many of the sacred water sites around the world.